The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a portable, affordable, and competent audio interface, but unfortunately, some users have had problems using it with Windows 10.
If this is you, don’t fear! In this article, we’ll jump into 4 issues to get your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 back to working with Windows 10 in no time.
Your Focusrite isn’t Being Recognized by Windows 10
Although the Focusrite range is a prevalent offering in the music production world, it’s not always smooth sailing.
Certain users have found compatibility issues with their Focusrite Scarlett range and Windows 10. If your music creation has come to a grinding halt because of this frustrating problem, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get into how to solve your Windows 10 not recognizing your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
Try Windows Update
When it comes to resolving common driver issues after installing Windows 10, Windows Update is your go-to solution. It’s quick, easy, and built right into your system.
To get started, follow these steps:
- Launch Windows Update by clicking on ‘Start’
- Then, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Update and Recovery’
- Next, click on ‘Check for Updates’
- Alternatively, you can use a keyboard shortcut. Simply press the Windows key + R, type “ms-settings:windowsupdate” (without quotes), and hit ‘Enter’. This will take you directly to the Windows Update settings.
- Once you’re in Windows Update, make sure you have an active Internet connection and click on ‘Check for updates’
Windows Update will immediately detect your system configuration and download all the necessary drivers for your specific hardware.
You’ll see a notification on the screen confirming the successful installation and you won’t even need to reboot your system.
Windows Update will take care of everything for you, including installing drivers for components like your graphics card, LAN adapter, card reader, and of course, your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
Install the Latest Drivers
It’s also important to verify if your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 device is compatible with the current operating system version installed on your PC.
This step is best taken before upgrading to Windows 10, so as to ensure that you don’t cause any problems down the line.
Compatibility between hardware devices and the operating system ensures optimal performance and functionality. To check compatibility, you can visit the Focusrite website or have a look at the user manual to see the supported operating systems.
It’s always a good idea to have “Automatic Updates” on when dealing with music software and hardware, as compatibility is paramount!
Please also check out our article about Focusrite Scarlett sound distortion issues (with solutions).
Check for Driving Errors
Sometimes, even after checking for updated drivers for Windows 10 and your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, you can still run into issues.
Don’t worry; there’s still more you can do to troubleshoot the problem 🙂
Follow these steps if your compatibility issue hasn’t been resolved:
- Navigate to the ‘Control Panel’ on your PC.
- Open the ‘Device Manager’ by either searching for it in the Control Panel search bar or locating it in the list of available options.
- In the ‘Device Manager’, locate the specific device you are experiencing issues with. Right-click on it and select ‘Properties’
- In the device’s Properties window, go to the ‘General’ tab and check if there are any errors listed under the ‘Driver Status’ section.
- If there are any errors, please email us the details so that we can better help you.
If there are no errors listed, let’s head on to the next step.
- Click on the ‘Driver’ tab in the device’s Properties window.
- In the ‘Driver’ tab, select the option ‘Roll Back Driver’. This action will revert the driver to the previous version, which can help determine if the issue you are facing is due to the updated driver.
- After rolling back the driver, it is important to reboot your PC to apply the changes.
- Once your PC has restarted, check if the issue you were experiencing with the device persists.
“No Hardware Connected” for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
If you encounter the “No Hardware Connected” error or your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is not being recognized by your computer, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.
Access Device Manager:
- In Windows 10, you can quickly access Device Manager by right-clicking on the Windows icon located in the taskbar.
- A pop-up window will appear, displaying various options. Select ‘Device Manager’ from the list.
Locate the Focusrite 2i2:
- In Device Manager, you can find the Focusrite 2i2 under the categories ‘Sound, Video & Game Controllers’ and ‘Focusrite Audio’
- Ensure that your device is listed and visible. If the connection is physically loose or broken, consider trying a new cable.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Not Recognized:
- If your computer has successfully detected the device, make sure you have the latest version of Focusrite Control installed.
- Verify that it is installed on the C: drive of your computer.
