How to move a license to a new computer
Short answer: Install Build Perch on the new computer and activate your existing license key there: a paid license covers up to 3 devices at once, so you often don’t need to remove it from the old one first. If you’re already using all 3, free a slot on an old machine first (Settings → License → “Deactivate this device…”), then activate on the new one.
Steps
- On the new computer, install Build Perch and launch it.
- On the welcome screen, choose I have a license key and paste the key from your purchase email.
- Click Activate. This uses one of the license’s 3 device slots.
- If you see “Device limit reached,” all 3 slots are in use. On an old machine, open Settings → License and click Deactivate this device…, confirm, then go back to the new computer and activate again.
Notes & gotchas
- Paid licenses activate on up to 3 machines at once; a trial license is limited to 1.
- Deactivating a machine frees its slot immediately, but that machine will ask for a license again right away; it doesn’t keep running unlicensed. Only deactivate a machine you’re actually done with.
- Activation and deactivation don’t touch your workspaces, files, or chats: those live on each machine’s own disk, independent of the license.
- Lost access to an old machine and can’t deactivate it yourself? Contact [email protected] to have the seat freed.
- Activating needs an internet connection; once activated, the app runs offline for up to 30 days before it needs to reconnect and re-verify.