---
title: "Licensing FAQ"
description: "Frequently asked questions about licensing LumiScan software - LumiScan Key, CodeMeter, licence updates, renewal and ctrlX licences."
product: "LumiScan Licensing"
component: "lumiscan-licensing"
version: "1.0.1"
display_version: "1.0.1"
latest_version: false
language: "en"
url: "https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/faq.html"
---

# Licensing FAQ – LumiScan Licensing

Short answers to the questions customers ask most often about licensing. Each answer links to the page with the full procedure. For error messages, see also [Troubleshooting](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/troubleshooting.html).

> [!TIP]
> Each entry has a fixed anchor (for example `#faq-one-key-per-device`), so you can link to it directly.

## Which licence do I need?

### Which licensing path applies to me? {#faq-which-path}

It depends on where you bought the software and where it runs:

- Bought from HD Vision Systems, running on Windows 11 or Ubuntu 24.04: the licence is on your LumiScan Key.
- Bought in the ctrlX Store, running on Windows 11: the licence is in ctrlX WORKS, and a LumiScan Key is required in addition.
- Bought in the ctrlX Store, running on ctrlX OS (ctrlX CORE or an IPC with ctrlX OS): a ctrlX licence in the License Manager of ctrlX OS; no LumiScan Key.

Details: [Which Licensing Path Applies](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/which-licensing-path.html).

### Where do I find the licence part number for my app? {#faq-which-key-code}

The ctrlX part numbers (for example `SWL-W-XCx-CAMDRIVERxHDVSx-V2NN`) and the counting rules are listed in [Licence Reference](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/licence-reference.html). The **Requirements** page of each product manual also names the licence that product needs.

### How many licences does an app need? {#faq-how-many-licences}

LumiScan CamDriver needs one licence per connected camera. LumiScan Area Detector, Object Finder, Template Finder and Text Reader need one licence per ten modules. All other apps need one licence per app instance. See [Counting rules](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/licence-reference.html#counting-rules).

### What is the difference between Standard and Advanced? {#faq-standard-advanced}

The code readers (Aztec, Barcode, DMC, QR) and the Text Reader exist as Standard and Advanced. An Advanced licence is always used together with a Standard licence. If an Advanced licence is available, the app uses it automatically; otherwise it runs with Standard functions. See [Standard and Advanced](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/licence-reference.html#standard-and-advanced).

## The LumiScan Key

### What is the LumiScan Key? {#faq-what-is-key}

The USB licence key for LumiScan software, a CodeMeter container by WIBU-SYSTEMS AG. CodeMeter Control Center shows it as **CmStick/C** with a serial number such as `3-1234567`; the serial number is also printed on the key. See [The LumiScan Key](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/lumiscan-key.html).

### Do I need one LumiScan Key per PC? {#faq-one-key-per-device}

Yes. You need one LumiScan Key for each device on which LumiScan software runs at the same time. To run the software on three PCs simultaneously, you need three keys. See [One key per device](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/lumiscan-key.html#one-key-per-device).

### Can I use my LumiScan Key on another PC? {#faq-move-key}

Yes. Keys are not bound to a device and can be exchanged between devices at any time. Close the LumiScan applications, remove the key, connect it to the other PC (with CodeMeter Runtime installed) and start the software. You do not need to contact HD Vision Systems. See [Moving the Key to Another PC](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/moving-the-key.html).

### Can one key hold licences for several products? {#faq-several-products}

Yes. HD Vision Systems adds further products to your existing key with a licence update. See [Requesting a Licence Update](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/requesting-a-licence-update.html).

### I bought the app in the ctrlX Store. Why do I need a LumiScan Key on Windows? {#faq-ctrlx-why-key}

On Windows 11, the licence is held in ctrlX WORKS, and the LumiScan Key protects the software against reverse engineering. It does not hold a second licence, and you do not pay twice. The key is updated only when you add a new LumiScan product. See [Bought in the ctrlX Store, Running on Windows](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/path-ctrlx-windows.html).

### Do I need a LumiScan Key on a ctrlX CORE or a ctrlX IPC? {#faq-ctrlx-os-no-key}

No. Apps running natively on ctrlX OS - on a ctrlX CORE or on an IPC with ctrlX OS - use a ctrlX licence in the License Manager of ctrlX OS. Neither the LumiScan Key nor CodeMeter Runtime is used. See [Bought in the ctrlX Store, Running on ctrlX OS](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/path-ctrlx-os.html).

