Managing your ScreenConnect (now ConnectWise ScreenConnect) license key involves different steps depending on whether you are using the Cloud or On-Premise (Self-Hosted) version. 🔑 Locating Your License Key
On-Premise (Server Files): The key is stored in \ScreenConnect\App_Data\License.xml. Open this file with Notepad. The key is found between the
On-Premise (Admin Portal): Log in to your instance and navigate to the Admin > Status page to view the owner name and a coded version of your license.
Cloud Instances: Licenses are managed via the ConnectWise Cloud Portal. You can view your active instances and subscription types on the Instances page. 🛠️ How to Install or Update a License For On-Premise Servers
Open the Web Interface: Navigate to your ScreenConnect URL (e.g., http://yourserver:8040/). Access Admin Panel: Go to Admin > Status.
Update License: Click Edit License or Change License and paste your new key into the text area.
Save Changes: The server will validate the key and update your session limits immediately. For Cloud Instances Log in to the Cloud Management Portal. Select the instance you wish to modify.
Click Change License to upgrade your package or adjust the quantity of technician seats. ⚠️ Critical 2025 Security Requirements
As of July 7, 2025, ConnectWise has implemented major changes for On-Premise users:
Self-Signed Installers: ConnectWise no longer signs On-Premise installers with a shared certificate.
Required Action: You must now provide your own publicly trusted code-signing certificate (e.g., from DigiCert) and store it in an Azure Key Vault to sign your guest clients.
Failure to Sign: If your installers are unsigned, they may be blocked by modern antivirus and Windows SmartScreen.
ConnectWise ScreenConnect license key is a unique alphanumeric code used to activate and authorize your specific instance of the remote monitoring and management software. Whether you are using the Remote Support
tiers, the key determines your feature set, the number of concurrent sessions allowed, and your access to security updates. How to Find and Manage Your License Key Initial Purchase:
After purchasing or renewing a subscription, your license key is typically sent via email to the primary account holder. ConnectWise Home:
You can manage your licenses and view active keys by logging into the ConnectWise Home portal or the Cloud Management On-Premise Installation:
For self-hosted users, the license information is stored in the web.config file or within the Administration > License page of the web interface. Important Considerations Subscription vs. Perpetual:
Modern ScreenConnect licenses are predominantly subscription-based. If your subscription expires, your license key will be deactivated, and remote access functionality will cease. Concurrency Limits:
Your key dictates how many technicians can be in a session at once. Exceeding this limit will trigger an error message until a session is closed.
Never share your license key publicly. If a key is compromised, it could allow unauthorized parties to intercept or spoof your remote support instance. to an existing installation? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
ConnectWise ScreenConnect (now officially rebranded as ConnectWise Control) is one of the most powerful remote support and access solutions on the market. Whether you are an IT professional providing ad-hoc support or a business manager overseeing a remote workforce, obtaining and managing your ScreenConnect license key is the first step toward seamless connectivity.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about ScreenConnect licenses, from the different pricing tiers to how you can retrieve a lost key. 🔑 What is a ScreenConnect License Key?
A ScreenConnect license key is a unique alphanumeric string that authenticates your software installation. It serves several critical functions:
Activation: Unlocks the full features of the software after the trial period.
Validation: Verifies that your copy of the software is legitimate and authorized.
Feature Control: Determines how many concurrent sessions, technicians, or unattended access agents you can use.
Update Access: Links your installation to an active maintenance plan, allowing you to download the latest security patches and feature updates. 🏗️ Types of ScreenConnect Licenses
ConnectWise offers various licensing models to fit different business sizes and technical needs. Understanding these will help you ensure your key unlocks the right capabilities. 1. Remote Support (Per-Technician)
This is the most common model for help desks. It is licensed based on the number of technicians who will be using the software simultaneously. One: Single technician, one session at a time.
Standard: Multiple sessions per tech, includes meeting features.
Premium: Includes advanced features like video auditing and remote diagnostics toolkit. 2. Remote Access (Per-Endpoint)
This model is designed for internal IT teams or MSPs who need to manage a fixed set of computers. Licensed by the number of unattended agents installed.
Allows for an unlimited number of technicians to access those specific machines. 3. Legacy Self-Hosted Licenses
Older versions of ScreenConnect were sold as "perpetual" licenses. While ConnectWise has moved primarily to a subscription model, many long-term users still maintain legacy keys that require annual maintenance renewals to stay current. 🚀 How to Get a ScreenConnect License Key
If you are a new user or looking to upgrade, the process is straightforward:
Start a Trial: Visit the ConnectWise website to start a 14-day free trial. You typically do not need a permanent key for this phase. Screenconnect License Key
Purchase a Plan: Choose between the Support, Access, or Edge plans.
