Codesys License Activation May 2026

Codesys License Activation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Codesys is a popular software used for programming and configuring industrial control systems, particularly in the field of industrial automation. To use Codesys, users need to activate a license, which can be a bit tricky if you're new to the software. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of Codesys license activation, explaining what you need to do to get started with the software.

What is Codesys?

Before we dive into the license activation process, let's briefly introduce Codesys. Codesys is a software tool used for programming, configuration, and testing of industrial control systems, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other automation devices. The software provides a comprehensive development environment for creating and testing control applications, making it a widely-used tool in the industrial automation industry.

Why is License Activation Required?

Codesys requires a license to operate, which is a common practice for software vendors to protect their intellectual property and ensure that users have a valid and supported version of the software. The license activation process verifies that you have a genuine copy of Codesys and helps the software vendor to manage and track license usage.

Types of Codesys Licenses

There are several types of Codesys licenses available, including:

Trial License: A free trial license that allows you to use Codesys for a limited period, usually 30 days.
Single-User License: A license that allows one user to use Codesys on a single computer.
Multi-User License: A license that allows multiple users to use Codesys on multiple computers.
Device License: A license that is tied to a specific device, such as a PLC or HMI.

Codesys License Activation Process

The license activation process for Codesys involves the following steps:

Purchase a License: Buy a Codesys license from an authorized distributor or the software vendor's website.
Create a Codesys Account: Go to the Codesys website and create an account. This will provide you with a username and password, which you'll need for license activation.
Download and Install Codesys: Download and install Codesys on your computer.
Launch Codesys: Launch Codesys and click on "Help" > "License" > "Activate License".
Enter License Information: Enter your license information, including the license key, which is usually provided via email or on a license certificate.
Activate License Online: If you have an internet connection, Codesys will automatically activate your license online.
Activate License Offline: If you don't have an internet connection, you can activate your license offline by generating a license request file and sending it to the software vendor's support team.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues during the license activation process, here are some common problems and their solutions:

Invalid License Key: Make sure you've entered the license key correctly. Check that you've copied the key correctly from the email or license certificate.
License Activation Failed: Check that you have a stable internet connection. Try activating your license again.
Codesys License Not Found: Make sure you've installed Codesys on the correct computer. Check that you've activated the correct license type (e.g., single-user or multi-user).

Best Practices for Codesys License Activation

To ensure smooth and efficient license activation, follow these best practices:

Read the Documentation: Read the Codesys user manual and license activation guide before starting the activation process.
Create a Backup: Make a backup of your license information, including the license key and certificate.
Use a Valid Email Address: Use a valid email address when creating a Codesys account and during the license activation process.

Conclusion

Codesys license activation is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail and a basic understanding of software licensing. By following the steps outlined in this article, you'll be able to activate your Codesys license and start using the software to program and configure industrial control systems. If you encounter any issues during the activation process, refer to the troubleshooting section or contact the software vendor's support team for assistance.

To activate a CODESYS license, you typically use the License Manager integrated within the CODESYS Development System codesys license activation

. The process varies slightly depending on whether the target is your workstation or a connected PLC device, and whether the system has an active internet connection. CODESYS Store Prerequisites

: A 25-digit activation code received after purchasing a license from the CODESYS Store License Container : A storage location for the license, either a physical USB Dongle (CODESYS Security Key) or a SoftContainer linked to the specific hardware. Internet Access

: Required for direct online activation. If the target device is offline, an offline transfer method must be used. Activation Procedures 1. Online Activation (Recommended)

This is the fastest method for systems with internet access. Open License Manager : In CODESYS, navigate to Tools > License Manager Select Target Workstation (for engineering tools) or (for PLC runtime licenses). Choose Container : Select the appropriate SoftContainer from the list. Install License Install Licenses Activate License , and enter your

: Follow the wizard prompts to complete the process. The license status will update once successful. CODESYS Online Help 2. Offline Activation

Used when the target PLC or workstation cannot access the internet. CODESYS Online Help Generate Request : In the License Manager, select Install Licenses > Request License . This creates a .WibuCmRaC context file. Upload to License Central

: Move this file to a computer with internet and upload it to CODESYS License Central Download Update

: Enter your Ticket ID on the site to generate and download a license update file ( .WibuCmRaU Import to Device

: Return to the License Manager on the target system, select Install License

, and point to the downloaded update file to complete activation. CODESYS Online Help 3. HMI-Specific Activation (Web Interface) Licensing of Products - CODESYS Online Help

Activating a CODESYS license is a straightforward process typically handled through the CODESYS License Manager

. Whether you are using a physical dongle or a "Soft Container" (software-based licensing), the steps follow a standard sequence within the development environment. Activation Process Open License Manager : Launch the CODESYS IDE and navigate to Tools → License Manager Select Target (for PLC-based licenses) or Workstation (for PC-based tools), then click Choose Container : If your license is on a physical USB key. Soft Container

: If the license is bound to the hardware's internal storage. Install Licenses

Your Complete Guide to CODESYS License Activation If you’re working in industrial automation, you’ve likely encountered CODESYS. It’s the "Swiss Army Knife" of PLC programming, used by hundreds of hardware manufacturers. While the development environment itself is often free to download, getting your runtime or specific libraries to work on your hardware requires a license.