## Installing and activating

### Which CodeMeter Runtime version do I need? {#faq-codemeter-version}

CodeMeter Runtime 9.00 or later, for all LumiScan products. Check the installed version with `cmu --version` (on Windows `cmu32` in the CodeMeter Command Prompt). See [Installing CodeMeter Runtime](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/installing-codemeter.html).

### How do I get a licence onto my LumiScan Key? {#faq-request-licence}

1. Create a licence request file (`.WibuCmRaC`) from the key in CodeMeter Control Center (**License Update** > **Create license request** > **Extend existing license** > **HD Vision Systems GmbH (6000380)**), or with `cmu --context 6000380 --serial <serial> --file <serial>.WibuCmRaC`.
2. Send it to [licenses@hdvisionsystems.com](mailto:licenses@hdvisionsystems.com) with your order or quotation number and the products you want.
3. Import the licence update file (`.WibuCmRaU`) that you receive.

See [Requesting a Licence Update](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/requesting-a-licence-update.html) and [Importing a Licence Update](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/importing-a-licence-update.html).

### Does the licence request file contain personal data? {#faq-request-personal-data}

No. It only describes the current state of your LumiScan Key and does not change your licences.

### I imported the update, but the app does not see the new licence. {#faq-restart-after-update}

The new licences are available immediately, but applications that were already running may need a restart to use them.

### Can I use the LumiScan Key in a virtual machine or a container? {#faq-vm-container}

Yes. For a virtual machine, pass the USB device through and install CodeMeter Runtime inside the VM. For a container, run CodeMeter Runtime with the key on the host, enable the network server in CodeMeter WebAdmin and let the software in the container access it on TCP port 22350. See [Virtual machines and containers](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/installing-codemeter.html#virtual-machines-and-containers).

## Renewal and subscription

### Do I have to renew my licences every year? {#faq-renewal-needed}

Only engineering apps bought from HD Vision Systems (for example LumiScan Annotation Framework, LumiScan Training Framework, LumiScan VGR Engineering). They are an annual subscription and are renewed with a licence update every year. Runtimes and vision apps are a one-time purchase and need no renewal. See [Renewing Engineering Licences](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/renewing-engineering-licences.html).

### When should I start the renewal? {#faq-renewal-when}

About four weeks before the expiry date. A renewal requires a valid subscription. You can check the expiry date in CodeMeter WebAdmin (**Container** > **Licenses**) or with `cmu --list-content --serial <serial>`.

### What happens when the subscription expires? {#faq-subscription-expired}

The engineering app can no longer be used. Your projects and data are not affected. As soon as your subscription is valid again and you have imported the renewal, the app works again - no reinstallation needed.

## Error messages

### Error 705 when importing a licence update {#faq-error-705}

The update file does not match the current state of the key: it was already imported, another update was imported in between, or it is meant for a different key. Compare the serial number in the file name with your key. If the new licences are missing, create a new request and send it to [licenses@hdvisionsystems.com](mailto:licenses@hdvisionsystems.com). See [Error 705 during import](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/troubleshooting.html#error-705).

### "User maximum reached!" when starting an application {#faq-user-maximum}

All licences on the key for this application are in use. Close other instances of the application that use this key and click **Retry**. To run the software on several devices at the same time, use one LumiScan Key per device. See [Troubleshooting](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/troubleshooting.html#user-maximum-reached).

### HD Vision Systems GmbH is not listed in the CmFAS Assistant {#faq-vendor-missing}

The LumiScan Key was not selected on the **License** tab before you clicked **License Update**. Close the assistant, select the key and start again.

### The key is not detected {#faq-key-not-detected}

Check that the CodeMeter service is running (`systemctl status codemeter` on Ubuntu; status line in CodeMeter Control Center on Windows), try another USB port directly on the PC, and in a virtual machine check the USB passthrough. See [Key not detected](https://docs.hdvisionsystems.com/en/lumiscan-licensing/1.0.1/troubleshooting.html#key-not-detected).

### My ctrlX app stops shortly after starting {#faq-ctrlx-app-stops}

A required ctrlX licence is missing on the ctrlX OS device, or the app needs more licences than are installed (for example one per camera for LumiScan CamDriver). The ctrlX OS system log names the missing licence.

## Contact

Licensing questions and licence requests: [licenses@hdvisionsystems.com](mailto:licenses@hdvisionsystems.com). Please state your company, the order or invoice number, the serial number of your LumiScan Key and the exact error message.