ConnectWise is moving toward zero-trust licensing. Rumors from their 2024 partner summit indicate:
If you are currently using a cracked ScreenConnect license key, expect your instance to stop functioning within the next 12 months.
Go to control.connectwise.com/pricing. Choose your plan. During checkout, you will be asked for:
ConnectWise actively prosecutes commercial usage of cracked licenses. Their licensing team uses automated crawling to detect publicly exposed self-hosted instances running pirated keys. In 2024 alone, they issued:
Managing your ConnectWise ScreenConnect (formerly ConnectWise Control) license key depends on whether you use a On-Premise (Self-Hosted) Quick Summary of License Types Concurrent Technician (Remote Support): Based on the number of simultaneous active sessions. Agent-Based (Remote Access):
Based on the total number of managed endpoints, with unlimited concurrent technician sessions. Free Tier: ConnectWise has recently moved to discontinue its permanent free tier Screenconnect License Key
, replacing it with a 30-day evaluation for new and existing free accounts. How to Find Your License Key 1. For Cloud Instances
Cloud users typically do not need to manually enter a "key" string, as the license is tied to your account and instance URL. Where to view: Log in to the ScreenConnect Cloud Portal . Your licenses are displayed on the Changing licenses:
Click the ellipsis (three dots) next to your instance URL and select Change License to upgrade or modify your plan. ScreenConnect 2. For On-Premise (Self-Hosted) Instances
If you host your own server, you may need to locate the physical license file or key for updates or troubleshooting. Installation Folder:
Go to the directory where ScreenConnect is installed on your server. File Location: \ScreenConnect\App_Data\License.xml Reading the Key: License.xml ConnectWise is moving toward zero-trust licensing
with a text editor like Notepad. Your key is located between the Purchase Email:
For on-premise purchases, the key is also included in the confirmation email sent at the time of purchase or renewal. Updating or Renewing Your License
Updates are handled automatically through the portal. You can manage billing and view transaction history on the ScreenConnect Pricing billing page. On-Premise:
To apply a new key, log in to your ScreenConnect web interface as an administrator, navigate to the Administration
page, and find the license section to enter your updated code. Recent Security Requirements Starting in July 2025, ConnectWise requires on-premise partners to code-sign their own installers If you are currently using a cracked ScreenConnect
After purchase, you will receive an email from noreply@connectwise.com with your License ID and a download link.
If you need a genuine activation, follow this guide.
In the world of remote desktop software and IT support, few names carry as much weight as ScreenConnect (now formally known as ConnectWise Control). Since its acquisition by ConnectWise, the platform has remained a gold standard for remote access, unattended access, and meeting facilitation. Whether you are a solo IT technician managing 50 servers or a large MSP (Managed Service Provider) overseeing thousands of endpoints, ScreenConnect offers unparalleled speed, self-hosting options, and granular security controls.
Consequently, the search term "ScreenConnect License Key" generates millions of queries annually. People want access to this premium tool. Some seek legitimate upgrades, others look for cracked versions, and many simply do not understand how the licensing structure works.
This article will dissect everything you need to know about ScreenConnect licensing—from official pricing tiers and free trials to the extreme risks of using pirated license keys. By the end, you will understand why chasing an illegal "free key" could destroy your business, while a legitimate license is one of the best investments for your IT infrastructure.
Most cracked versions involve:
Initially, these cracks might appear successful. The software opens. No "Invalid License" popup appears. But modern ScreenConnect versions include silent telemetry. Within 24–72 hours, the server will either: