Uninstall completely using a tool like Revo Uninstaller or manually delete:
C:\Program Files\SoundToys
C:\ProgramData\SoundToys (hidden folder)
C:\Users\[YourUserName]\AppData\Local\SoundToys
C:\Users\[YourUserName]\AppData\Roaming\SoundToys
Then restart and reinstall.
Once installed successfully, the root folder SoundToys 5 will contain subfolders like Components, VST, VST3, etc., and the error should no longer appear. cannot create soundtoys version root folder at soundtoys 5
Aggressive antivirus software – particularly Avast, McAfee, Bitdefender, and even Windows Defender – can flag SoundToys’ installer behavior as suspicious because it writes to protected system directories.
To disable Windows Defender Real-time protection: Uninstall completely using a tool like Revo Uninstaller
For third-party antivirus: Right-click the antivirus icon in your system tray and look for "Disable," "Pause protection," or "Silent mode." Consult your AV’s documentation if unsure.
Some users attempt to install SoundToys to a secondary drive (D:, E:, etc.) to save space. However, SoundToys 5’s core component – including that "version root folder" – expects to be on the system drive (C:). Even if you choose a custom path, certain dependencies still write to C:. Then restart and reinstall
The fix: Install SoundToys to the default location on your C: drive.
The installer unpacks files to your Windows Temp folder. If your username is long or nested deep, you’ll hit the path limit.
This error stops the installation process because the installer lacks the system permissions required to build its home directory. Follow the steps below in order.
SoundToys provides a dedicated uninstaller utility that removes every trace of their software from your system. This is often the nuclear option that works when nothing else does.