Activation Overview

Starting with Release 2008a, The MathWorks requires activation of all software in the MATLAB and Simulink product families. PolySpace code verification products do not require activation.

What is activation?

Activation is a process that verifies licensed use of MathWorks products. This process validates the license and ensures that it is not used on more computers or by more users than allowed by your license option.

Which license options require activation?

The activation process described here applies to Individual and Group license options. Network Named User and Concurrent license options that use the FLEXnet license server have always required activation of the sever. These license options continue to require activation of the server, but not the client machines. Total Academic Headcount (TAH) and Total Engineering Headcount (TEH) license options also require some form of activation. Contact your sales representative for more information about activating TAH and TEH license options.

Which releases require activation?

Starting with R2008a, all releases require activation, including prereleases, trials, and betas. Releases prior to R2008a do not need to be activated. When you activate your software, it is activated for the term of your license. However, if you upgrade to a new release, add or remove products on your license, or move the software to a new computer, you will need to activate your software again.

How do I activate my software?

Activation typically takes place following software installation. If your computer has an Internet connection, the MATLAB installer contacts the activation server to retrieve your License File and put it on your computer. The License File contains computer-specific information that is transmitted during the activation process. If your computer does not have Internet access, you can activate your software through the License Center.

What are the benefits of activation?

For The MathWorks, activation serves as a deterrent to unauthorized use of MathWorks products. Software piracy is a growing concern for software vendors, and activation is becoming a common licensing mechanism to reduce piracy. Learn more about software piracy from the Business Software Alliance.

For users, the requirement to activate software is complemented by the License Center, a Web application that provides centralized management of license and user information. Together, activation and the License Center provide automated product tracking and more flexible software deployment. Organizations can leverage activation and the License Center to make it easier to stay in compliance with license agreements.

In addition, users who were previously required to use a hardware dongle no longer need one to use R2008a and subsequent releases.