Using Cakewalk by Bandlab for beginners/Installation

To install Cakewalk by Bandlab, also known as just "Cakewalk", go to the Cakewalk download page. Keep in mind that you will need to create a Bandlab account and download their desktop assistant, "Bandlab Assistant." It isn't too large and isn't a big problem, but if you don't want to download anything but Cakewalk, then just close the tab and go look at how much Ableton Live or maybe Reaper cost ($400 and $60, respectively. Cakewalk and Bandlab Assistant are free). If you're still here, then I assume that you're fine with downloading Bandlab Assistant.

You will need

 * An email address
 * A Bandlab account (you can use an existing account, or you can create one whilst downloading Bandlab Assistant)
 * 3 Gigabytes of free space on your disk
 * Windows 8.1, 10, 11 (64-bit ONLY for all of them). The system requirements website doesn't actually say you can use Windows 11, but it will probably work. Windows 7 used to be able to be used, but after Windows 11 came out, the website says only Windows 8.1 and up can be used.
 * A decent CPU. The website says you need an Intel Core i5, but I have a Core i3 and it works fine, though it's a little slow.

If you have all of the above, then you are ready to download Cakewalk!

Step 1: Bandlab Assistant and account
On the site linked above, click "Download." An exe file will download to your computer. It will probably be called "bandlab-assistant-windows-latest.exe." Double-click it to initiate download.

When it is finished downloading, you should see a welcome screen. It will prompt you to log in if have an account or create an account if you don't.

If you have an account:
Simply hit the big "Log In" button. It will take you to the Bandlab site to authenticate you. Go back to the Bandlab assistant and hit "log in" again. You can now go to step two.

If you don't have an account
Hit "sign up" and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be taken to the Bandlab site to create your account. Afterwards, follow the steps above in "if you have an account."

Step 2: Installing Cakewalk
Navigate to the "apps" tab in Bandlab Assistant. Click the download button for Cakewalk by Bandlab. Follow the on-screen instructions to download Cakewalk by Bandlab.

Hooray! You've now downloaded Cakewalk! You have a vast amount of fun and music ahead of you, and you only need to know some basic rules.