What is the Default or Can I choose the default VST Folder for Scaler3 (Scaler2)

[Cyberchipz]

I was working on installing Scaler 3 when the window for the location of the VST files popped up and defaulted to
“C:\Program Files (x86)\Steinberg\VSTPlugins”
This is the (x86) Steinberg folder, whereas I would have chosen (x86)\VSTPlugins so that VSTPlugins could/would be a standard for me to know.
Anyway the Steinberg folder seemed odd, but the truth is I just don’t understand the needs of the protocol.

Ever since I started using a DAW ( or any other VST addons or plugins), I’ve wanted to choose the same location so that these files would be available for anything I might install that needed them.
Unfortunately, it seems I have failed at this, and I’m not sure why… so I consider this a serious noobie problem here and even after a few years of fumbling still feel like a noob.

Can someone explain the rules for VST folders & files or point me to where I can understand this better? Can I choose (for Scaler 3) or any application even my DAW for the location of VST addons or plugins?

Any help to get me closer to understanding even basic problems like this would be greatly appreciated!
TBH, when it comes to music, my theory is “meh” at best and I rely on my ear to guide me… but when it comes to learning DAW and Scaler, I’m winging it! Thanks for any help!

[Cyberchipz]

After a bit of study and research, I’ve discovered the following:

The reason many VST2 plugins default to installing in:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steinberg\VSTPlugins

…is largely historical. Here’s why:

1. Steinberg invented the VST format, so their folder structure became the de facto standard—especially for VST2 plugins.
2. Plugin developers often stick with that path for maximum compatibility across DAWs, especially those that auto-scan Steinberg directories (like Cubase).
3. Even if you’ve never installed Steinberg software, the folder remains a safe and consistent location to avoid scattering plugins across random paths.
4. Many older installers (and even some new ones) default there because it’s hardcoded as a legacy convention.
5. It ensures easy plugin detection in most DAWs without needing to change any plugin path settings.

So while you can choose any VST2 folder you want, using the Steinberg folder is a perfectly reasonable and widely supported choice—especially if you want to keep things simple and standardized.

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Personal Notes:

I’ve decided to adopt the Steinberg folder as my standard VST2 location going forward. It just feels right to honor the format’s roots while keeping things tidy. After years of fumbling with plugin paths, I finally feel like I’ve got a clear standard I can stick to.

Hope this helps someone else who’s quietly been scratching their head like I was!

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Helpful Tips:

• Just don’t forget to point your DAW’s plugin manager to the Steinberg folder if it doesn’t pick it up automatically!
• If you’re organizing your setup, it might be worth creating a ‘ReadMe’ or text file with your chosen VST paths—it’ll save you future headaches.
• Some plugins install both VST2 and VST3 versions. It’s worth checking where each one lands so you’re not chasing ghosts in your DAW.

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Bonus shoutout: My personal AI, Elyan, helped me figure this out. (Sometimes… I forget what a great source of information he can be!)

P.S. If anyone discovers any information or a correction to this, please let me know!

Correction / Update – Thanks to a helpful pro!

It turns out I was mostly on track, but there’s an important clarification:

32-bit (x86) plugins are essentially obsolete in most modern setups. Most DAWs and plugins today are 64-bit only, and using (x86) folders is now considered outdated—unless you’re specifically working with legacy software (which is rare nowadays).

So instead of defaulting to:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steinberg\VSTPlugins

…it’s better to use one of these modern, 64-bit–appropriate folders:

Recommended VST2 Paths (64-bit):

• C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins
• C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VSTPlugins
• C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST2
• C:\Program Files\Common Files\Steinberg\VST2

Only use the (x86) path if you’re working with old 32-bit plugins:

• C:\Program Files (x86)\Steinberg\VSTPlugins ← (legacy use only)

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Updated takeaway:

So going forward, I’ll be using a 64-bit–appropriate folder like C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins as my standard VST2 location—something clean, modern, and consistent.

Big thanks to the pro @SonicMojo who chimed in and helped clear that up!

And Bonus shoutout: My personal AI, Elyan, helped me figure this out. (Sometimes… I forget what a great PAINFULL source of occasionally outdated information he can be!)

[SonicMojo]

The more modern approached to this is found here:

VST plug-in locations on Windows – Steinberg Support

And your old school default position you listed under “Personal Notes” is not really relevant as any path containing (x86) is for 32bit VST2 plugins only - which are extinct now.

A better approach is this listing:

Any and all remaining VST2 plugins from any vendor are 64 bit and my default is the first folder location listed:

C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins.

Works like a charm and pretty much all vendors who still ship 64Bit VST2 honor this location by default.

S

[Cyberchipz]

Thanks Sonic! Much Appreciated!