A very common cause of activation failure is a corporate firewall blocking traffic to the CODESYS license server. If activation stalls or fails, try using an unrestricted internet connection (e.g., a mobile hotspot) for the activation step.
Take this file to an internet-connected PC and visit the CODESYS Activation Portal.
If a PC hardware changes significantly, a Soft Key might become invalid. You may need to use the "Repair" option in the License Manager or contact CODESYS support. 7. Best Practices and Tips
This is the most common method for licensing development software and IoT/PLC devices connected to the internet. Step 1: Open the CODESYS License Manager Launch the CODESYS Development System. Navigate to in the top menu bar. Select License Manager . Step 2: Initiate Activation In the License Manager, select Activate Licenses . codesys license activation
Necessary for online activation. If you are in a secure, isolated network, you will need the offline "file-based" method.
Click the "Read Container ID" button. A string of 20-30 alphanumeric characters will appear. This ID is the digital fingerprint of your target device. Copy it to clipboard or note it down.
If your automation PC is offline, you can still activate your software. You will need a second computer that has internet access and a USB flash drive. On the Offline PC Open the . Select your target and container. Click Install Licenses . Choose Request License . A very common cause of activation failure is
The PLC file system is operating in write-protected mode (e.g., EWF on Windows Embedded or read-only Linux root).
Ensure you have the IDE installed on your programming PC.
Open Tools > License Manager , select your workstation or target device, and review the active product list. Valid licenses will show a green status icon. If a PC hardware changes significantly, a Soft
Last updated: Q1 2025 — compatible with CODESYS V3.5 SP20 and CODESYS Runtime V4.0.
Before beginning the activation process, you must identify where your license will reside. CODESYS utilizes two primary containers for license storage. Hardware-Based Licenses (Dongles)
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.
Browse to and select the .WibuCmRaW file stored on your USB drive.
If the engineering PC or PLC does not have an internet connection, you must use the offline activation method. Open the and enter the ticket ID. Select "Activate Offline" . The tool will generate a context file (e.g., Context.csp ).