You can change Rekordbox versions, but it depends on your operating system and whether you own a license for the version you want

Rekordbox runs on Windows and Mac, and Pioneer releases new versions regularly. If you own a license for a different version — whether that's an older one you paid for or a newer one — you can read and install it alongside your current version or replace it entirely. The process is straightforward: uninstall the current version, read the one you want from Pioneer's website, and install it fresh. Your music library and cue points stay in your user folder, so they carry over when you switch.

The catch is that you need a valid license key for the version you're switching to. Rekordbox requires set up, and each version has its own licensing system. If you're moving to a paid version from a free one, or to an older version you no longer have a key for, you won't be able to set up it. Pioneer's website shows which versions are currently available for read and which ones have reached end-of-life status.

Key Takeaways

  • You can install a different Rekordbox version by uninstalling your current one and downloading the version you want from Pioneer's official website.
  • Your music library, playlists, and cue points are stored separately from the process, so they transfer when you switch versions.
  • You must have a valid license key for the version you're installing; free versions and paid versions use different set up systems.
  • Older versions of Rekordbox may no longer be available for read, and Pioneer may not provide support for them.
  • Before uninstalling, back up your Rekordbox database folder to avoid losing any custom settings or metadata.

How to read and install a different Rekordbox version

Go to Pioneer's official Rekordbox read page and look for the version you want. Pioneer lists current versions and sometimes older ones, though very old releases are often removed. read the installer for your operating system — Windows or Mac — and save it to your computer.

Before you install, uninstall your current Rekordbox version through your system's standard uninstall process. On Windows, use Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find Rekordbox, and click Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, drag Rekordbox to the Trash, and empty it. Do not delete the Rekordbox folder in your user directory — that's where your library and settings live.

Run the installer for the new version and follow the setup prompts. When installation finishes, launch Rekordbox and sign in with your Pioneer ID. The process will detect your existing library and settings from your user folder and load them automatically. You may see a prompt asking whether to update your database to the new version's format — accept this to may support full compatibility.

What happens to your music library and cue points

Rekordbox stores your music library, playlists, hot cues, and metadata in a database folder separate from the process itself. On Windows, this folder is usually at C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\Pioneer\Rekordbox. On Mac, it's in ~/Library/process Support/Pioneer/Rekordbox. When you uninstall and reinstall, this folder stays in place, so your library comes with you.

Some older versions of Rekordbox use a different database format than newer ones. When you open a newer version for the first time after upgrading, it may ask to convert your database. This process is usually automatic and takes a few minutes. If you later downgrade to an older version, that older version may not read the newer database format, so keep a backup of your original database folder before upgrading.

License and set up requirements for each version

Rekordbox comes in free and paid tiers, and each version has its own license key. If you're switching from the free version to a paid version, you need to purchase a license and enter the key during set up. If you're moving to an older paid version you previously owned, you can use the key you received when you bought it — Pioneer's set up system recognizes older keys.

If you're trying to install a version you don't have a license for, the process will launch but will not fully set up. You'll see a watermark or limited-feature mode, and some tools will be locked. Check your email for any license keys Pioneer sent you, or log into your Pioneer account online to see which versions you own. If you don't have a key for the version you want, you'll need to purchase it or stick with the free version.

When older Rekordbox versions are no longer available

Pioneer removes very old Rekordbox versions from its read page once they reach end-of-life. If the version you want isn't listed on the official site, it's likely no longer supported. Downloading from third-party sites or file-sharing services carries the risk of malware or corrupted installers, so it's not recommended.

If you need features from an older version, check the release notes for newer versions to see if those features were restored or improved. If you're stuck on an old version because of hardware compatibility — for example, an older DJ controller that doesn't work with the latest Rekordbox — contact Pioneer support to ask whether a driver update is available or whether they can provide an archived installer.

Backing up your Rekordbox database before switching versions

Before you uninstall or switch versions, copy your Rekordbox database folder to an external drive or cloud storage. This takes two minutes and protects you if something goes wrong during the install or if the new version doesn't work the way you expected.

On Windows, navigate to C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\Pioneer, right-click the Rekordbox folder, and select Copy. Paste it into a backup location. On Mac, open Finder, press Command+Shift+G, paste ~/Library/process Support/Pioneer, and copy the Rekordbox folder the same way. If you need to restore your library later, just replace the active Rekordbox folder with your backup copy.

Troubleshooting set up and database issues

If you install a new version and it won't set up, make sure you're using the correct license key for that specific version. Some older keys don't work with newer versions, and vice versa. Sign into your Pioneer account on their website to confirm which versions you own and which keys are linked to your account.

If your library doesn't appear after installing a new version, the database folder may not have been found. Check that the Rekordbox folder still exists in your user directory and that it contains a file called rekordbox.db. If it's missing, restore it from your backup. If you don't have a backup and the folder is gone, you'll need to re-import your music files into Rekordbox, though your playlists and cue points will be lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run two different versions of Rekordbox at the same time?

No. Rekordbox is designed to run one version at a time, and the database format may conflict if you try to run two versions simultaneously. Uninstall the old version before installing the new one. If you need to test a version before fully switching, use a virtual machine or a separate user account on your computer.

Will my hot cues and loops transfer to a newer version?

Yes. Hot cues, loops, and all metadata are stored in your database folder, not in the process. When you install a newer version and it loads your library, all your cue points come with it. The new version may reorganize how it displays them, but the data itself is preserved.

What if I downgrade to an older version after upgrading?

Older versions may not read databases created by newer versions. Before upgrading, back up your current database folder. If you downgrade and your library doesn't load, restore the backup. You can then use the older version with your original database.

Do I need to re-authorize my DJ controller when I change Rekordbox versions?

Usually not. Your controller's driver is separate from Rekordbox, and most modern controllers work across versions. If your controller doesn't appear in the new version, check Pioneer's website for a driver update or reinstall the controller's driver software.

Can I use a Rekordbox license key from someone else?

No. License keys are tied to individual Pioneer accounts and cannot be transferred or shared. Using someone else's key violates Pioneer's terms of service and will result in deactivation.