Night Sterling is a native Windows video editor, fully optimized for Windows 10 and Windows 11. We do not currently offer Mac or Linux versions. If you are on Windows, simply download Night Sterling and start editing right away.
Updating is simple. Just download and install the latest version into the same directory as your original installation. By default, Night Sterling is installed here:
This process overwrites old files while keeping your projects and settings completely safe. You can verify your current version number at the bottom of the Project Browser screen.
On Windows, go to Control Panel > Uninstall a Program, select Night Sterling from the list, and click Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the removal.
You can find download links for all versions prior to the current mainline release in the site footer under Resources > Previous Versions.
If the application won't launch, please check the following:
1. Ensure you are running the latest version (2025.1 or higher) from the Downloads page.
2. Verify your graphics card drivers are installed and working correctly (ensure a generic "Standard VGA" driver is not installed).
3. Confirm your sound card is working and audio is enabled (speakers/headphones connected).
4. Note: Intel 945/G33/G31 graphics chipsets are no longer supported and require a GPU upgrade.
5. Update DirectX by downloading the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.
6. If using Windows Defender, temporarily disable it, reinstall Night Sterling, and add an exception for the installation folder.
This error indicates that your system's DirectX libraries need updating. Resolve this by downloading and running the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft.
Hardware changes can trigger license protection. First, install Night Sterling on the new drive and activate the Free version. Then, contact our support team with your proof of purchase, and we will reset your activation token so you can sign in and restore your paid license.
This usually means your installed version of Night Sterling is outdated. Please download and install the latest version from our website and try again.
This occurs when the software version is outdated or your system clock is incorrect.
1. Update to the latest version of Night Sterling.
2. Check your Windows Date & Time settings and ensure they are set to update automatically. Inconsistencies here will block server validation.
We are actively developing a fully offline activation workflow. In the meantime, if you are on a restricted network, ensure that Port 443 (TCP) is open on your firewall to allow access to els.nightsterling.com. If the machine has no internet, you will need to temporarily connect it (e.g., via mobile hotspot) for the brief activation process.
This indicates Night Sterling cannot contact our license server. Please update to the latest version of Night Sterling and try again. If you use a proxy server, ensure Port 443 (TCP) is open on your firewall to allow access to els.nightsterling.com. If the system has no internet, temporarily connect it for the 1-minute activation.
This error typically means your Night Sterling version is outdated. Download and install the latest version to activate successfully.
First, register an account on our website. Once registered, open the Night Sterling application and sign in using your registered Username/Email and Password. The software will activate automatically.
The Free tier of Night Sterling is designed for learning and evaluation, so export resolutions are capped at 720p. To unlock 4K Ultra HD export, custom formats, and advanced codecs, please upgrade to Create or Pro.
This is usually a codec issue with the default Windows Media Player. Night Sterling exports using modern, high-efficiency codecs. We highly recommend downloading the free VLC Media Player, which includes all the necessary codecs to play your renders perfectly.
Yes. Every purchase of a Create or Pro (Yearly or Perpetual) license includes a complimentary second activation. This is designed for users who need to work on two machines (e.g., a desktop and a laptop) or as a backup in case of hardware failure.
No. Your license is tied to your account. Simply reinstall Night Sterling and sign in with your Username and Password. Your license will be automatically restored. (If an error occurs, use your complimentary activation or contact support).
Install and activate the Free version on the new system, then sign in with your account. If you have exhausted your activations, please contact support to reset your license token.
The Free license can be activated on an unlimited number of systems. Simply sign in with your credentials on the new machine; no transfer is needed.
Yes. Free licenses require a simple sign-in renewal every 90 days to verify active usage. Just open the app and sign in with your credentials to renew it instantly.
Log in to your account on the Night Sterling website, navigate to the Billing or Subscription section of your User Portal, and update your payment method there. (Note: PayPal subscriptions must be managed directly through your PayPal account).
Your perpetual license grants you lifetime access to the major version you purchased (e.g., the 2025 release), including all minor updates and bug fixes. It never expires for that version. However, when the next major version is released (e.g., 2026), an upgrade license will be required to access the new features.
Your projects are completely safe. Simply download the latest installer from your User Portal. Installing it in the same directory will update the core application while preserving all your project files, custom presets, and preferences.
Yes, absolutely. Night Sterling maintains full project file compatibility across all tiers. When you upgrade, simply open your existing Free project, and you will instantly gain access to all premium features within that same timeline.
Map the device to Night Sterling’s main executable. Open your Contour Control Panel and create or select a profile that targets Night Sterling. Point it to the core executable in your installation folder:
C:\Program Files\Night SterlingAfter saving the profile, restart Night Sterling and test the device.
Import the Night Sterling keyboard mapping file:
1. Open Night Sterling and enter any project.
2. Go to the Tools menu and open the Editor Preferences panel.
3. Choose Import.
4. Browse to the Night Sterling installation folder, select the provided mapping file for Contour Shuttle, and click OK.
Yes. Install the manufacturer’s drivers, map the device to Night Sterling’s executable as described above, and import the matching keyboard profile if needed.
The advanced effects and titling tools are available on the Creator and Pro plans. Free users have access to the core built-in effects library.
Make sure you are running the latest version of Night Sterling and that your license matches the features you expect. Restart the application after installation. If the effects still do not appear, check the Plugins panel filters and confirm the pack was installed for the correct user account.