Ever since I updated to the 2016.11 version, whenever I open my VSTi plugins list, it always defaults to "Sort by Category".    I would like it to default to "Default", which has all of my VSTi plugins sorted the way I like it.   How can I make the "Default" layout the actual default?

It's possible I created two directories for the layouts, but I tested it and changed the "Default" label to "Default 2", and that showed up in the list shown below. (so I know I'm working with the correct layout directory) And yet, it still won't default to that layout.




 
 

For me it works.
Try to rename your pluginlayout within Sonar (NOT outside with windows explorer) to an other name. (Not "default").
Both, filename and display name.
Just for test.
A lot of programs react to the name "default" or "standard" very strangly.
 

I have been only working within Sonar.  And I tried your suggestion of renaming the filename and display name, but it still keeps defaulting to "Sort By Category".  The new layout file I created does show up on the list, but it still is not the default.

Do you have selected the "Leee layout" or "default A" ?
Is it then checked in this session?
 
Other solution:
Have you made a lense where "sort by category" was selected - and the projects are always loaded within this lense where "sort by category" is checked?
Try to make a lense with "Leee layout" checked. Just for test.
 
 
 

Okay, I'll try to make a lense and see if that helps.

What happens is I will change the layout to my personalized Default setting, and it will stay that way as long as I keep Sonar open.  I can go from project to project and my Default setting will remain.  It's only after I close Sonar and restart the software that it will default back to "Sort by Category".    There doesn't seem to be any settings to make one particular setting a true default, despite the name.

Is anyone else having this problem, or am I the only one?

Nope, the lens setting did not work.  I set the new lens for the way I want things and saved it.
I closed Sonar, reopened it, and it opened with the lens I created but the VSTi plugins were once again set to "Sort by Category".   I even toggled the lens off and then back to the one I created, but the plugins list stayed the same.

It seems the only way I can do it is change the plugins default settings each time I start Sonar.

I also looked in the Preferences to see if I can change the default view of the VSTi Plugins, but couldn't find anything.