Solution
Not to be confused with Volume License Manager (VLM), NI License Manager (NILM) is the client‑side application used by end users to activate software on their local machines.
If you have received a server license file to install on your license server, ensure that you use
Volume License Manager (VLM) and not
NI License Manager. NI License Manager (NILM) will reject license files that are intended for VLM servers.
Note: NI License Manager (NILM) is only compatible with disconnected licenses and does not support other license types. Disconnected licenses can be found under the Local Licenses tab in NI License Manager.
Please follow the steps below to troubleshoot your license installation:
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Once you have been provided with a disconnected license file, please verify that the file name matches your username or hostname, as applicable. If the names do not match, you will need to request that your Software Administrator generate a new file using the correct information.
- If you have older disconnected license files still installed in NI License Manager, you can uninstall them by right‑clicking the license and selecting Uninstall.
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If you need to install multiple license files on the same machine, you can rename them if they share the same file name to prevent conflicts when NILM identifies each license.
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If you are prompted to activate your software even after installing a disconnected license, you can try removing other local licenses to ensure the disconnected license is prioritized. Navigate to the following folder:
C:\ProgramData\National Instruments\License Manager (
this folder may be hidden).
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Once you reach this folder, create a new folder named Backup. Then, move all contents from the Licenses folder into the Backup folder.
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Return to NI License Manager and reinstall the disconnected license file.
If you are still experiencing issues after completing these steps, please contact
NI Technical Support for further assistance.