SOLIDWORKS License Deactivation vs Disablement
(For SOLIDWORKS desktop products – not 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS products)
There may come a time when you need to move a SOLIDWORKS license from one computer to another. This is common when a SOLIDWORKS user needs to move from a desktop to a laptop for travel, when replacing an aging workstation, or following an unexpected system failure.
When transferring a license, there are two distinct ways a license can be released from a machine: Deactivation and Disablement.
Each term represents a very different scenario with important implications for license recovery and reuse. This guide explains the difference between the terms, when each occurs, and how to handle them properly to avoid downtime or licensing issues.
Jump to License Deactivation (machine is still functional)
Jump to License Disablement (machine has failed or was stolen)
SOLIDWORKS License Deactivation
License deactivation is the standard and recommended method for moving a SOLIDWORKS license from one machine to another. Deactivation formally registers the license as no longer in use on the current computer, making it immediately available for activation on a different system.
If an attempt to activate the license on another computer while it’s already activated, you will receive error ‘Activation count exceeded’ and not be able to open the software until the license is deactivated from the current computer.
Deactivation is fully reversible. A deactivated license can be reactivated on the same or a different computer but only one computer at a time.
Important limitations
- Deactivation must be performed on the machine where the license is currently active.
- Neither MLC CAD Systems nor SOLIDWORKS has a method to remotely deactivate a license.
- If the machine is no longer operational, deactivation is no longer possible. This is where a license disablement becomes relevant (covered in the next section).
- Disablement is not a replacement for deactivation when a machine is simply not accessible because it is in a different location at the time. If the machine is functional, then the license must be deactivated manually at the machine where it is currently activated.
Best Practices
Always deactivate your SOLIDWORKS before installing or activating it on a new machine, or before any planned hardware changes. SOLIDWORKS licenses are linked to several internal computer and software IDs that change with major OS or hardware changes. Deactivating first will prevent activation issues afterwards. Treat deactivation as the first step in any planned system migration or hardware upgrade. This ensures the licenses is ready for use elsewhere and avoids unnecessary delays or support requests.
Deactivate SOLIDWORKS Licenses
If you know which computer the software is currently activated on, you can follow our guides linked below to deactivate the license.
If you are unsure where the software is currently activated, any user assigned the SOLIDWORKS Security Admin role can log into MyProducts.solidworks.com to view the current activation status for your serial number by following the steps in our overview of MyProducts technical guide.
Deactivate a Standalone License using the Activation Wizard
If a SOLIDWORKS product was uninstalled from a functioning system but was not deactivated first, you can install the SOLIDWORKS Activation Wizard to deactivate the license without installing the full SOLIDWORKS installation.
The SOLIDWORKS Activation Wizard is version specific and can be downloaded from the SOLIDWORKS downloads site (login required) > Access Downloads > Version (select from the dropdown) > More Downloads > SOLIDWORKS Activation Wizard <version>.
Simply download and install the Activation Wizard and run it to follow the instructions and deactivate the license.
SOLIDWORKS License Disablement
License disablement is fundamentally different from license deactivation and intended only for exceptional circumstances. This is a permanent disablement that removes the computer from the activation system for the specified serial number/licenses.
In some situations, a computer may no longer be accessible or usable due to events outside your control, such as a system crash, hardware failure, theft, physical damage, or a machine is recycled or OS reimaged before a license was deactivated. In these cases, you may attempt to activate SOLIDWORKS on a new computer and receive error Activation count exceeded, even though you have no way to deactivate the license on the original system.
When deactivation is no longer possible, license disablement is the only available option.
How License Disablement Works
License disablement is performed by MLC CAD Systems (your SOLIDWORKS Solutions Provider) on your behalf. By contacting MLC CAD Systems technical support team, we will work with SOLIDWORKS to approve the disablement request to free the serial number for activation on a new system.
Key points to understand
- Disablement is not user-accessible and cannot be performed from within SOLIDWORKS software.
- It is handled exclusively by authorized MLC CAD Systems technical support and SOLIDWORKS.
- It is used only when deactivation cannot be performed.
- The disablement process cannot be reversed. It is permanent.
- Disablement is not a replacement for deactivation when a machine is simply not accessible because it is in a different location at the time.
- Disablement request is subject to approval by SOLIDWORKS.
IMPORTANT: Disablement Requirements when contacting MLC CAD Systems Technical Support
- A detailed description of why standard deactivation cannot be performed.
- The Windows System Name of the computer being disabled (aka the hostname).
- The SOLIDWORKS serial number (last 4 characters is acceptable).
- All disablement requests must be approved by email. If you contact MLC CAD Systems technical support by phone, you will be required to receive a summary of the disablement request and respond with your approval via email prior to proceeding and SOLIDWORKS approving with the request.
Technical Support
Get help from our team by Calling us at 800-364-1652. You can also get assistance by clicking the Technical Support button or the Email Our Experts button below.