Summary: This guide provides solutions for issues encountered when downloading or installing Silhouette Studio, including specific fixes for Windows S Mode, Mac M1/M2 processors, and computer memory leaks. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Software Download Failure

A download failure occurs when you are unable to successfully save the installation program to your computer.

  • Official Source: Always ensure you are downloading from the official Silhouette website.

  • Check Internet Speed: 1. Perform a speed test. Ideally, your download speed should be at least 25 Mbps. 2. Lower speeds can cause interruptions. If your download stalls (takes longer than 15 minutes), contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

  • Antivirus Interference: Security software may block the download.

    • Avast Users: Avast often flags Silhouette as "suspicious."

    • Solution:

      • Whitelist the Program: Add Silhouette Studio.exe to your antivirus "Allowed" or "Whitelisted" list.

      • Disable Temporarily: Disable your firewall for the duration of the installation, then re-enable it once complete.

2. Software Installation Failure

Use these steps if you have downloaded the file but the installation process fails to complete.

  • Check System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets the Minimum System Requirements.

  • Software Version Conflict: Silhouette does not support running multiple versions simultaneously. If you are installing an older version, you must uninstall the newer version first.

  • Authorize Installation (PC):

    1. Right-click the installer and choose Run As Administrator.

    2. If it still fails, press [Windows]+R, type %programfiles(x86)%, and hit Enter.

    3. Right-click the Silhouette America (or Silhouette Studio) folder > Properties > Security tab.

    4. Click Advanced > Change Permissions.

    5. Check "Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object" and click OK.

  • Authorize Installation (Mac): 1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security. 2. Under the "Security" section, ensure "Allow apps downloaded from" is set to "App Store and identified developers." If the installer was blocked, click Open Anyway.

3. Can't Run Software in Windows S Mode

Windows S Mode only allows apps from the Microsoft Store. Since Silhouette Studio is a third-party application, you must switch out of S Mode to use it.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System > Activation.

  3. Find the section "Switch to Windows 11/10 Home/Pro" and click Go to the Microsoft Store.

  4. On the "Switch out of S mode" page, click the Get button.

  5. Click Install > Yes, let’s go.

    • Note: If you see an error, run a Windows Update, restart, and try again.

4. Mac M1/M2 Processor Issues

If you have a Mac with an M1 or M2 chip and the software will not launch, you may need to install Rosetta manually.

  1. Open Terminal (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal).

  2. Paste the following command and press Enter: /usr/sbin/softwareupdate --install-rosetta --agree-to-license

  3. Close the Terminal and launch Silhouette Studio.

5. Computer Memory Leak

If you notice your computer slowing down significantly or "leaking" memory after installing Silhouette, follow these steps:

Remove "Silhouette Link" (Legacy Program)

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Programs and Features (or Add or Remove Programs).

  2. Locate Silhouette Link in the list and uninstall it.

  3. Restart your computer.

Clear Corrupted Log Files Older versions of the software created logs that could grow too large.

  1. Update to the latest version of Silhouette Studio (newer versions auto-delete these logs).

  2. If the issue persists, navigate to: C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\com.aspexsoftware.Silhouette_Studio

  3. Delete any files starting with "log." and any files ending in ".return".

  4. Also clear the contents of the "scratch" folder: C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\com.silhouettesoftware.scratch.1

Need More Help? If you are still unable to install the software, please contact support@silhouetteamerica.com with your computer's operating system and any specific error codes received.