We are aware of an issue introduced by Microsoft’s recent Windows MIDI Services update (included in Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2) that may affect how Serato software detects and interacts with DJ hardware.
This update can result in a number of problems for some users. These are outlined below along with recommended workarounds.
Issue 1 – DJ Hardware not detected if connected after Serato Software launches.
On some systems, MIDI devices may not be detected if they are plugged in or powered on after your Serato Software has already launched.
Workaround
- Close Serato Software
- Plug in and/or power on your controller
- Relaunch Serato Software
Issue 2 – Possible crash if DJ Hardware disconnects while Serato Software is running.
On some systems Serato Software may crash if a MIDI device is disconnected while the software is open.
This can occur if:
- A USB cable is unplugged
- The controller is powered off
Workaround
- Avoid disconnecting or powering off your controller while Serato Software is running
- Close Serato Software Software before unplugging or powering off your hardware.
We are also aware of a separate issue affecting some inMusic hardware. inMusic are actively working toward a solution for this issue.
Users have reported:
- The software freezing and requiring Task Manager or a system restart to close
- Freezing when exiting Serato DJ while the DJ hardware is connected
If you are experiencing these symptoms, please refer to the below support article for further details and specific guidance related to this issue:
inMusic: MIDI Devices Not Working After Windows Update
Switch to Legacy MIDI API mode
If you are fully up to date with a healthy Windows 11 system and are still experiencing issues with your hardware after trying the steps above, you can switch Windows back to the older MIDI 1.0 API path.
Please note: Switching to Legacy Mode is a Windows-wide setting, not a Serato-specific one — it will affect every MIDI application on your computer, not just Serato software. We suggest only following these steps if the recommended troubleshooting above has not resolved your issue.
Microsoft provides full instructions for this here: How to change your Windows MIDI API mode
Additional information
For more detailed technical information on these issues, please see Microsoft’s official post:
https://devblogs.microsoft.com/windows-music-dev/windows-midi-services-rollout-known-issues-and-workarounds/