Summary
Legitimate free versions from Steinberg include: cubase 5 setup exe free download for windows 10
Enable Compatibility Mode: Because the .exe was designed for older environments, right-click the setup file, go to Properties > Compatibility, and check "Run this program in compatibility mode for Windows 7". Review — Cubase 5 Setup EXE on Windows
If you already own a license (with USB eLicenser), here’s how to legally download the Cubase 5 setup exe for free. right-click the setup file
Instead, download eLicenser Control Center version 6.9.0 (available on Steinberg’s legacy driver archive).
to run the software; there is no official "free" full version of Cubase 5. Steinberg Forums Important Compatibility & Licensing Details