Hardware-Locked Licensing

Bind licenses to specific machines using unique Hardware IDs.

Overview

Bind licenses to specific computers using unique hardware identifiers. Prevent unauthorized sharing of your activation keys by ensuring each license is tied to the machine it was activated on.

Key Benefits

  • Unique Hardware ID based on system components
  • Hardware-locked activation keys that cannot be shared
  • Portable mode with .LIC file for USB environments
  • Configurable hardware ID components
  • Deactivation support to move licenses between machines
VBA Padlock hardware locking configuration

How Hardware-Locked Licensing Works

Hardware locking ties each activation key to one physical environment. This prevents key sharing while keeping a clear transfer path for legitimate users.

1

Collect selected hardware signals (CPU, disk, volume, etc.)

2

Generate a non-reversible machine fingerprint (Hardware ID)

3

Create a key cryptographically tied to that Hardware ID

4

Validate fingerprint match at every launch

Choose a Stable Fingerprint Strategy

Your hardware formula defines the balance between anti-sharing security and end-user tolerance to upgrades. Pick once, then keep it stable across releases.

CPU ID

Very stable

Excellent default anchor for long-term consistency.

Volume Serial

Stable

Good tradeoff between resilience and uniqueness.

Physical Disk Serial

High security

Stricter locking for high-value enterprise deployments.

MAC Address

Variable

Can change due to adapters/VPN; use with caution.
Hardware ID options dialog in VBA Padlock
Hardware ID Options lets you define the fingerprint formula used by your activation keys.

Collecting the User Hardware ID

You can retrieve machine IDs manually (dialog), through VBA helper functions, or fully automated via online activation. 

Public Sub ShowHardwareID()
    Dim hwid As String
    hwid = VBAPL_GetHardwareID()
    MsgBox "Your System ID is: " & hwid
End Sub

Tip: add this action to a support menu so users can quickly send their ID to your sales/support team.

Activation dialog showing hardware ID
End-user activation dialog displays the Hardware ID for key generation.

License Transfer Without Losing Control

Online deactivation

Best UX: user releases the license slot from within the app and reactivates on a new machine immediately.

Manual certificate

Offline-safe flow: user sends a deactivation certificate that you verify before issuing a replacement key.

Hardware locking guide

Concepts, options and practical usage patterns.

Hardware options UI

Configure and freeze your fingerprint strategy.

Deactivation & transfer

Enable secure migration to a new machine.

Key generator

Generate machine-bound licenses for each customer.

Related Features

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