Licensing Question? Start Here
This guide is your starting point for basic licensing tasks for Keysight hardware and software.
Licensing for EDA
Licensing for Electronic Design Automation software
Licensing for Electronic Test and Measurement Hardware and Software
Understanding the licenses and license management tools
Getting and installing licenses
Preparing licenses for system changes or upgrades
Understanding the licenses and license management tools
There are a variety of license types and definitions. It is helpful to understand what the different terms mean, and what the different types of licenses are.
Keysight License Types Explained
There are also different license management tools that run on a computer to manage the licenses.
Keysight License Managers Explained
Finally, there is the Keysight Software Manager (KSM) website which serves several purposes, such as getting licenses.
Keysight Software Manager Overview
KSM website: https://ksm.software.keysight.com/
Keysight hardware products will usually have the required license managers pre-installed. Similarly, installing Keysight measurement software will install the required license managers. However, USB Portable Licenses and Floating License servers require setup.
Or a r a shorter version: How to Set Up a USB Portable License (short)
Getting and Installing Licenses
You have purchased a license. Now what?
You’ll need:
Here’s what you need to know about Host IDs:
Here’s the step-by-step guide to get a license:
How Can I redeem a Software License from Keysight Software Manager (KSM)?
After you have the license, you need to install it:
How to Install Keysight Licenses
Certain licenses allow you to transfer them between hosts, or "bank" them when idle. This process is sometimes incorrectly called rehosting.
See also: Keysight License Types Explained
For step-by-step instructions to move a license, please read:
Non-movable licenses
There are two (2) types of licenses that cannot be moved.
What is rehosting?
Sometimes a license gets corrupted or stuck in a move, or a Host ID changes due to reimaging a computer. When this happens, the license may need to be adjusted for a new host, a process known as “rehosting.” Only Keysight personnel can perform a rehost. Please log a technical support case if you think a rehost may be applicable.
Rehosting cannot be used to move hardware, fixed, or node-locked licenses to different instruments or computers.
Preparing Licenses for System Changes or Upgrades
A variety of system changes can affect licenses. Make sure you are ready, so that you can get back up and running as quickly as possible when planned or unplanned changes happen.
Preparing Licenses for System Changes or Upgrades
Licensing for Electronic Design Automation Software
EDA software shares some of the same tools as electronic test and measurement, such as Keysight Software Manager, but other aspects are different. For more information, please see