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Avid Knowledge Base – End of Support for Media Composer Perpetual Dongles
Avid Knowledge Base
End of Support for Media Composer Perpetual Dongles
QA: End of Support for Media Composer Perpetual Dongles
1. What is changing?
Avid is ending support for Media Composer Perpetual Dongles. The next Media Composer release will be the final version that works with dongle‑based licensing.
2. Can I continue using my existing dongle?
Yes. You may continue using your current dongle with all Media Composer versions and Operating Systems it already supports. You will not be able to upgrade to any Media Composer release that comes out after the final dongle‑supported version. See here for information on versions and OS compatibility.
3. Will my dongle stop working?
No. Your dongle will continue to function with the versions and Operating System it currently authorizes. See here for information on versions and OS compatibility. Avid is only ending support for future upgrades, not disabling existing dongles.
However, future versions of Windows OS may impact dongle functionality, and Avid will not be able to address any resulting issues.
4. Can I still get a replacement dongle if mine is lost or damaged?
Yes. Avid will continue offering dongle replacements through June 2027, or until existing inventory runs out—whichever comes first. If your dongle requires replacement, you are advised to create a case through the support portal in your MyAvid account.
5. What options do I have going forward?
Customers have a few options moving forward if they wish to move to software licensing.
- Converting Dongle License to Software License using Avid Link : https://kb.avid.com/pkb/articles/en_US/How_To/How-to-convert-your-Dongle-license-using-Avid-Link
- Enter Manually (Online Activation) using Avid Link: https://kb.avid.com/pkb/articles/en_US/Knowledge/How-to-Activate-Media-Composer-in-Avid-Link
- Cloud Activation using Avid Link: https://kb.avid.com/pkb/articles/en_US/Knowledge/How-to-Activate-Media-Composer-in-Avid-Link
- Offline Activation using Avid Link and a .bin file https://kb.avid.com/pkb/articles/en_US/Knowledge/How-to-Activate-Avid-Licenses-Offline-with-Avid-Link?retURL=%2Fpkb%2Farticles%2Fen_US%2FKnowledge%2FHow-to-find-Device-ID&popup=true
6. Will this change affect my projects or workflows?
Your workflow will remain unchanged if you continue using your existing dongle‑authorized version.
However, newer Media Composer versions coming in the future will require switching to one of the activations mentioned above.
7. Where can I get help transitioning off dongles?
Avid has an extensive library of articles that address the transition for converting and the activation processes. Visit the Knowledge Base . If you still require help, please create a case with our support teams who will guide you through the transition process.
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