What is a Node-Locked License?
A node-locked license (also called a machine license or device license) is a software license that is bound to a specific physical or virtual machine, identified by a device fingerprint derived from hardware attributes such as CPU ID, MAC address, disk serial number, or a combination thereof. The software can only run on the machine to which it is activated and will refuse to operate if transferred to another device without re-authorization. Node-locked licenses are simple to implement and enforce but limit flexibility for users who work across multiple machines.
Examples
- An engineer activates a CAD software license on their workstation; the license is locked to that machine's hardware fingerprint and cannot be used on another computer.
- A software vendor issues node-locked license keys that are generated based on a hardware identifier collected during the activation process.
- A medical device manufacturer ships embedded software with a node-locked license tied to the device's hardware, preventing the software from running on unauthorized hardware.
- An ISV allows a customer to transfer a node-locked license to a new machine through a formal deactivation and re-activation workflow.
Common Applications
- Desktop and workstation software for individual users
- Embedded and industrial software tied to specific hardware units
- High-value professional software requiring strict copy protection
- OEM software pre-licensed and bound to shipped hardware
- Offline environments where cloud-based license validation is not available