NKC files go into your Kontakt library folder, and Kontakt reads them automatically on the next launch

NKC files are Kontakt sound libraries — collections of instruments, samples, and presets that expand what Kontakt can do. To use them, you move the NKC file into Kontakt's designated library location, then restart Kontakt. The application scans that folder on startup and makes the sounds available in your library browser.

The exact folder path depends on whether you use Windows or Mac, and whether you installed Kontakt in the default location. Once you know your library folder, the installation itself takes under a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • NKC files must be placed in Kontakt's library folder, which is separate from where Kontakt itself is installed.
  • On Windows, the library folder is usually C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents\Native Instruments\Kontakt 7\Library (or Kontakt 6 for older versions).
  • On Mac, the library folder is usually ~/Library/Application Support/Native Instruments/Kontakt 7/Library.
  • After moving the NKC file to the correct folder, close and reopen Kontakt completely — a simple refresh will not work.
  • If Kontakt does not show the library after restart, check that the NKC file is in the Library subfolder, not in a parent folder.

Finding your Kontakt library folder on Windows

Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents. Replace [Your Username] with your actual Windows username. Look for a folder called Native Instruments. Inside that folder, you will see Kontakt 7 (or Kontakt 6 if you use an older version). Open that folder, then open the Library subfolder inside it.

This is where your NKC files belong. If the Native Instruments folder does not exist yet, create it manually by right-clicking in the Documents folder, selecting New, then Folder, and naming it Native Instruments. Then create the Kontakt 7 folder inside it, and the Library folder inside that.

Finding your Kontakt library folder on Mac

Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G to open the Go to Folder dialog. Type ~/Library/Application Support/Native Instruments and press Enter. You will see a folder named Kontakt 7 (or Kontakt 6Library subfolder.

If the Native Instruments folder does not exist, you can create it by opening Terminal (in Applications > Utilities) and typing mkdir -p ~/Library/Application\ Support/Native\ Instruments/Kontakt\ 7/Library, then pressing Enter. This creates all the necessary folders at once.

Moving the NKC file to the library folder

Locate the NKC file you want to install — it will have a .nkc extension. Copy it (right-click and select Copy, or press Ctrl+C on Windows or Command+C on Mac). Navigate to your Kontakt library folder using the steps above, then paste the file there (right-click and select Paste, or press Ctrl+V on Windows or Command+V on Mac).

Do not place the NKC file in any subfolder within Library — it must be directly inside the Library folder itself. If you see other NKC files already there, your new file belongs in the same location.

Restarting Kontakt to load the library

Close Kontakt completely. If Kontakt is running as a plugin inside a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) like Ableton or Logic, close the DAW as well. Wait a few seconds, then reopen Kontakt or your DAW. Kontakt scans the library folder on startup and adds any new NKC files to your library browser.

The new library should appear in the left sidebar of Kontakt's library browser, usually under a category matching the library's name. If you do not see it after restart, check that the NKC file is in the correct Library folder and that the filename has no typos or special characters that might cause issues.

Troubleshooting if the library does not appear

If Kontakt does not show the library after restart, first confirm the NKC file is in the right folder by navigating back to your library location and checking that the file is there. Make sure the file extension is actually .nkc — sometimes files are saved with a hidden extension, so the file might be named something like library.nkc.zip by mistake.

If the file is in the correct location and has the right extension, try restarting your computer entirely, not just Kontakt. Occasionally Windows or Mac caches folder contents and does not immediately recognize new files. You can also try opening Kontakt's preferences and looking for a library refresh or rescan option, though most versions do this automatically on launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put NKC files in a subfolder inside the Library folder?

No. NKC files must be placed directly in the Library folder itself, not in any subfolder. Kontakt only scans the top level of the Library folder on startup. If you organize files into subfolders, Kontakt will not find them.

What if I have multiple versions of Kontakt installed?

Each version has its own library folder — Kontakt 6 uses a Kontakt 6 folder, and Kontakt 7 uses a Kontakt 7 folder. If you want the library available in both versions, copy the NKC file into the Library folder of each version separately.

Do I need to unzip the NKC file before installing it?

No. NKC files are already in the correct format for Kontakt. Do not unzip them. If your download came as a ZIP file, unzip that to extract the NKC file inside, then move only the NKC file to your library folder.

Will installing an NKC file use up disk space on my computer?

NKC files themselves are small, but they often reference sample files stored elsewhere. Check the library's documentation to see if samples are included in the NKC file or if you need to download them separately. Some libraries require you to place sample folders in a specific location for Kontakt to find them.

Can I move or delete the NKC file after Kontakt loads it?

No. Kontakt needs the NKC file to remain in the library folder to keep the library available. If you move or delete the file, the library will disappear from Kontakt the next time you restart.