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Pratik_More12-Amethyst
12-Amethyst
November 25, 2025
Solved

How Creo license works on Machine sheared by different user ?

  • November 25, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 395 views

HI Expert,

I have below condition and would like to know how the Creo licenses will be utilized. 

I have a single Windows workstation with Creo (WC 12) installed, and the machine has two local user accounts (User 1 and User 2).

I would like to understand how Creo licensing works when multiple users share the same machine:

  1. If User 1 logs in and starts Creo, but does not close Creo before logging out or switching users, and then User 2 logs in and starts Creo as well — how many licenses are consumed?

    Is this counted as one license (because it is the same machine), or two licenses (because there are two user sessions)?

  2. If User 1 does close Creo before logging out, will User 2 be able to start Creo normally under their own login and use the same license?

  3. In general, what is the correct way for multiple users to share a single workstation and use Creo with the most efficient (optimal) license usage?

    Are there any guidelines or best practices for concurrent users on the same machine?

Any official documentation or guidance on this setup would be very helpful.

Best answer by RandyJones
@Pratik_More wrote:

 

In general, what is the correct way for multiple users to share a single workstation and use Creo with the most efficient (optimal) license usage?

Are there any guidelines or best practices for concurrent users on the same machine?

Any official documentation or guidance on this setup would be very helpful.

IMHO best practice for floating licenses is to set the timeout to the minimum of 20 minutes (1200 sec):

https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS439925

 

That way when a user gets a call, needs to to look at something in the shop, Option 1 above, or etc their license will be given back to the server after 20 minutes for someone else to use.

4 replies

P
Pratik_More12-AmethystAuthor
12-Amethyst
November 25, 2025

We are using Floating license of Creo.

V
vnamboodheriCommunity Manager
Community Manager
December 2, 2025

Hello @Pratik_More, 

 

It looks like you have some responses from some community members. If any of these replies helped you solve your question please mark the appropriate reply as the Accepted Solution. 
Of course, if you have more to share on your issue, please let the Community know so other community members can continue to help you.

Thanks,
Vivek N.
Community Moderation Team.

M
MartinHanak24-Ruby III
24-Ruby III
November 25, 2025

Hi,

my assumption: you own one Creo license.

 

number 1 ... this variant is nonsense (from my point of view)

I think Creo exits automatically when user logs out.

Note: I have never used fast switching.
EDIT: You can apply fast switching to User 2 and then run ptcstatus.bat. This action will tell you whether the license is used -OR- free.

 

number 2

When User 1 does close Creo before logging out, then the license is released and User 2 will be able to start Creo normally under their own login.

 

number 3

The current user must end the Creo session before being replaced by another user.

    B
    23-Emerald III
    BenLoosli23-Emerald III
    23-Emerald III
    November 25, 2025

    Option 1 will depend on how you handle User1. If User 1 logs out with Creo open, do they do a logout or a disconnect. A logout should kill all running processes, a disconnect will leave Creo running and thus consuming your 1 license.

    Option 2 will not cause any issues as User 1 has closed their license and it is available for User 2.

     

    How many licenses of Creo does your company own? Using floating licenses is generally the best method for sharing licenses between multiple users.

      R
      RandyJones20-TurquoiseAnswer
      20-Turquoise
      November 25, 2025
      @Pratik_More wrote:

       

      In general, what is the correct way for multiple users to share a single workstation and use Creo with the most efficient (optimal) license usage?

      Are there any guidelines or best practices for concurrent users on the same machine?

      Any official documentation or guidance on this setup would be very helpful.

      IMHO best practice for floating licenses is to set the timeout to the minimum of 20 minutes (1200 sec):

      https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS439925

       

      That way when a user gets a call, needs to to look at something in the shop, Option 1 above, or etc their license will be given back to the server after 20 minutes for someone else to use.

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