Using NI USB Key or Dongle for Licensing and Activation

Updated May 30, 2025

Environment

Software

  • License Manager

Other

  • FLEXid
  • USB Key Dongle

For users installing NI software from a USB key or dongle, this document explains how to set up and use the USB for licensing.

This process applies to customers using older versions of NI software that were distributed via USB, but can also apply to newer software users. In 2021, NI transitioned to a digital-first delivery experience for our driver software; however, where available, you can still request physical media  when purchasing your NI software.
Before starting, please make sure that you have a valid license file for the USB Key. If needed, you can request a license file by sending an email to USBKeyLicenseRequest@ni.com and include the following information for each product you want to use:
  • product name (e.g. TestStand 2017)
  • serial number
  • NI USB Key ID (The NI USB Key ID is printed on the NI USB Key)
When you receive the license file, follow the instructions to load the license file onto your NI USB key. 


Note, if you are following licensing software on multiple machines:

  • You will need to install the USB Key driver separately on each machine that you want to use the USB key on. 
  • You will need to install the license file on every machine that you wish to use the USB Key on. To install the license file, drag and drop it onto NI License Manager.

Installation Using NI License Manager 4.5 and Later

To install the USB Key Driver, you will need to download the matching bit version regarding your Windows OS.
  • For Windows 32-bit OS, download USB_Key_NILM_4_5_later_x86.zip. 
  • For Windows 64-bit OS, download USB_Key_NILM_4_5_later_x64.zip.
Once unzipped, note the file path of the download.
  1. Open up the Windows command prompt by clicking on the Windows Start button and searching for cmd.
  2. In the command prompt window, paste the file path of the haspdinst.exe installer. Immediately after the file path, add -i and press enter. This should install the driver to your computer.
  1. Click on the USB_Dongle_for_32_bit_OS.bat or USB_Dongle_for_64_bit_OS.bat. This will run a short script that will move the DLL(s) located within the zip file to the correct location on your computer.
 

Installation Using NI License Manager 4.0 to 4.4

To install the USB Key Driver, you will need to download the matching bit version regarding your Windows OS. 
  • For Windows 32-bit OS, download FLEXID9_Windows_v7_60_i686.zip.
  • For Windows 64-bit OS, download FLEXID9_Windows_v7_60_x64.zip.
Once unzipped, note the file path of the download.
  1. Open up the Windows command prompt by clicking on the Windows Start button and searching for cmd.
  2. In the command prompt window, paste the file path of the haspdinst.exe installer. Immediately after the file path, add -i and press enter. This should install the driver to your computer.


Installation Using NI License Manager 3.7

To install the USB Key Driver, you will need to download FLEXId_Dongle_Driver_Installer.exe.
  1. Double-click on FLEXId_Dongle_Driver_Installer.exe and follow the prompts to install the driver.
  2. Restart the machine at the end of the installation.


Uninstalling Driver Software

  • Uninstalling USB_Key_NILM_4_5_later_x86, USB_Key_NILM_4_5_later_x64, FLEXID9_Windows_v7_60_i686, or FLEXID9_Windows_v7_60_x64.
    • Follow the steps for installing the driver, but instead of adding -i to the command prompt line, add -r.
  • Uninstalling FLEXId_Dongle_Driver_Installer
    1. Open up the Windows Command Prompt by clicking on the Windows Start button and searching for cmd.
    2. In the Command Prompt window, paste the file path of the FLEXId_Dongle_Driver_Installer.exe
    3. Immediately after the file path, add [space] /remove and press Enter. This should uninstall the driver from your computerNILM3.7_Uninstall.png

Attachments

FLEXID9_Windows_v7_60_i686.zip
FLEXID9_Windows_v7_60_x64.zip
USB_KEY_NILM_4_5_later_x64.zip
USB_Key_NILM_4_5_later_x86.zip
FLEXId_Dongle_Driver_Installer.exe

Related Links

Getting Started with VLA and Set Up NI Volume License Manager (VLM)​​​​​​​

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