Does DMXDesktop run on Windows 11?
Yes - DMXDesktop runs on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 (22H2 or later), 64-bit. Earlier Windows versions are not supported.
DMX Software for Windows
Professional DMX lighting control for Windows 10 and Windows 11
What is DMXDesktop for Windows?
DMXDesktop is professional DMX lighting control software for Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 64-bit.
Built for DJs, small venues, bands, and lighting enthusiasts, DMXDesktop turns your Windows PC into a complete DMX control surface - no expensive console required. Automatic, audio-synced light shows via DJ Mode, plus full manual control when you need it.
Works with widely-available USB DMX interfaces, Art-Net, and sACN, so you can use the DMX hardware you already own.
Windows System Requirements
- Windows 10 (22H2) or Windows 11, 64-bit
- Intel Core i5 (4th generation, 2013) or newer (AMD equivalent supported)
- 8GB RAM minimum (16GB recommended for large rigs)
- 1920×1080 (Full HD) display or larger
- Ethernet or Wi-Fi for cloud features and Art-Net / sACN output
Supported DMX Hardware on Windows
DMXDesktop works with USB DMX interfaces, Art-Net, and sACN over standard Ethernet.
USB DMX Interfaces
FTDI-based Enttec Open Cable chipsets and similar widely-available USB DMX adapters work on Windows. Entry-level interfaces start around $15.
Art-Net over Ethernet
Industry-standard network DMX protocol. Works with any Art-Net node, switch, or compatible fixture on your local network.
sACN (E1.31)
Modern streaming ACN protocol used by professional lighting consoles and stage hardware. Multi-universe over a single Ethernet connection.
You can broadcast the same universe over multiple protocols simultaneously - useful if part of your rig is USB and part is Art-Net.
What You Can Do
DJ Mode
Automatic audio-synced light shows. Integrates with VirtualDJ, Traktor Pro 3/4, the built-in music player, or any audio source.
Effect Cues
Save bundles of movement, colour, beam, and strobe effects across multiple fixture groups, and recall them in sync at any time.
Multi-Universe Control
Up to unlimited universes on the Pro plan. Broadcast to USB DMX, Art-Net, and sACN simultaneously from the same PC.
Live Audio Sync
Direct Audio Detection analyses incoming audio in real time to drive beat-responsive light shows automatically.
Fixture Profile Library
Thousands of pre-built fixture profiles for moving heads, pars, bars, and strobes - searchable from inside the app.
3D Visualizer
Real-time 3D preview of your rig. See beam colours, gobos, and movement patterns before going live (available from v1.0.49).
Capturing Computer Audio on Windows
DMXDesktop can capture your PC's own audio directly, so in most cases there is nothing to install.
In DMXDesktop's Audio Settings, choose Default Output (Loopback) as the input, or pick a specific output device, and Direct Audio Detection will analyse whatever your PC is playing. Stereo Mix, described below, is the fallback for the cases where that is not what you want, such as feeding in audio from a mixer or a second machine.
Open Windows Sound Settings, then enable Stereo Mix as an input device. This routes the audio playing on your computer to a virtual input that DMXDesktop can analyse.
Select Stereo Mix as the input in DMXDesktop's Audio Settings, and Direct Audio Detection will drive lights from anything playing on your PC in real time.
If Stereo Mix isn't listed in Sound Settings, you may need to enable it via Sound Control Panel → Recording tab → right-click → Show Disabled Devices. Some audio drivers expose it under a different name (e.g. "What U Hear").
If DMXDesktop Starts With No Window
Windows only starts its MIDI service when something asks for it, and that service can get stuck. It could previously hold DMXDesktop before the app ever got as far as opening a window, so the app started with no window and no error at all.
DMXDesktop now gives up waiting and starts normally, and the MIDI settings page explains what happened and how to clear it.
Getting Started in Under an Hour
- 1
Download DMXDesktop for Windows
Grab the 64-bit Windows installer from the download page.
- 2
Connect Your DMX Interface
Plug in your USB DMX adapter, or connect to an Art-Net / sACN node on your local network.
- 3
Configure Your Fixtures
Pick fixtures from the Profile Library, set DMX start addresses, and group them in the Arrangement tab.
- 4
Run a Cue
Hit play on a pre-built Effect Cue, or enable DJ Mode and play music. Lights respond automatically.
Pricing
DMXDesktop has three plans: Free, Standard, and Pro - each available on monthly subscription, annual subscription (discounted), or Version Lifetime one-time purchase.
- Free - 1 universe, 64 channels, 1 device. No card required.
- Standard - 2 universes (1024 channels), 2 devices.
- Pro - unlimited universes and channels, 2 devices.
For current prices in your local currency, visit our pricing page.
Windows DMX Software - Common Questions
What USB DMX interfaces work with DMXDesktop on Windows?
DMXDesktop works with widely-available USB DMX interfaces, including FTDI-based Enttec Open Cable chipsets. Most generic USB DMX adapters costing from around $15 are supported. Art-Net and sACN over Ethernet are also fully supported.
Can I sync DMXDesktop lights with music playing on my PC?
Yes. In DMXDesktop's Audio Settings, select Default Output (Loopback) as the input and Direct Audio Detection drives lights from anything playing on your PC, with nothing extra to install. Stereo Mix, or the equivalent feature in your audio driver, also works if you would rather route the audio that way.
Why does Direct Audio Capture stop with an error on Windows?
This is usually missing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable libraries. They're bundled with many applications already, but if Direct Audio capture fails, install the latest version from Microsoft's official download page. After installation, restart DMXDesktop.
Download DMXDesktop for Windows
Free plan available - no card required. 64-bit Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 supported.