- Next, navigate to your File Explorer and follow this path:
- Local Disk (C:) > Program Files > Focusrite > Focusrite Control Server.
- Look for the ControlServer.exe file and enable ‘Run as Administrator’
- This step should help resolve the issue. If you’re still stuck, reach out to Focusrite support who can offer more direct assistance to get you back on track.
Focusrite Control Server
Now it’s time to see if the Focusrite Control Server is running properly.
Follow these steps:
Access the Control Panel: Open the Control Panel on your computer. If the Control Panel is not displayed as small icons, change the view to ‘Small Icons’ to easily locate the necessary options.
Select Administrative Tools: Look for the ‘Administrative Tools’ option within the Control Panel. Click on it to proceed.
Open Services: Within the Administrative Tools section, locate and click on the ‘Services’ option. This will open the Services window, which displays a list of various services running on your system.
Find Focusrite Control Server: Scroll through the list of services until you find ‘Focusrite Control’. It may not be in alphabetical order, so you may need to browse through the list. Once you locate it, select it to highlight it.
Start the Service: In the upper left corner of the Services window, you should see a ‘Start’ hyperlink. If the ‘Start’ hyperlink is visible, it indicates that the Focusrite Control service is not currently running. Click on the ‘Start’ hyperlink to initiate the service.
Restart Your System: After starting the Focusrite Control service, it is recommended to restart your system. This will ensure that all changes take effect properly.
Check for Resolution: Once your computer has restarted, check if the problem you were facing with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is resolved. Reconnect the device and see if it is now recognized by your system.
Antivirus Issues
If you are using third-party antivirus software, there may be a chance that it is blocking the Focusrite Control Server.
Here’s how to make sure not to encounter this problem:
If you have antivirus software active, add the following items to its exemptions list: C: > Program Files > Focusrite and C: > Program Files > Focusrite > Server.
In the case of Windows Defender, it shouldn’t cause any issues.
Hopefully, following these steps will sort out your connection issues, and get your Scarlett 2i2 working again.
General Pros and Cons of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and Windows 10
As with any musical gear, software, and hardware, there are going to be positives and negatives and some compatibility issues.
Let’s dive into some of the pros and cons of using your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 with the Windows 10 operating system.
Pros
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 comes at a great price, is well made, and is generally compatible with a wide range of operating systems, Windows 10 included.
Setting up the Scarlett 2i2 on Windows 10 is typically a straightforward process, as the operating system often recognizes the device automatically and installs the necessary drivers through Windows Update.
Focusrite also provides user-friendly Focusrite Control software, specifically designed for Windows 10, which allows for comprehensive control over various settings such as input/output levels, sample rate, and routing.
This software enables efficient management of your audio workflow.
Additionally, the Scarlett 2i2 benefits from ASIO driver support on Windows 10, enabling low-latency audio performance that is essential for real-time monitoring and recording applications.
Cons
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is sometimes not recognized by Windows 10
- Focusrite drivers are sometimes not compatible with specific versions of Windows OS.
- The Scarlett 2i2 can sometimes have a “No Hardware Connected” fault.
- Windows 10 antivirus can sometimes interfere with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 connection.
Final Thoughts
Although the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 can sometimes be a little sticky when it comes to compatibility with a Windows 10 update, I’d still recommend it to any beginner to intermediate music producer.
Due to its affordable price point, and portable nature, it’s a great offering for any on-the-go musician who wants to start out without the need for any expensive studio equipment.
That being said if you’re experiencing issues using your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 with Windows 10, it’s important to troubleshoot these steps methodically and patiently, as these kinds of problems can be a simple step that’s easy to miss.
It’s also important to note that there’s a possibility of a fault in your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2’s hardware when it comes to this kind of connectivity problem.
I’d recommend trying your Scarlett 2i2 with an alternative system, even on a Mac instead of a Windows system, to test whether the hardware is working properly.
Due to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2’s plug-and-play nature, you should be able to troubleshoot the problem quickly and efficiently.
Sources
Focusrite Product Compatibility with Windows 10
How to Update to Windows 10