Black Friday DAWBuster: 3 Plugins for $49.99 | Shop Now »

How to Activate Waves Licenses

Jun 24, 2024

Learn how to activate Waves licenses directly to your computer or to a USB flash drive, using the Waves Central application. These instructions only apply for licenses that are currently not activated.

Please note that licenses can be activated to one device at a time (computer or USB flash drive).

Important Notes:

  • Licenses can be activated on one device at a time (computer or USB flash drive).
  • Check which software version is most suitable for your system and DAW.
  • Waves Creative Access subscription licenses and perpetual (non-subscription) V15 -V9 licenses are backwards-compatible and will also activate older version software (V9 and above), if the product/s in question exist in that software version.

  Click here for an interactive tutorial in Waves Central

Please follow these steps:

  1. Launch Waves Central
    Windows: via the desktop shortcut or via Start Menu > All Programs > Waves Central.
    Mac: Applications > Waves Central.
  2. Select the Licenses page.
  3. Select Not Activated at the top of the page.
  4. Choose the license/s you wish to activate. Selected licenses will appear in the list on the right.
  5. Choose the target device for the activated license/s.
  6. Click the Activate button.

Learn how to Move Your Licenses to a different device.

If you need any assistance, please contact Tech Support.