Check Your Email: Once payment is processed, ConnectWise sends a "Welcome" email containing your license key or instructions on how to activate your cloud instance.
Customer Portal: You can always find your key by logging into the ConnectWise Home portal. 🛠️ How to Install or Update Your License Key
If you are using the self-hosted version of ScreenConnect, you may need to manually update your key when you renew your subscription or add more seats. Steps to Update:
Login to your ScreenConnect web interface as an Administrator.
Navigate to the Administration tab on the left-hand sidebar. Select the Status page. Locate the License Information section.
Click Edit License Key and paste your new alphanumeric string.
Click Save; the changes should reflect immediately without a server restart. ⚠️ Troubleshooting License Issues
Sometimes, your ScreenConnect license key might return an error. Here are the most common causes:
Maintenance Expired: If you are self-hosting and your maintenance plan has lapsed, you cannot upgrade to a version of the software released after your expiration date.
Seat Limit Reached: If your key allows for 3 concurrent sessions and you try to open a 4th, the software will block the connection.
Version Mismatch: Using a legacy key on a modern "Cloud" version of the software will often result in an invalid key error. 🛡️ A Note on "Cracked" License Keys
It may be tempting to search for "ScreenConnect license key generator" or "cracked ScreenConnect keys" to avoid subscription costs. However, this is a major security risk for several reasons:
Malware Risk: Cracked installers often contain backdoors that give hackers access to your entire network.
No Support: You will not receive critical security updates, leaving your remote connections vulnerable to exploits.
Legal Consequences: Using unauthorized software can lead to significant fines and legal action for your business. 📈 Conclusion
Your ScreenConnect license key is the gateway to a secure, high-performance remote desktop experience. By choosing the right plan and keeping your license information updated, you ensure that your IT operations remain efficient and your data stays protected.
If you're looking to optimize your remote support setup, I can help you: Compare ScreenConnect vs. competitors (TeamViewer, AnyDesk)
Calculate the ROI of different license tiers for your team size
Draft a security policy for remote access within your company Which of these would be most helpful for your next step?
A ScreenConnect license key (now under the ConnectWise ScreenConnect brand) is a digital credential used to unlock remote support and unattended access capabilities. For modern cloud-based users, this key is often integrated directly into the cloud portal, while self-hosted (on-premise) users require a physical key to activate their server.
As of May 2026, ScreenConnect has transitioned away from its permanent free tier, moving toward a subscription-focused model. Understanding the current licensing structure is critical for IT professionals and MSPs to avoid session limits or service interruptions. Current Licensing Models & Pricing
ScreenConnect offers several tiers based on whether you need Remote Support (attended sessions with a technician) or Remote Access (unattended management of machines). 1. Remote Support Plans (Per-Technician)
These plans use a concurrent technician model, where the license key determines how many simultaneous sessions a technician can host. Remote Support One: ~$30/month (billed annually). Designed for individual users.
Restriction: Limited to 1 technician, 1 session at a time, and 10 unattended access agents. Remote Support Standard: ~$45/month (billed annually). The most popular choice for IT teams.
Capacity: Allows up to 3 simultaneous sessions per technician and includes unlimited unattended access agents. Remote Support Premium: ~$55/month (billed annually).
Includes advanced features like video auditing and reporting.
Capacity: Allows up to 10 simultaneous sessions per technician. 2. Remote Unattended Access (Per-Agent)
This plan is designed for managing large fleets of computers where live support isn't the primary goal. Reddit·r/ConnectWisehttps://www.reddit.com
Managing your ConnectWise ScreenConnect (formerly ConnectWise Control) license key depends on whether you use a On-Premise (Self-Hosted) Quick Summary of License Types Concurrent Technician (Remote Support): Based on the number of simultaneous active sessions. Agent-Based (Remote Access):
Based on the total number of managed endpoints, with unlimited concurrent technician sessions. Free Tier: ConnectWise has recently moved to discontinue its permanent free tier
, replacing it with a 30-day evaluation for new and existing free accounts. How to Find Your License Key 1. For Cloud Instances
Cloud users typically do not need to manually enter a "key" string, as the license is tied to your account and instance URL. Where to view: Log in to the ScreenConnect Cloud Portal . Your licenses are displayed on the Changing licenses:
Click the ellipsis (three dots) next to your instance URL and select Change License to upgrade or modify your plan. ScreenConnect 2. For On-Premise (Self-Hosted) Instances
If you host your own server, you may need to locate the physical license file or key for updates or troubleshooting. Installation Folder: Just let me know which direction you’d like
Go to the directory where ScreenConnect is installed on your server. File Location: \ScreenConnect\App_Data\License.xml Reading the Key: License.xml
with a text editor like Notepad. Your key is located between the Purchase Email:
For on-premise purchases, the key is also included in the confirmation email sent at the time of purchase or renewal. Updating or Renewing Your License
Updates are handled automatically through the portal. You can manage billing and view transaction history on the ScreenConnect Pricing billing page. On-Premise:
To apply a new key, log in to your ScreenConnect web interface as an administrator, navigate to the Administration
page, and find the license section to enter your updated code. Recent Security Requirements Starting in July 2025, ConnectWise requires on-premise partners to code-sign their own installers
The ScreenConnect license key is a digital code used to activate and verify your instance of ConnectWise ScreenConnect. Depending on whether you use a cloud-hosted or on-premises (self-hosted) setup, the management of this key differs significantly. Locating Your License Key
Cloud Portal: For cloud instances, your licensing is managed through the ConnectWise Cloud Portal. You can view and modify your license type on the Instances page.
