"Licensing Error. A licensing error occurred opening this product." when launching Autodesk software

Autodesk Support

Mar 21, 2025

Products and versions covered

Issue:

Users reported that when starting an Autodesk software product, one of the following messages appears:

Licensing Error

A licensing error occurred opening this product. How can I fix this? If the problem continues, contact support.

Licensing error

An error occurred.

Follow instructions in this troubleshooting tool to fix this issue.

Note. The error may appear also during regular use of the application.

Causes:

Corrupted login cache.
License not assigned to user.
Missing software updates.
Time zone discrepancy.
Network configuration conflict.
Security software blockage.
Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service missing updates.
Corrupted Microsoft Redistributable C++ components.

Solution:

Guided Troubleshooting - Troubleshooting Tool

Important note:
This message may appear on standalone serial number-based Autodesk software versions 2020 and newer when the software is launched on offline devices.
To restore access to your Autodesk software, reconnect your device to the Internet.
An upcoming update to the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service will resolve this issue.

Additional Troubleshooting Options

Corrupted login cache

See: How to reset local sign-in cache for Autodesk desktop software.

Update the Licensing Service and Identity Component

Download and install the latest update for:
Try again to start your product.

License not assigned to user

Make sure you are using the correct license type.
- See Find License Information - Download & Install.
Confirm that the license has been assigned to the end user.
- See: Assign Products and Services to Users in the New View - Account Management.

Missing software updates

Install all available updates for the software used. Use one of the following methods:

Download the updates from your Autodesk Account for the relevant Operating System (Windows or macOS).
Download the updates using Autodesk Access (Windows only).

Time zone discrepancy

Windows: See How to set your time and time zone (external article from Microsoft).
Mac: Set the date and time on your Mac (external article from Apple).
Linux: Perform the following commands in Terminal:

1. Check the current time zone:
```
timedatectl
```
2. List all available time zones:
```
timedatectl list-timezones
```
3. Set the desired time zone:
```
sudo timedatectl set-timezone <Your_Timezone>
```
  Replace <Your_Timezone> with the appropriate time zone from the list. For example, to set the time zone to Pacific Time (Los Angeles):
```
sudo timedatectl set-timezone America/Los_Angeles
```
4. Verify the change:
```
timedatectl
```

Network configuration conflict

Consult with your network administrator and ensure that your network is configured to have open access to the ports and domains required.
- See Which URLs/Protocols need to be allowed for Autodesk subscription Licenses.
To verify whether you have access to the required URLs, use the Licensing Support Tool.

Security software blockage

Make sure that your antivirus is not blocking the software.
See: How to set up antivirus (AV) exclusions to improve stability and performance of Autodesk software.

Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service missing updates

Download and install the latest update for Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service for the relevant Operating System (Windows, MacOS, or Linux).
Try again to start your product.

Re-register software with Licensing Service

See How to re-register an Autodesk software with the Autodesk Licensing Service.

Env. Variable `FLEXLM_DIAGNOSTICS = 3` for Multi-User licenses

Make sure the env. variable FLEXLM_DIAGNOSTICS = 3 has not been added to the system env. variables.

Corrupted Microsoft Redistributable C++ components

Reinstall corrupted components.
Refer to: How to reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Libraries from an Autodesk software installation package.

Running a Clean Uninstall/Reinstall

Products:

All Desktop Products; All Mac Desktop Products;

Was this information helpful?

Need help? Ask the Autodesk Assistant!

The Assistant can help you find answers or contact an agent.

Ask the Assistant

What level of support do you have?

Different subscription plans provide distinct categories of support. Find out the level of support for your plan.

View levels of support