After years of managing your Steinberg software licenses, the eLicenser-based licensing service closed down on May 20, 2025. Between 2022 and 2023, the eLicenser system was gradually superseded by the new ID-based Steinberg Licensing system. This system is fully implemented in the entire current range of Steinberg software, providing benefits not available with the outdated technology.
For our customers still using Steinberg software which relies on the eLicenser, we are aware that you have questions. Please see below where we have provided solutions which, we hope, will answer your needs.
eLicenser end-of-service
What is the eLicenser service?
For many years, Steinberg products used the eLicenser license management system with its combination of the USB-eLicenser hardware key and the Soft-eLicenser software key, and it served us and our customers well. But times change, and in January 2022, Steinberg Licensing was introduced replacing the old eLicenser-based license management.
What does end-of-service mean?
With the end-of-service of the eLicenser license management system, we have completed the transition to our new Steinberg Licensing system. Since its introduction in January 2022, we have integrated Steinberg Licensing in our products step-by-step and offered various options to upgrade your eLicenser-based products to the new system.
If you are still using eLicenser-based products, the end of the service has several important implications:
- You can still update your eLicenser-based product to the latest version. However, it is essential that the eLicenser-based product is registered in your MySteinberg account.
- You can no longer reactivate a Soft-eLicenser based product. The only option is to update to the latest version in Steinberg Licensing if such a version is available.
- You cannot move a license from a Soft-eLicenser to a USB-eLicenser or from one USB-eLicenser to another.
eLicenser products
How do I know if my product is using the eLicenser-based licensing service?
Most product releases since the start of 2022 introduced the Steinberg Licensing license management. Older products are eLicenser-based. eLicenser-based products stored on Soft-eLicenser and USB-eLicensers are shown in the eLicenser Control Center installed on your system. Details on the final eLicenser-based versions of our products, including those that also concurrently support Steinberg Licensing, can be found here:
Am I still able to use products with the eLicenser-based licensing service?
Yes, eLicenser-based products can still be used without limitations as long as the licenses are available on the USB-eLicenser or Soft-eLicenser.
What happens if my USB-eLicenser gets broken or is lost now that the eLicenser service is shut down?
If an update to the latest version using Steinberg Licensing is available, please update to that version. For instance, a Cubase Pro 10 can be updated to Cubase Pro 14. For the update to work, the license needs to be registered in your MySteinberg account. If no update is available, please contact support for potential other options.
What happens to products with the Soft-eLicenser-based licensing service?
As long as the Soft-eLicenser is active and contains all purchased licenses, the products can still be used without limitations. Please keep in mind that it is not possible to move licenses to other computers or reactivate them after an operating system reset.
Can I still get support for products with the eLicenser-based licensing service?
While we no longer provide any eLicenser-related support, regular product support continues to be available for the products listed here:
The last eLicenser Control Center release will continue to be available on:
eLicenser Control Center - License Management - Details & Downloads
Can I still sell eLicenser-based products now that the eLicenser service is shut down?
Yes, USB-eLicensers containing product licenses can still be sold and those products can be used as long as the USB-eLicenser is functional. Licenses stored on Soft-eLicensers cannot be transferred to other users and thus cannot be sold.
Can old eLicenser-based activation codes still be used?
Yes, eLicenser-based activation codes (starting with 0240…) can still be used if the product is also available with Steinberg Licensing. (Further restrictions may apply.) To use an activation code, simply enter it in the Steinberg Download Assistant.
Can I purchase spare USB-eLicensers for later use in case my original USB-eLicenser malfunctions?
No, license transfers to another USB-eLicenser are no longer possible.
Upgrading to Steinberg Licensing
What is Steinberg Licensing, and what are its advantages?
Steinberg Licensing was introduced in January 2022 to replace the old eLicenser-based license management system with a modern, more flexible identity-based license management system. With Steinberg Licensing you can simply download your purchased Software, run it, sign in with your Steinberg ID, and you're up and running right away. After activation, you can disconnect from the internet altogether if you need to, and run your software indefinitely without reconnecting. Steinberg Licensing also allows the flexibility to activate your software on up to three of your computers at once – and if you buy a new computer or temporarily need to use a different one, you can easily release your license from one computer to activate another.
Can I still use products with the eLicenser-based licensing service in Steinberg Licensing?
No, eLicenser-based products are incompatible and cannot be used in Steinberg Licensing.
Can I still upgrade my product from the eLicenser-based licensing to Steinberg Licensing?
Yes, upgrading an eLicenser-based license to a new Steinberg Licensing license requires the old license to be registered in your MySteinberg account. Redeeming the update/upgrade Download Access Code in the Steinberg Download Assistant will check the eligibility and provide the new license.
Is my license eligible for an upgrade?
Please evaluate this article to determine the range of suitable options:
Checklist for the transition to Steinberg Licensing – Steinberg Support
How can I upgrade my eLicenser-based Cubase AI or Cubase LE to Steinberg Licensing?
Please contact our support team, and they will provide you with the latest Cubase AI or Cubase LE license.
eLicenser registration in MySteinberg
Why should I register my eLicenser in MySteinberg?
The registration in MySteinberg is mandatory when updating to the current product version. If your product is not registered to your account, we cannot offer further assistance.
How do I register my eLicenser in MySteinberg?
You register your eLicenser in the "Licensed Devices" section of your MySteinberg account. As soon as the registration has been completed, the registered eLicenser as well as all licenses on it are listed in your MySteinberg account under "Licensed Devices".