On-Premises Server: On a self-hosted server, the license key is typically stored in a file named License.xml located in the \App_Data\ folder of your installation directory (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\ScreenConnect\App_Data\License.xml).
Upgrade URL: If you are in the process of upgrading, your license key may appear directly in the URL of the order page when you click "Upgrade" in the administration menu. Licensing Models ScreenConnect primarily uses two licensing models:
Concurrent Technician: Licenses are based on how many technicians are logged in at the same time. This model is common for the Remote Support tier.
Agent-Based (Unattended Access): Licenses are based on the total number of computers (agents) you have installed for Remote Access. Important License Actions
Changing License Types: You can switch between packages (e.g., from a trial to a paid version) via the "Change License" option in the cloud portal.
Addressing License Errors: During upgrades, if you encounter license errors, it is recommended to stop the four ScreenConnect services (Session Manager, Security Manager, Web Server, Relay) and temporarily move the License.xml file before proceeding.
Free License Sunset: Note that ConnectWise has recently transitioned many users away from older "free" plans. As of late 2025, many free legacy licenses have been sunsetted or converted to evaluation versions. Critical Security Updates for On-Premises ScreenConnect Now Requires Code Signing Certificate (Azure)
Managing your ConnectWise ScreenConnect license key depends on whether you are using the On-Premise (self-hosted) version ScreenConnect
has recently sunsetted its free tier (as of October 2025) and introduced new security requirements for on-premise users, keeping your license updated is critical for uninterrupted service. 1. Locate Your License Key
If you need to find an existing license key for administrative tasks or upgrades, use these methods: Via Web Interface : Log in to your ScreenConnect server. Navigate to Administration . Clicking the "..." menu and selecting
will often reveal your key embedded in the URL of the resulting order page. Via Cloud Portal
: For cloud users, keys and subscription details are managed directly on the instances page ScreenConnect Cloud Portal Via Server Files (On-Premise) : On your server, go to the folder within the installation directory. Open the license.xml
file with a text editor like Notepad; your key is stored between the base64 tags. 2. Update or Install a New License
Applying a license key is typically handled during the initial setup or via the admin panel: Setup Wizard : During a fresh installation, the ScreenConnect
setup wizard will prompt you to enter your license key to activate the software. Ongoing Management
: You can add or change license types (e.g., switching between Remote Support Remote Access ) by navigating to the Administration page in your portal. ScreenConnect 3. Critical Requirements for On-Premise Licenses
As of mid-2025, on-premise partners must follow new security protocols to keep their licenses functional:
I’m unable to help create a post that shares, requests, or promotes cracked, leaked, or unauthorized license keys for ScreenConnect (or any software). Doing so would violate copyright laws, software terms of service, and could expose people to legal risks or malware.
However, I’d be glad to help you create legitimate posts about ScreenConnect, such as:
Just let me know which direction you’d like to take, and I’ll draft a clean, professional post for you.
If you host ScreenConnect on your own hardware, you can find your key in a few locations:
Administration Portal: Navigate to Administration > License. Click the ... menu and select Upgrade. The license key is often embedded in the resulting URL after UpgradeLicense=.
Server Files: Look in your server’s installation directory (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\ScreenConnect\App_Data\). Open License.xml with Notepad; the key is stored between the
Fulfillment Email: Search your inbox for "ConnectWise ScreenConnect Order Fulfilled". For Cloud Users
Cloud instances generally do not require a manual "key" for activation, as licensing is managed through your ConnectWise Cloud Portal.
Dashboard: Log in to see your active instances and current license tier.
Instance ID: If integrating with other tools (like Atera or Syncro), your Instance ID can be found on the Cloud Portal’s account page or within the properties of the ScreenConnect Client service on a Windows machine. 🚀 Activation & Upgrades Step 1: Determine Your Deployment Method
The location of your key depends on whether you are using a cloud-based or self-hosted (on-premise) installation:
Self-Hosted (On-Premise): You can find your license key within your server files. Navigate to the bin folder in your ScreenConnect installation directory and open the license.xml file with a text editor. The key is typically found between two base64 tags.
