The way, in which you activate, use, and manage licenses depend on the license type.
TestComplete license types
TestComplete uses the following license types:
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SmartBear ID-based — The new license type introduced in TestComplete 14.92. From September 2023, all licensing will be ID-based. For more information on migrating to ID-based licensing, see the ID Licensing FAQ .
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Key-based — The licenses that existed earlier. They imply that to activate the product, you specify a license key or consume the license from the license manager running in the local network.
Which license do I have?
You can find this information in the email you received from SmartBear Sales Representatives.
As a simpler solution, you can check your product version and date: TestComplete started offering this license type to a limited number of trial users in August 2021 (TestComplete 14.92). Since April 2022 (TestComplete 15.40), this license type has become the primary one for both trial and commercial users. So, if you got your license in April 2022 or later, then most probably, you have a SmartBear ID-based license.
ID-based licenses for existing users
The following table helps understand the difference between ID-based and key-based licenses:
| Feature | ID-based | Key-based |
|---|---|---|
| Activation procedure |
The user specifies the email and password of their SmartBear account. |
The user gets a license key from SmartBear and then uses this key to activate the license on their machine. |
| Binding to computer |
The license is bound to a user, not to a computer. Users can easily switch between the machines. |
The license is bound to one workstation or server. Activation on another machine means deactivation on the current one. |
| License subtypes |
Key-based licenses can be Node-locked and Floating User. The ID-based ones use the names Fixed User and Floating. The licenses are treated in a bit different ways. |
|
| Using on multiple machines |
Supported for both Fixed User and Floating licenses. A very easy switch between machines: to use the product on another computer, one just needs to close it on the current machine. |
An easy switch is possible for Floating User licenses only. Node-locked licenses must be deactivated first. |
| Using on virtual and cloud machines |
Supported for Floating licenses only. |
Possible for Floating User licenses. Requires installing the standalone License Server on a physical machine in the local network and a connection to this License Server. |
| Control of use |
If you have access to the SmartBear license servers: If you are in a private network: |
Node-Locked: by the licensing subsystem of your TestComplete instance. Floating User: by the standalone License Server running in the local network. |
|
Supported for both Fixed User and Floating licenses. License activation requires a connection to the SmartBear License Management. |
Supported. License activation may require a connection to the SmartBear License Servers. |
|
| Managing users (for Floating licenses) |
In the SmartBear License Management or in the On-Premise License Server installed in your network. |
In the standalone License Server. |
Change licensing scheme
For licensing of different modules of TestComplete, you have to use either key-based or ID-based licenses. Using different license types at the same time is not supported.
If you started using the key-based licenses, you may want to switch to the ID-based ones and vice versa. To change the licensing scheme, you use items of the Help menu:
|
Switch to ID-based licensing  |
Switch to key-based licensing  |
After you switch the licensing scheme, you will need to activate your license.
SmartBear ID-based Licenses