Navigating CODESYS license activation can feel a bit like a maze if you don't know the path. Whether you are using a soft PLC on a Raspberry Pi or a high-end industrial controller, here is the step-by-step breakdown of how to get your system up and running. 1. Understanding the Two Types of Licenses

Before you start clicking buttons, you need to know where your license will live. CODESYS offers two main containers: Codesys License Activation: A Step-by-Step Guide Codesys is

Soft Containers (Software-Based): The license is tied to the specific hardware footprint of your PC or PLC. It’s convenient because you don't need extra hardware, but if your hard drive fails or you change your motherboard, the license might become invalid.

Hard Keys (USB Dongles): The license lives on a physical CODESYS Key (USB). This is the most flexible option. You can move the USB stick from one controller to another, and the license follows the stick. 2. Pre-Requisites for Activation

To ensure a smooth process, make sure you have the following ready:

The Product Key: This is a 25-digit alphanumeric code provided by the CODESYS Store or your hardware vendor.

CODESYS Development System: Ensure you have the IDE installed on your PC.

Connection to the Target: Your PC must be able to "see" the PLC over the network.

Codemeter Runtime: This usually installs automatically with CODESYS, but it must be running in your system tray (the little grey or green "C" icon). 3. Step-by-Step Activation Process Method A: Activation via the CODESYS IDE (Standard) This is the most common method for most users. Open CODESYS: Launch your project or a blank project. Open License Manager: Go to Tools > License Manager.

Select the Target: Choose whether you are activating a license on the Device (the PLC) or the Workstation (your PC). If choosing Device, select your PLC from the network scan.

Choose Container: Select "Soft Container" or "Key," then click Activate License. Enter Product Key: Paste your 25-digit key.

Online Transfer: The wizard will connect to the CODESYS License Server and automatically download the license to your device. Method B: Offline Activation (The "Sneaker-Net" Method)

If your PLC is on a secure factory floor with no internet access, you’ll need to use the offline request method.

In the License Manager, select Activate License and choose Offline Request.

The software will generate a WibuCmRaC file (License Request File). Save this to a USB drive.

Take that file to a computer with internet and go to the CODESYS License Central website.

Upload your request file and enter your Product Key. The site will give you a WibuCmRaU file (License Update File).

Bring that file back to your PLC via the License Manager to complete the process. 4. Troubleshooting Common Issues Trial License : A free trial license that

"License Container Not Found": Ensure your USB Key is plugged in firmly or that the Codemeter service is running.

"Invalid Ticket": Double-check for typos. It’s always best to copy-paste the key directly from your purchase email.

Connection Timed Out: Ensure your firewall isn't blocking the CODESYS IDE from reaching the internet license server (Port 443).

Hardware Changed: If you are using a Soft Container and replaced a part in your PC, you may need to contact CODESYS support to "restore" or "re-host" the license. 5. Best Practices for License Management

Always Backup: Once activated, take a screenshot of your License Manager screen.

Use Dongles for Critical Jobs: If a PLC fails in the field, you can simply plug the USB key into the replacement PLC and be back online in minutes.

Keep your "Ticket" Safe: The 25-digit code is your proof of purchase. Treat it like cash!

Appendix: Example offline activation sequence (concise)

On device: open License Management → Export Request → save request file (request.req).
On internet PC: log into vendor portal → Upload request.req → pay/confirm → Download activation.lic.
Transfer activation.lic to device via USB → Import in License Management → Confirm license enabled.

If you need step-by-step instructions tailored to a specific CODESYS runtime version, device vendor, or a particular licensing error code, tell me the exact runtime/device model and the error text and I will provide a tailored activation procedure.

Step 5 – Apply Response

License Manager → Install License Response → select .v2c.
If successful, license appears as "Valid".

Method 3: The USB Dongle (Hard Container)

If you bought a physical USB dongle, it likely came pre-licensed or empty.

To Check: Plug in the dongle. Open CODESYS License Manager. You should see a "CODESYS Key" listed.
To Transfer: You can move a license from a Soft Container to a Hard Container via the "Move License" wizard. This is vital if you are upgrading hardware.

Introduction: The 2-Hour Warning

You’ve just finished programming a complex motion control sequence. You download it to your Industrial PC (IPC) or Raspberry Pi. Everything runs perfectly on your engineering laptop.

Then you unplug the USB cable.

Two hours later, the PLC stops. The dreaded "Runtime license not found" error appears.

If you are new to CODESYS, this is the most common "gotcha." Unlike traditional PLCs (Siemens, Rockwell) where the license is baked into the hardware, CODESYS uses a soft licensing model. You buy the IDE (development environment) and the Runtime (the execution engine on your device) separately.

Today, we are going to walk through exactly how to activate that Runtime license so your machine runs 24/7.

Part 5: Best Practices for Managing CODESYS Licenses

To avoid downtime and legal issues, follow these pro tips:

Backup Your Licenses: For CmAct licenses, regularly export a backup (.lic file) to a secure server. If the hard drive fails, you can re-import the backup on a new drive only if the hardware ID matches.
Use a License Server for Fleets: If you manage 10+ controllers, use CODESYS Network License (CmNetLicense). This centralizes activation and allows dynamic borrowing.
Document Maintenance Expiry: CODESYS licenses include a 1-year maintenance period. After expiry, you cannot activate on new devices (but existing activations keep working).
Never Share Container IDs Publicly: The Container ID is effectively a product key. Posting it on forums can lead to license theft.
Test Activation Before Deployment: On development hardware, fully test the activation process before shipping your OEM product. A failed activation in the field is expensive.