Installation FAQ

Why do I have to install Equalizer APO?
Peace is an interface. Equalizer APO does the audio processing so it needs to be installed first.

How do I install Peace?
Run the downloaded Peace Setup Tool (PeaceSetup.exe) and click the install button. Or download Peace.exe and move it to the config folder of Equalizer APO. On my computer this folder is 'c:\Program Files\EqualizerAPO\config\'.

I don't have a 'Program Files\EqualizerAPO' folder.
You have to install Equalizer APO first. Be sure to install 0.9.1 or higher and not 0.9. If Equalizer APO is installed is shown by the Peace Setup Tool.

Peace/Equalizer APO was working on my audio device but not any longer. Or doesn't work at all
After a Windows update Equalizer APO may stop working. In this case re-install Equalizer APO or at least start up its Configuration Editor for automatic repair. If this doesn't work, go to the Device Selector or Configurator of Equalizer APO (Windows start menu), check the left checkbox of the audio device, click Ok and restart your computer.

The checkbox was already checked. Equalizer APO was already installed on the target audio device. But it still isn't working.
In the Configurator select the target audio device by clicking on its connector name. In the Device selector click on the audio device. Then by checking the Troubleshooting options checkbox you can try some options, especially the options of the Install as dropdown box. For Windows 10 and 11 "SFX/EFX" is the default for audio devices but SFX/MFX may work too. Try this after you have tried SFX/EFX. Also, recently the old LFX/GFX might work for some Windows 10 and 11 updates. All these options can be selected in the "Install as" dropdown box at the right (After selecting restart your computer when using Equalizer APO 1.3 or earlier). Another trick is to disable or uninstall the software of the audio device. Before doing that try the unchecking of both the "Use original APO" checkboxes. Start by unchecking the "Pre mix" one.

I have tried all troubleshooting options. What's next?
Equalizer APO has a troubleshooting section in its wiki. But you might try what's described on the Appuals website.

The above didn't work for my microphone. Anything else?
Perhaps by NOT giving apps exclusive access to the microphone. Exclusive mode will bypass Equalizer APO. To change this go to the "Advanced" tab on the microphone audio panel
- Windows 10: Settings -> System -> Sound -> Input device properties -> Extra properties -> Advanced tab -> Uncheck exclusive mode checkboxes
- Windows 11: Settings -> System -> Sound -> More sound settings -> Recording -> Select microphone -> Properties -> Advanced tab -> Uncheck exclusive mode checkboxes
- For all Windows version in Peace -> Right click on peak value meter (below EQ section) -> Recording -> Select microphone -> Properties -> Advanced tab -> Uncheck exclusive mode checkboxes

Doesn't work on my Bluetooth headphones/headset (Equalizer APO couldn't be installed on my Bluetooth device).
For Windows 10 and 11 it's important to have only 1 Bluetooth connection per device (headphones, mic, etc.). Follow these steps:
1. Go to "Devices and printers" settings on Windows.
2. Open the settings for your Bluetooth device (the sound panel of the device).
3. Go to Services tab and uncheck Bluetooth services like telephone, remote control, leaving only 1 input and 1 output audio services like "audio sink".

I get a messagebox saying 'File config.txt of Equalizer APO wasn't found ...'.
1. First check if Peace.exe is in the config folder as shown in the first FAQ.
2. There should be a config.txt file in the config folder. If not, create it (by using notepad for example).
3. If Peace.exe is sandboxed (by Comodo for instance), unsandbox it.
4. If you're using a desktop or Windows menu shortcut, be sure to enter the config folder in the 'start in' field. Peace.exe can only be runned from the config folder.

I get the Peace GUI with the sliders, but I don't hear any audio changes whilst using a slider or selecting an equalizer configuration (a preset).
Try what's described above at "Peace/Equalizer APO was working on my audio device ...". Here are some things to check:
1. Did you install version 0.9 or lower? Deinstall and install version 0.9.1 or higher.
2. Use the Device Selector or Configurator of Equalizer APO to activate your device (speakers, microphone, etc.).
3. Try to enable or disable the audio enhancement settings of your device,.
4. Use the Device Selector or Configurator for troubleshooting your device, especially SFX/EFX on Windows 10 and 11 and try SFX/MFX then LFX/GFX afterwards.
5. Uncheck "Use original APO" checkboxes.
6. Go to the Equalizer APO discussion forum for answers.

I have Window XP or lower.
Sorry, you can't install Equalizer APO and Peace. From Windows Vista onwards Microsoft has implemented the APO (Audio Processing Object) technique in Windows. This is needed to manipulate the audio (stream).

On which Windows does Peace work?
Microsoft has made APO, audio processing object, possible from Windows Vista and onwards (7, 8, 8.1, etc.). So Equalizer APO, and therefore Peace as a GUI, can be installed on these Windows versions.

My virus software is saying that Peace contains a virus.
Some virusscanners detect a virus in software made with AutoIt like Peace or Peace Setup. This isn't true, it's a false positive detection. In my case Avast does this and I've notify Avast regulary to correct this problem (but do they listen?).
You can read the [Viruses and false positives] forum for information.