About Soft-eLicensers and USB-eLicensers

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About Soft-eLicensers and USB-eLicensers

Until the introduction of Steinberg Licensing in January 2022, Steinberg programs used eLicenser-based licensing technology.

The corresponding licenses were activated by entering an Activation Code in the eLicenser Control Center utility, which then stored the licenses either in a Soft-eLicenser - locally on the hard drive - or on a connected USB-eLicenser (dongle, key).

Soft-eLicenser

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USB-eLicenser

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  • The Soft-eLicenser is a file on the hard disk, functioning as a virtual license container.
  • Each Soft-eLicenser has a unique 2 x 10-digit serial number, which is needed to register the software/license with a MySteinberg account and also to request activation codes (licenses).
  • Soft-eLicensers and their serial numbers are system-specific. Licenses stored in a Soft-eLicenser are bound to a single computer.
  • Licenses in a Soft-eLicenser are irretrievably lost after a hard drive crash or a reinstallation of the operating system.
  • The USB-eLicenser (dongle, USB key) is the hardware-based counterpart of the Soft-eLicenser.
  • Each USB-eLicenser has a unique (depending on the revision 12- or 13-digit) serial number, which is needed to register the software with a MySteinberg account.
  • Licenses stored on a USB-eLicenser are independent from a specific computer. They can be used on any suitable computer on which the corresponding software has been installed.
  • Licenses stored on an USB-eLicenser stand hard disk failures and new installations of the operating system.

Since the eLicenser service was discontinued on May 20, 2025, the following restrictions apply:

  • Licenses stored in a Soft-eLicenser or on a USB-eLicenser can no longer be changed. Transactions such as activating, reactivating, or transferring a license to another eLicenser are no longer possible. 
  • Soft-eLicensers will be lost after a platform change or reinstallation of the operating system (e.g., after a hard drive crash) along with the licenses they contain. Recovery is no longer possible.
  • A deactivated Soft-eLicenser (red serial number in the eLicenser Control Center) can no longer be activated. The licenses it contains can no longer be used.
  • Licenses contained on a physically defective or lost USB-eLicenser cannot be replaced.
  • The "Maintenance" function of the eLicenser Control Center no longer works.

For more information about the discontinuation of the eLicenser service, please visit this article.


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The eLicenser Control Center displaying a Soft-eLicenser,
a connected USB-eLicenser and the contained licenses.