Sampledex · Windows

Start here first

Extract the download, install Sampledex, then set up your audio. Read the Windows prompt steps before opening setup.

Before you install: the Windows prompt

This release is unsigned. If Windows says Windows protected your PC when you open setup, choose More info → Run anyway to start the installer. Only continue for a Sampledex download from a source you trust.

The warning does not appear on every computer. A school or work computer may prevent continuing; ask its administrator to review the package if Run anyway is unavailable. Keep antivirus and your organization’s security policies enabled.

1. Extract the entire download

In File Explorer, right-click the downloaded ZIP and choose Extract All. Open the new folder. Run setup and the application from an extracted folder so Windows can find the required files.

2. Install Sampledex

  1. Open the included file whose name ends in Windows-x64-Setup.exe.
  2. If Windows protected your PC appears, click More info.
  3. Check that the app name is the Sampledex Setup file you opened. This unsigned release may show Unknown publisher.
  4. Click Run anyway to start setup. If no warning appears, setup opens directly.
  5. Follow the setup screens, then open Sampledex from the Start menu.

Setup installs for your Windows account and includes uninstall support, runtime files and these guides. You can choose a desktop shortcut. Keep your projects in Documents or another folder you own.

The steps above apply to the unrecognized-app warning. If Windows reports a malware detection or your organization blocks the app, ask the administrator or publisher to review it. You do not need a certificate account to install Sampledex.

3. Optional: run the portable version

Choose this if you want to run Sampledex without installing it. You only need one option: installer or portable.

  1. Extract the included portable Windows ZIP into its own folder.
  2. Double-click Sampledex.exe. The same unrecognized-app prompt can appear on first launch; follow step 2 only if you trust the download and Windows offers that option.
  3. Keep the included scanner, DLLs, docs and licenses with the application.

Moving only the EXE leaves required files behind. The included SHA256SUMS.txt records release file checksums. A checksum confirms file integrity; it is not a publisher signature.

4. Make your first sound

  1. On Home, choose Audio / MIDI settings and select your playback device.
  2. Find the House template and choose Open demo.
  3. Press Play or Space. If you hear nothing, check Windows volume, the selected output, and track/master mute.
  4. Use Save project to save a copy in your Documents folder.

On one laptop screen, press F6 for Focus timeline. Click an editor tab when needed; F7 shows or hides the editor and F8 shows or hides the browser. See workspace controls for resizing, floating and docking panels.

For audio takes, allow desktop microphone access under Windows Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone (Windows 11), or Privacy → Microphone (Windows 10).

5. Read the Windows user guide

The guide covers the tempo picker, arrangement, Steps and piano tools, sound browser, mixer, audio inspector, recording, VST3 plug-ins and export. See what changed in Build 54, including the backup step before resaving older projects.

Open the Windows user guide

This documentation works offline. Use your browser’s Print command to save a PDF.

Working between Windows and Mac

Windows Build 54 saves project format 13, which the existing Mac Build 51 can open. For a Windows Build 53 project, open it in Windows Build 54 and use Save As to create a compatible copy. Keep the original backup. Transfer the entire .sdxp folder/package, including media; ZIP it first and extract it on the receiving computer. Read the user guide for third-party plug-in requirements.