In this article, you will learn how to check whether you are entitled to a free update to the latest version of your Steinberg software.
This may be the case if a Download Access Code* is redeemed after or shortly before the release of a new paid update (major update).
If you have an unused Download Access Code (or an unused Activation Code for older Steinberg software), it is also possible that you will receive the latest version for free.
*For older, still eLicenser-based software, the date of the first license activation using an Activation Code applies. Reactivations (renewed activations after a system change) do not affect eligibility.
Already redeemed
Download Access Code
or used Activation CodeStill unused
Download Access Code
or Activation Code
Unused Download Access Code
or Activation Code
If you have an unused Download Access Code or Activation Code for a Steinberg program, please redeem it in the Steinberg Download Assistant (recommended) or in your MySteinberg account.
| Download Access Code | Activation Code (discontinued) |
|---|---|
|
A Download Access Code is a string of alphabetic and numeric characters divided into 5 groups with 5 digits each. Example: 12ABC-DEFG3-HI4JK-5L67M-8NO99 |
An Activation Code consists of 32 characters (numbers and letters) in 8 blocks of 4 characters each. The first block is always 0240. Example: 0240 AB12 CD34 56EF 78GH IJKL 90MN OP12 Activation codes were only used for software that used eLicenser technology, which was discontinued in May 2025. |
If your unused code has a different format, it is not a Download Access Code or an Activation Code for a Steinberg product.
We recommend redeeming codes in the Steinberg Download Assistant. This will simplify the software installation and the license activation.
Make sure you have the latest version installed. To do so, simply run the Steinberg Download Assistant to start the auto-update function.
Or update it manually by using these installers: ⬇ macOS | ⬇ Windows
- Open the Steinberg Download Assistant.
- Enter the Download Access Code or Activation Code and follow the instructions.
- If you are eligible for a grace period update, you will automatically receive the license for the latest software version.
- When entering an Activation Code, this is only possible if a successor version of the corresponding software is available that uses Steinberg Licensing.
Redemption after or shortly before major update
Current software
If a Download Access Code is redeemed (entered in the Steinberg Download Assistant) within the grace period, you will receive a free update to the current version. The time the corresponding license is activated in the Steinberg Activation Manager does not pay a role.
Grace periods usually begin several weeks before the release of a major version. There is an individual cut-off date for each major release, which marks the start of the grace period.
Older software
For older eLicenser-based products, the time a license has been initially activated by entering an Activation Code in the eLicenser Control Center is decisive.
The grace period does not apply to reactivations (renewed activations after a system change).
For details, please select your existing license below.
Grace Period update Absolute 6
All initial license activations* for Absolute made after October 31, 2022 will result in a free Download Access Code for Absolute 6. Please find it in your MySteinberg account under "Vouchers".
If you have just activated an older Absolute license, please allow up to 30 minutes for the new Download Access Code to appear.
*The grace period does not apply to reactivations (renewed activations after a system change).
You've selected 'Cubase 11 or older'.
This means your current license is stored on a USB-eLicenser (dongle) or in a Soft-eLicenser (on the hard disk).
Click 'Continue' to find out how to check whether you are eligible for a free update to Cubase 14.
You've selected 'Dorico 3 or older'.
This means your current license is stored on a USB-eLicenser (dongle) or in a Soft-eLicenser (on the hard disk).
Click 'Continue' to find out how to check whether you are eligible for a free update to Dorico 5.
Grace Period update HALion 7
All initial license activations* for HALion made after October 31, 2022 will result in a free Download Access Code for HALion 7. Please find it in your MySteinberg account under "Vouchers".
If you have just activated an older HALion license, please allow up to 30 minutes for the new Download Access Code to appear.
*The grace period does not apply to reactivations (renewed activations after a system change).
You've selected 'Nuendo 11 or older'.
This means your current license is stored on a USB-eLicenser (dongle) or in a Soft-eLicenser (on the hard disk).
Click 'Continue' to find out how to check whether you are eligible for a free update to Nuendo 13.
You've selected 'SpectraLayers 8 or older'.
