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My KOMPLETE KONTROL Keyboard Does Not Start (Windows)

Symptom

When starting your KOMPLETE KONTROL software, the connected controller does not seem to be detected by your computer and cannot be used to control the application (e.g. browse presets, trigger the sound, etc.).

Causes

This behavior can be caused by different factors, listed in the Solutions section below.

Solutions

1. The KOMPLETE KONTROL software is not up to date

Download and install the latest version of KOMPLETE KONTROL from the Available updates tab in Native Access. If your operating system does not support the latest software update, check which version is compatible with your current operating system on this page.

2. Enable the software to run as administrator

  1. Ensure that your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard is powered off and that neither the KOMPLETE KONTROL software nor any other Native Instruments or audio application are running.
  2. Right-click on the KOMPLETE KONTROL app and select Properties.
    1_KK_NR_RightClickProperties.png
  3. In the Properties window, click on Advanced in the Shortcut tab.
    2_KK_NR_Properties.png
  4. Enable the option Run as administrator in the Advanced Properties menu and confirm with OK.
    3_KK_NR_RunAsAdmin.png
  5. Click on Apply and then OK to confirm and leave the Properties.

    Note: Depending on your Windows Account Settings, you may receive a warning message. In this case, click on Continue to confirm the changes.

Now KOMPLETE KONTROL will always start with administrator rights, ensuring that the connection between the hardware and the software is established.

3. The firmware is not up to date

In order to ensure that your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard functions as expected, it must be updated to its latest firmware. To do so, head over to the Drivers & Other Files page. Then, find the model of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard you are using (e.g. S, M, or A Series) in the list and download the latest version of the Firmware Updater appropriate for your keyboard.

4. The KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard driver was not installed or is not installed properly (S-Series users only)

For S-Series users, download the appropriate KOMPLETE KONTROL driver available on the Drivers & Other Files page, in the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series category.

If the driver is already installed and the issue persists, go through the steps below to verify the hardware status of your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard:

  1. Make sure your NI device is connected directly to your computer's USB port.
  2. Open the Start menu and type 'devmgmt.msc' in the search bar, then hit the Enter key on your keyboard to open the Windows Device Manager.
  3. Expand the entries Sound, video, and game controllers and Universal Serial Bus devices.
    4_KK_NR_DevMgmt.png
    If an exclamation mark appears next to your device entry (as shown in the picture above), install the driver manually as explained below.
  4. Right-click on the device entry and select Update Driver Software... from the menu that appears.
  5. In the window that opens, choose "Browse my computer for driver software".
  6. Browse to the following directory:
    C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > *Device Name Driver* > Inf
  7. Click OK to load the driver.

5. Check both the NIHostIntegrationAgent and NIHardwareService are running

Make sure that the services NIHardwareAgent and NIHostIntegrationAgent are running on your computer. Follow these steps: 

  1. Click on the Start button, type Task Manager, and press the Enter key on your keyboard to open the Windows Task Manager. Choose the Services tab.

    Note: If the Services tab is not directly available, expand the view by clicking 'More details' in the lower-left corner of the window.

  2. Search the list and check if the Status of the services NIHostIntegrationAgent and NIHardwareService is set to Running:
    5_KK_NR_NIHostNIHWS.png
  3. If not, right-click the respective entry and choose Start from the context menu:
    6_KK_NR_StartProcesses.png

6. There is an issue with the USB connection

Make sure to connect your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard using the provided USB cable directly to your system. Try different USB cables, as explained in this article, if the original cable is not available.

Use a different USB port on your system in case the one in use is compromised (e.g. damaged or broken).

Also, avoid USB docks or hubs if at all possible. If a hub is indispensable, make sure it is powered by a power supply. More information regarding USB hubs and docks is available in this article.

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