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How do I upgrade my license?


Noldus offers two kinds of licenses: 

  • Hardware license keys (dongles) are USB devices which must be plugged in a USB port on the computer when in use.
  • Software activation codes are codes that are typed in within the software to activate the license.

See the applicable instructions for the type of license you have.

Please note that upgrading the license will not upgrade the software. For a new version of the software, you will need to download and install the new software as well.

How to upgrade your Hardware Key License (Dongle)

To start using the software with a hardware key (USB dongle), please insert the dongle into any free USB slot in your computer. If the software and drivers are successfully installed, then a red LED will light up inside the dongle. You can now start the application.

When you purchase a new version of our software or an additional module for your license, or if you received a free upgrade because you have an active NoldusCare contract, the dongle needs to be upgraded to access the new version or functionality. Upgrading a USB dongle is done by entering a code in the software application while your dongle is inserted into the system. The Upgrade code can be found either here on MyNoldus under the licenses tab or by contacting support at Support@noldus.com.

Upgrade to a newer version of the software

If you are upgrading to a newer software version, first install the new version of software, then enter the upgrade code in that version and not in the old application. Removal of the old application first is preferred in most cases. You will be prompted to enter the code when you open the new software.

Note that an upgrade code is required for full version changes, for example from version 17 to 18. Minor updates, such as from 17.0 to 17.1, do not require upgrade codes. You can just keep using your dongle after installing the updated version.

Adding a new module to your license

If the version is not changed and only a new module is added to your license, then you can proceed in the current installed version of your software. You do not need to install new software. Enter the upgrade code by following these steps:

  1. Insert dongle into a USB port.
  2. Launch the application.
  3. Go on the menu to Help > Upgrade or Help > License > Upgrade.
  4. Enter the code in the indicated boxes below. (Depending on the modules, you may only have a code for Key 1. When this is the case, Key 2 can be left blank.)


Note that you do not need to edit the Name or License number.

If the code is accepted, the window will close. You can check the current status of the license by going on the menu to Help > About and then click License Info (or the information will already be displayed, depending on which software you are using).

How to upgrade your Software Based License

A software-based license can be activated as a Fixed or Floating license.

  • A Fixed license is activated on one computer. It can be used without an internet connection.
  • A Floating license may be activated on multiple computers, and can be used on any one of them at a time. (Or more than one, if you have multiple licenses sharing an activation code.) Floating licenses always require an internet connection during use.

Adding a new module to a Software-Based License

When you purchase an extra module with new functionality on your existing license, the following actions are needed to enable the new module on the license.

  • Floating license (with internet connection): no action needed, the license will upgrade after first startup of the application.
  • Fixed license (with internet connection): no action needed, the license will upgrade after first startup of the application.
  • Fixed license (without internet connection): first deactivate the license, by going on the menu to Help > Deactivate License. Pick the offline activation procedure, which will present a QR code to read with your smartphone. Then re-activate the license, again using the offline activation option.

Upgrading a Software-Based License to a newer version

If you have an active NoldusCare service contract, newer versions of the software will be automatically unlocked for your license.

  • Floating license (with internet connection): no action needed, just install the latest software version and the license will upgrade after first startup of the application. 
  • Fixed license (with internet connection): no action needed, just install the latest software version and the license will upgrade after first startup of the application. 
  • Fixed license (without internet connection): first deactivate the license, by going on the menu to Help > Deactivate License. Pick the offline activation procedure, which will present a QR code to read with your smartphone. Then re-activate the license, again using the offline activation option.