This means your current license is stored on a USB-eLicenser (dongle) or in a Soft-eLicenser (on the hard disk).
Click 'Continue' to find out how to check whether you are eligible for a free update to SpectraLayers 10.
You've selected 'WaveLab 11.1 or older'.
WaveLab 11.1 supports both eLicenser-based and Steinberg Licensing-based licenses. The Grace Period process depends on the licensing technology. Therefore, please select which type of license you are currently using.
WaveLab 11.1
with Steinberg Licensing-based license
WaveLab 11.1 or older
with eLicenser-based license
You are already using the latest licensing technology. You can manage your WaveLab 11.1 license via the Steinberg Activation Manager on your system.
This means your current license is stored on a USB-eLicenser (dongle) or in a Soft-eLicenser (on the hard disk) and is being managed in the eLicenser Control Center.
Grace Period update to Cubase 15
All initial* Download Access Code or Activation Code redemptions for Cubase made after October 7, 2025, will result in a free Grace Period update to Cubase 15. Please find it in your MySteinberg account under "Vouchers".
If you have just activated an older Cubase license, please allow up to 30 minutes for the new Download Access Code to appear.
*The grace period does not apply to reactivations (renewed activations after a system change).
Grace Period update to Dorico 6
All initial* Download Access Code or Activation Code redemptions for Dorico made after March 25, 2025 will result in a free Grace Period update to Dorico 6. Please find it in your MySteinberg account under "Vouchers".
If you have just activated an older Dorico license, please allow up to 30 minutes for the new Download Access Code to appear.
*The grace period does not apply to reactivations (renewed activations after a system change).
Grace Period update to HALion 7
All initial license activations* for HALion made after October 31, 2022 will result in a free Download Access Code for HALion 7. Please find it in your MySteinberg account under "Vouchers".
If you have just activated an older HALion license, please allow up to 30 minutes for the new Download Access Code to appear.
*The grace period does not apply to reactivations (renewed activations after a system change).
Grace Period update to SpectraLayers 12
All Download Access Code redemptions for SpectraLayers 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 made after May 25, 2024, will result in a free Grace Period update to SpectraLayers 12.
Grace Period update to Nuendo 14
All Download Access Code redemptions for Nuendo 12 or 13 made after February 18, 2025 will result in a free Download Access Code for Nuendo 13. Please find it in your MySteinberg account under "Vouchers".
If you have just activated a Nuendo 12 or 13 license, please allow up to 30 minutes for the new Download Access Code to appear.
Grace Period update to WaveLab 12
All Download Access Code redemptions for WaveLab 11.2 made after January 23, 2024 will automatically result in a free WaveLab 12 license.
If you have activated your WaveLab 11.2 license after December 26, 2023, but before January 24, 2024, please find the free update to WaveLab 12 in your MySteinberg account under "Vouchers".
Grace Period update to WaveLab 12
All initial activations* of WaveLab licenses older than version 11.2 made after December 26, 2023 result in a free Download Access Code for WaveLab 12. Please find it in your MySteinberg account under "Vouchers".
If you have just activated the WaveLab license, please allow up to 30 minutes for the new Download Access Code to appear.
*The grace period does not apply to reactivations (renewed activations after a system change).
Grace Period update to eLicenser-based products
You've selected "All other products". This means you are using software with an eLicenser-based license and there is no newer version that is relying on the new Steinberg Licensing license management.
This is currently being updated due to the shutdown of the eLicenser service. The information should be available again shortly. Thank you for your patience!
How to verify Grace Period eligibility
Preparation
- Install the latest Steinberg Download Assistant to make sure all required components are up-to-date.
To do so, simply run the Steinberg Download Assistant to start the auto-update function.
Or update it manually by using these installers: ⬇ macOS | ⬇ Windows - The license for which you wish to check the Grace Period eligibility has to be available on the system - either stored in the Soft-eLicenser or on a connected USB-eLicenser. Only licenses recognized and displayed by the eLicenser Control Center will be considered during the verification.
Instructions
This is currently being updated due to the shutdown of the eLicenser service. The information should be available again shortly. Thank you for your patience!
Japanese customers, please take a look at this page.