loopMIDI is a popular virtual MIDI cable driver developed by Tobias Erichsen, frequently used to route MIDI data between applications on Windows, such as connecting a virtual instrument to a DAW, or routing MIDI between software like Stream Deck and DJ applications.
As of April 2026, Microsoft is rolling out a new native Windows MIDI Services stack (MIDI 2.0) that has caused significant compatibility issues for loopMIDI on Windows 11 (specifically in builds 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1).
Here is an informative post outlining the situation, known issues, and current workarounds. Current Status: loopMIDI & Windows 11 (April 2026)
The new Windows 11 update includes a new, native, multi-client MIDI service. While this brings better native support for MIDI 2.0 and eliminates the need for third-party drivers in some scenarios, it has broken legacy virtual MIDI tools, including loopMIDI.
Symptoms: LoopMIDI ports become invisible to DAWs (like Cubase or Reaper), "hidden," or fail to communicate after a Windows 11 update.
The Issue: The new Windows MIDI service conflicts with the driver signature of the teVirtualMIDI driver used by loopMIDI. Temporary Workarounds
If loopMIDI has stopped working, users have reported success with the following steps:
Please help me with my LoopMidi issue, i'm desperate - Microsoft Q&A
The "story" of loopMIDI on Windows 11 is one of a long-standing Tobias Erichsen essential tool meeting a massive operating system overhaul. For years, loopMIDI has been the go-to for creating virtual MIDI ports, but the recent introduction of Windows MIDI Services has introduced both new features and some growing pains. 1. The Classic Setup
For most users, the journey begins with a simple need: sending MIDI data between two apps (like a DAW and a standalone synth).
Download & Launch: You download loopMIDI and add a port by typing a name and clicking the + button.
Set to Autostart: To keep the "story" moving without manual intervention, users typically right-click the tray icon and select Autostart. loopmidi windows 11
Connection: You set your output in App A to "loopMIDI Port" and your input in App B to the same, creating a virtual bridge. 2. The Windows 11 Plot Twist: MIDI 2.0
In early 2026, Microsoft rolled out a complete rewrite of the Windows MIDI stack.
The Upgrade: Windows 11 now supports MIDI 2.0 natively, which includes features like "multi-client" support (letting multiple apps talk to the same hardware port at once).
The Conflict: This update (specifically versions like 25H2) sometimes "hides" or breaks loopMIDI ports because the new Windows MIDI Service takes over management. 3. Troubleshooting the "Hidden" Ports
If your loopMIDI ports suddenly vanish or stop working in Windows 11, the community has found a specific workaround: Please help me with my LoopMidi issue, i'm desperate
As of early 2026, using loopMIDI on Windows 11 requires awareness of a new, built-in "Windows MIDI Services" update (introduced in version 25H2) that often conflicts with virtual routing software Steinberg Forums
Here is the essential guide to installing, using, and troubleshooting loopMIDI on Windows 11. 1. Installation and Initial Setup Get the latest version from Tobias Erichsen's website Installation: Run the installer and follow the prompt. Create Ports: Open the app, click the
button to add a new MIDI port. You can name these ports (e.g., "DAW to Stream Deck"). Autostart:
Right-click the tray icon and select "Autostart loopMIDI when logging in" to ensure ports are ready after a reboot. 2. March 2026 Windows 11 Conflict (25H2)
Recent Windows 11 updates (Feb/March 2026) introduced a new MIDI 2.0 stack that may cause loopMIDI ports to disappear, become invisible in DAWs, or fail to work after reboots. How to Fix LoopMIDI in March 2026:
If your ports stop working, you must restart the Windows MIDI Service: services.msc , and hit Enter. Windows MIDI Service in the list. Right-click it and select Alternative: Use the command prompt as admin: net stop miniserve followed by net start miniserve Microsoft Learn 3. Alternative for Windows 11 loopMIDI is a popular virtual MIDI cable driver
If loopMIDI remains unstable, the community is moving toward these alternatives:
A similar virtual cable that some users report works better with the new Windows 11 MIDI structure. Built-in Loopback:
Windows 11 now includes native loopback capabilities. You can try using the MIDI Settings app within the new Windows MIDI Services. Steinberg Forums 4. Tips for Success Please help me with my LoopMidi issue, i'm desperate
Lucas Magnoni Nascimento. 20. Mar 5, 2026, 5:14 PM. Yes! God bless you for the YT video, Xavier. It solved my problem immediately. Microsoft Learn
Please help me with my LoopMidi issue, i'm desperate - Microsoft Q&A
Comment Use comments to ask for clarification, additional information, or improvements to the question. ... Mar 5, 2026, 5:14 p.m. Microsoft Learn Midi Ports not appearing in Windows 11 . How do I fix it?
While there is no formal academic "paper" dedicated solely to loopMIDI on Windows 11, the software's technical architecture and integration with the Windows MIDI stack are documented through Tobias Erichsen's official documentation and community-driven troubleshooting for the latest Windows 11 updates. Technical Overview & Compatibility
loopMIDI is a virtual loopback MIDI cable that allows multiple applications to communicate via MIDI ports that appear as hardware to the OS.
Architecture: It uses the virtualMIDI SDK, a kernel-mode driver that is code-signed for compatibility with 64-bit systems.
Windows 11 Status: It remains a primary recommendation for virtual routing on Windows 11, although recent security and system updates (specifically around March 2026) have introduced intermittent service interruptions. Key Features:
Multi-client support: Allows up to 8 concurrent applications to open a single virtual port. The Future of MIDI on Windows 11 Microsoft
Persistence: Ports only exist while the application is running, though it can be set to Autostart and minimize to the tray. Known Issues & Fixes on Windows 11
Recent user reports indicate that loopMIDI may occasionally "disappear" or stop functioning due to changes in the Windows 11 MIDI structure. Ports invisible in DAW
Restart the Windows MIDI Service via services.msc or use the command net stop midisrv then net start midisrv in an Admin terminal. Persistent instability
Some users have switched to LoopBe1 as an alternative for better stability on newer Win11 builds. New MIDI Stack
Microsoft is developing a new MIDI 2.0-ready stack for Windows 11; users on Insider builds may need to use Microsoft's new MIDI SDK or updated drivers. Usage in Research & Development
Microsoft is actively developing a new MIDI 2.0 stack for Windows. In preview builds, you can already see a modernized MIDI settings page in the Windows Settings app. Once fully released, this will likely include native virtual MIDI ports, potentially making loopMIDI obsolete.
However, until that day arrives (and until every DAW and plugin fully supports the new system), loopMIDI remains an essential tool. It works today, requires no beta software, and integrates perfectly with the existing MIDI 1.0 ecosystem that still powers 99% of music software.
This is rare on modern Windows 11 because Tobias’s driver is signed. If it happens:
If you have ever tried to connect two music software applications on Windows 11—for example, sending MIDI data from a sequencer like REAPER into a standalone synth like Vital, or controlling a VJ app with a DAW—you’ve likely hit a wall. Unlike macOS with its built-in IAC Driver, Windows lacks native virtual MIDI cables.
Enter LoopMIDI by Tobias Erichsen. Despite being developed years before Windows 11, this tiny, lightweight tool remains the industry standard for virtual MIDI routing. Here is everything you need to know about using LoopMIDI on Windows 11.
Tools like QLC+ (lighting control) or Resolume Arena (VJ software) can accept MIDI. Use loopMIDI to send note or CC data from your sequencer to trigger lights or video clips in perfect sync with your music.