How do I activate my software?

Use the Activation Wizard to obtain an activation code for your software. You can launch the Activation Wizard two ways:

  • Launch the product and choose to activate your software from the list of options presented.
  • Launch License Manager by selecting Start»All Programs»National Instruments»License Manager or from Launcher in Windows 8. Click the Activate button in the toolbar.
Note  
  • If your software is a part of a Volume License Agreement (VLA), contact your VLA administrator for installation and activation instructions.
  • The software for OS X and Linux operating systems does not require activation.

What is activation?

Activation is the process of obtaining an activation code to enable your software to run on your computer. An activation code is an alphanumeric string that verifies the software, version, and computer ID to enable features on your computer. Activation codes are unique and are valid on only one computer.

What is the Activation Wizard?

The Activation Wizard is a part of License Manager that steps you through the process of enabling software to run on your machine.

What information do I need to activate?

You need your product serial number, user name, and organization. The Activation Wizard determines the rest of the information. Certain activation methods may require additional information for delivery. This information is used only to activate your product. Complete disclosure of the software licensing information privacy policy is available at ni.com/activate/privacy. If you optionally choose to register your software, your information is protected under the privacy policy, available at ni.com/privacy.

How do I find my product serial number?

Your serial number uniquely identifies your purchase of software. You can find your serial number on the Certificate of Ownership included in your software kit. If your software kit does not include a Certificate of Ownership, you can find your serial number on the product packing slip or on the shipping label.

If you have installed a previous version using your serial number, you can find the serial number by selecting the Help»About menu item within the application or by selecting your product within License Manager (Start»All Programs»National Instruments»License Manager or from Launcher in Windows 8).

What is a Computer ID?

The computer ID contains unique information about your computer. This information is required to enable your software. You can find your computer ID through the Activation Wizard or by using License Manager, as follows:

  1. Launch License Manager by selecting Start»All Programs»National Instruments»License Manager or from Launcher in Windows 8.
  2. Click the Display Computer Information button in the toolbar.

How can I evaluate NI software?

You can install and run most application software in evaluation mode. This mode lets you use a product with certain limitations, such as reduced functionality or limited execution time. Refer to your product documentation for specific information on the product's evaluation mode.

Moving Software After Activation

To transfer your software to another computer, install and activate it on the second computer. You are not prohibited from transferring your software from one computer to another. Because activation codes are unique to each computer, you will need a new activation code. Refer to the How do I activate my software? section of this topic to learn how to acquire a new activation code and reactivate your software.

Deactivating a Product

To deactivate a product and return the product to the state it was in before you activated it, right-click the product in the License Manager tree and select Deactivate. If the product was in evaluation mode before you activated it, the properties of the evaluation mode may not be restored.

Using Windows Guest Accounts

License Manager does not support Microsoft Windows Guest accounts. You must log in to a non-Guest account to run licensed application software.