Cloud Instances: Your licensing details are managed through the ConnectWise Cloud Portal. You can view your active plans and instance IDs on the "Instances" page.
Email Confirmation: For any new purchase or renewal, the license key is sent to the primary contact email address. Understanding ScreenConnect Licensing Models (2026)
ConnectWise uses two primary licensing structures to fit different IT needs: Concurrent Technician (Remote Support):
How it works: Licenses are based on the number of technicians who can be active at once. Tiers: One: ~$30/month for 1 technician and 1 concurrent session.
Standard: ~$45/month for 3 concurrent sessions per technician.
Premium: ~$55/month for 10 concurrent sessions per technician. Agent-Based (Remote Access):
How it works: Pricing is determined by the number of "unattended" devices you manage.
Benefit: This model allows for unlimited technicians and simultaneous connections, which is ideal for internal IT teams managing a fixed set of company machines. Quick Troubleshooting
"Waiting for Free License" Error: This typically means you have reached your plan's concurrent session limit.
Corrupted Key: If you receive a "License Key Corrupted" warning, you may need to contact ConnectWise Support to have your license key re-sent or re-verified.
Free Version: ConnectWise offers a limited free plan for personal use, supporting one technician and up to three unattended access agents.
Managing your ConnectWise ScreenConnect license key is essential for maintaining uninterrupted remote support operations, especially as the platform transitions away from its long-standing free tier. 1. Where to Find Your License Key
If you are running an on-premise installation, your license key is stored locally on your server. File Location
: Navigate to the folder where ScreenConnect is installed (typically in the directory) and locate a file named license.xml Reading the Key
: Open this file with a text editor like Notepad. Your license key will be found between the base64 tags. 2. Licensing Changes in 2025/2026
ConnectWise has made significant changes to its licensing structure: Discontinuation of Free Tier September 2025
, ConnectWise began phasing out the "Free" instance tier. Most existing free instances were automatically switched to a 30-day evaluation license, after which they must be upgraded to a paid plan or risk permanent data deletion. On-Premise Legacy Support
: Some legacy on-premise "perpetual" licenses still exist, but users have reported validation failures when upgrading to newer versions (e.g., version 24.2) if they are "out of support". 3. How to Renew or Upgrade
To keep your service active, you can manage your license through the ScreenConnect Cloud Portal Trial to Paid
: You can change your license type by clicking "Buy Now" at the bottom of the purchase window within your account settings. Discount Opportunities
: ConnectWise occasionally offers transition discounts (e.g., 20% off the first year) for users moving from free to paid annual plans. Institutional Licenses
: For university or corporate environments, new server instances may no longer be supported, and you must contact your central IT service desk to obtain current keys. 4. Important Security Requirements
Newer versions of ScreenConnect (released mid-2025) now require a Code Signing Certificate
for on-premise servers. Ensure your server meets these security updates to prevent the license from appearing "corrupted" or invalid.
ConnectWise ScreenConnect (formerly Control) is widely considered one of the most reliable and fastest remote support tools by IT professionals. However, recent reviews for its license keys and renewal practices are heavily divided between high technical praise and frustration over rising costs. Licensing Model & Plans ScreenConnect uses two primary licensing structures: (per technician) and (per endpoint). Remote Support Plans : Best for ad-hoc troubleshooting. : ~$30/month for a single tech with a 1-session limit. : ~$45/month per tech; allows 3 concurrent sessions.
: ~$55/month per tech; allows up to 10 concurrent sessions and includes advanced diagnostics. Remote Access Plans
: Best for managing a fixed set of devices without worrying about tech counts. Legacy Licenses
: Many long-term users still hold "perpetual" on-premise licenses, though ConnectWise has been aggressively pushing these users toward annual subscription models with significant price hikes. Top Reviews & Feedback ScreenConnect™ Remote Access pricing plans
Here’s a short informational piece about a ScreenConnect license key.
Many users searching for a "ScreenConnect license key" do not realize there is a completely legal, free version. ConnectWise offers a Free Plan that includes:
To get this, you do not need a cracked key. You simply sign up on the ConnectWise website. The platform assigns your account a unique license. This is the safest way to test ScreenConnect without paying.
ConnectWise is moving toward zero-trust licensing. Rumors from their 2024 partner summit indicate:
If you are currently using a cracked ScreenConnect license key, expect your instance to stop functioning within the next 12 months.
After purchase, you will receive an email from noreply@connectwise.com with your License ID and a download link.
http://yourserver:8040/Account/Login.license file..license file or a text-based key.In nations where monthly salaries are $300 USD, a $35 subscription is prohibitively expensive. This drives demand for cracked versions. However, ConnectWise offers non-profit and humanitarian pricing (up to 80% discount) – but few people apply for it.