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User profile for user: HanTorso
HanTorso Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Missing Garageband Instruments

When I try to open Garageband projects that I created on an older Macbook, but copied onto a newer one, I get error messages saying "EXS24 instrument <instrument-name> not found." If these instruments are not installed on my new computer, why doesn't the software just download them from Apple? Is there a way to get them manually?


In the Garageband menu there are options to "Download Essential Sounds", and "Download All Available Sounds", but these options are greyed out. Is there a way to ennable these functions?


Also, does Logic Pro have this same problem, where old projects do not work after updates, or migrations to other computers? If so, how are people able to still use it? I feel like a lot of my projects may be lost even though it is all saved and backed up, because I no longer have access to the versions of Garageband they were created on.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.2

Posted on Oct 31, 2022 2:23 PM

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User profile for user: judysings
judysings
User level: Community Specialist

Nov 2, 2022 3:35 PM in response to HanTorso

Hello HanTorso,


Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!


We understand you are missing sounds and loops in GarageBand on your MacBook Pro, and projects moved from an older MacBook aren't loading, and we want to help.


Your profile indicates you are running macOS 12.2. The first step we would recommend is to update to macOS Ventura. Then, update the GarageBand software.


Before installing new software, it's a good idea to back up your Mac.
1. From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen:
• Choose System Settings. Then click General in the sidebar, and Software Update on the right.
• Or choose System Preferences. Then click Software Update.
2. If Software Update finds new software, click the Update Now or Upgrade Now button to install it.
Software Update windowe

3. Enter your administrator password, if asked. During installation, your Mac might restart, and you might see a progress bar or blank screen several times.



You can also find those steps in this resource: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support


How to manually update apps on your Apple device - Apple Support


1. Open the App Store.
2. In the sidebar, click Updates.
3. Click Update next to an app to update only that app, or click Update All.
Mac showing the Updates page in the App Store.


Updating should help to further rule out a possible software conflict.


The next step is to download the sounds and loops for GarageBand:


Get more sounds and loops for GarageBand on Mac - GarageBand User Guide


Should those behaviors still persist, were these projects moved to your newer Mac using Migration Assistant, or did you copy them over manually?


If you use Spotlight to search for the name of the instrument, does it return any results? Search with Spotlight on Mac - Apple Support


Let us know, and we'll continue moving forward from there.


Take care.

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Missing Garageband Instruments

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