You bought software that uses Archergate for licensing -- a DAW plugin, a game engine addon, a 3D modeling tool, a CAD package, or any other desktop application. This guide covers the essentials: activating your key, moving licenses between machines, working offline, and managing everything from one dashboard.
Activating Your License Key
After purchase, you will receive an email from keys@archergate.io containing your license key and a download link. Your key looks like this:
Install the software and open it. On first launch, paste your key into the activation dialog and click Activate. The software contacts the license server, confirms validity, and binds the key to your machine. You will not need to enter it again on this computer.
What Is Machine Binding
Your computer has a unique hardware fingerprint. When you activate, the server records that fingerprint alongside your key. This prevents unauthorized use on other machines without dongles or extra hardware.
Using Multiple Machines
Most licenses allow 2 to 3 activations. A typical setup might be a workstation and a laptop. Both can run the software simultaneously with the same key.
To check how many activations you have used, log into your Dashboard at archergate.io. Each license shows its active machines and remaining slots.
If You Hit the Limit
- Deactivate from the software. Open the license or settings menu on a machine you no longer use and click Deactivate. The slot frees up immediately.
- Deactivate from your dashboard. If you cannot access the old machine, remove it remotely. No support ticket needed.
Transferring to a New Computer
- Deactivate on the old machine. Open the software, go to the license section, and click Deactivate.
- Activate on the new machine. Install, open, enter your key, and activate.
If the Old Machine Is Gone
Computer died, stolen, or already wiped? Log into your Dashboard at archergate.io and remove that machine. The slot opens instantly -- no support ticket, no waiting.
How Offline Mode Works
Your software does not need a constant internet connection. On first activation, it downloads a small validation file cached locally. From that point, it checks the local file instead of contacting the server.
The Grace Period
The cached validation lasts 7 to 30 days depending on how the developer configured it. During this window the software works fully offline. When it expires, the software re-validates silently if you are online. If you are offline, it will ask you to connect briefly for a single check.
No Phone Home
The validation check sends only your license key and machine fingerprint. No usage data, no session tracking, no analytics. The exchange takes less than a second.
Your Dashboard
Your dashboard at archergate.io is the central hub for all your licenses. From any browser -- including your phone -- you can:
- View all licenses with keys, statuses, and expiration dates.
- See active machines and their activation dates.
- Deactivate machines remotely to free up slots.
- Re-download software without digging through old emails.
Common Issues
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Never received my key | Check spam for "keys@archergate.io". If nothing, contact the developer. |
| Key says invalid | Copy-paste the key. Make sure there are no extra spaces. |
| Activation limit reached | Deactivate an old machine from the software or your dashboard. |
| Software asks to re-activate | Offline grace period expired. Connect to the internet and open the software. |
| New computer | Deactivate old machine (or remove from dashboard), then activate on the new one. |
| Old computer gone | Remove it from your dashboard. No support ticket needed. |
| Network error on activation | Check your connection. If behind a firewall or VPN, allow outbound HTTPS. |
Getting Help
For questions about the software itself -- features, compatibility, bugs, updates -- contact the developer directly by replying to your purchase email. For account issues, billing, or licensing system problems, reach out to Archergate support through your dashboard.