How to Renew PTC License

1. Understanding License Types and Renewal Needs

A. Subscription License (e.g. Creo, Mathcad, ThingWorx)

  • Subscription licenses expire after a set period. You’ll typically be prompted within the application to renew in advance of How to Renew PTC License expiry.

  • For node-locked or single-server licenses, the software usually issues a warning 15 days before expiration (this default can be configured via daystoshow_expirydialog)

B. Support/Maintenance Renewal

  • If your support contract (aka Global Support or Maintenance) is ending, renewing ensures continued access to updates and technical help

C. Kepware (part of PTC

  • Uses its own License Utility for activation and renewals. It offers both online and offline workflows, and involves support renewal files accessed via the My Kepware portalPTC.


2. Accessing PTC’s Manage Licensing App

  • PTC consolidated licensing management into the How to Renew PTC License within PTC eSupport.

  • Launched May 2024 for ThingWorx & Windchill, and expanded on June 9, 2025, to include Creo, Mathcad, Arbortext, and othersPTC.

  • This app offers a modern interface, centralized management of entitlements, reporting, license assignment/modification features, and easier identification of expiration datesPTC.


3. Step-by-Step: Renewal via Manage Licensing

Step 1: Log in

  • Visit PTC eSupport, and navigate to the Manage Licensing app.

  • You must have a License Management permission set in PTC’s Web Access ManagementPTC.

Step 2: View your licenses

  • Browse all active products, their edition types (floating vs. node-locked), hosts, and expiration dates—all in one placePTC.

Step 3: Renew access or support

  • For approving renewals or extending support:

    • Generate a renewal quote.

    • Submit it directly—either through the UI or the PTC Online Renewal Service for support renewalsPTC Support.

Step 4: Online Support Renewal (Global Support)

  • Locate your renewal quote.

  • Provide a PO number or reference; then accept terms and submit.

  • A confirmation email follows within ~1 hour, with an invoice arriving within about a week. Payment terms are usually 30 daysPTC Support.

Step 5: Update license file

  • Upon renewal, the system automatically updates your license file for single-server or node-locked setups when you click “Renew License” in the application—you’ll be redirected to PTC’s site to complete the processPTC Support.


4. When the App Isn’t Enough: Manual or Partner Situations

A. Renewing via Support Case or Contacting PTC

  • If you don’t have required permissions or need help, you can raise a support case via PTC’s case logging portal or email the License Management team at wwlm@ptc.comPTC Support.

B. Working Through a Reseller or Partner

  • If your license was purchased via a PTC “partner,” they often handle renewals directly—contact your rep for streamlined supportcommunity.ptc.com+1.


5. Special Case: Kepware License Renewal

If you’re using Kepware products (KEPServerEX, ThingWorx Kepware Edge, etc.):

Online Renewal:

  1. Log into My Kepware portal, download the “Support Renewal File.”

  2. Use Kepware’s License Utility on your host to import the renewal file and update the licensePTC.

Offline Renewal:

  • Transfer the renewal file manually and use the License Utility to verify the license is “banked” or updatedPTC.

Refer to Kepware’s utility help file for more detailed steps and troubleshooting.


6. Quick Troubleshooting Tips

  • “Customer Not Verified” errors (especially on student/educational licenses):

    • Often due to credential issues. Some users resolved this by deleting the old license file from C:\ProgramData\PTC\Licensing, then copying in the new .dat license file received via emailcommunity.ptc.com+1.

    • If that fails, check or reuse instructions for newer versions (e.g., a guide for Creo 11 from PTC schools site)community.ptc.com.

  • Missing renewal options in the app?

    • Ensure you have proper access rights or contact support/License Management team.


7. Summary: Renewal Process at a Glance

Scenario Access Method Renewal Path
Subscription license (Creo, Mathcad, etc.) Manage Licensing app Click “Renew License” → complete online → auto-update
Support / Global Support renewal Manage Licensing app or Online Renewal Service Submit quote → PO/reference → confirmation & invoice
Kepware license/support renewal My Kepware portal + License Utility Download support file → import via utility
No app access / partner involvement PTC support case or License Management email Request assistance with SON, MAC, etc.
Ed./Student license issues Delete old file, load new .dat Follow version-specific install guide

8. Best Practices Moving Forward

  • Act early. Renew at least 15 days ahead to avoid disruptions, especially for production environments.

  • Know your numbers. Keep your PTC customer number, Service Contract Number (SCN), and Sales Order Number (SON) at hand for smooth quoting and submissionPTC Support+1.

  • Assign roles clearly. License administrators or partners should have appropriate permissions for Manage Licensing.

  • Keep backups. Save old license files before modification—especially useful for student/educational setups.

  • Track your support period. Support expiration doesn’t always align with license expiry—monitor both to stay compliant.

  • Use the right tool. Whether it’s Manage Licensing, Online Renewal, My Kepware portal, or support cases—using the correct channel speeds processing and avoids confusion.


Final Thoughts

Renewing your PTC license—whether it’s a product subscription or support contract—doesn’t have to be daunting. The Manage Licensing app centralizes most of the process, while Online How to Renew PTC License provide convenient, paperless support renewals. For unique cases like Kepware or education licenses, the portal tools and community discussions offer practical solutions. Keeping essential information and roles organized is key to smooth, uninterrupted usage.

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