In most environments, workstations can connect to the Floating License Server without additional network configuration.

Use this guide if a workstation cannot connect to the License Server or check out a floating license. A common cause is a firewall or network rule blocking the connection.

Online license activation uses a different connection. For problems activating licenses online, see Online activation cannot connect.

Step 1: Confirm the License Server is running

On the License Server computer:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Go to the Services tab.
3. Find the License Server service. By default, it is named FlexNet Embedded Local License Server, unless a different name was chosen during installation.
4. Confirm that its status is Running.

If the service is not running, start or restart it.

The Windows service is named FlexNet Embedded Local License Server even when you're using it as a Floating License Server. This is expected.

Step 2: Confirm the workstation is using the correct server

On the workstation:

Confirm that the correct server name or IP address and port are configured in the License Wizard.

See Connect to a Floating License Server for the full steps.

Step 3: Check network access

By default, the Floating License Server uses TCP port 7070, unless a different port was configured during installation.

Ask your IT team to confirm that:

• the workstation can reach the License Server over the network;
• the configured License Server port is allowed through the firewall on the License Server computer;
• no VPN, third-party firewall, or other network rule is blocking the connection.

After any changes, try connecting again from the workstation.

Step 4: Configure Windows Firewall if needed

On the License Server computer:

Complete this step only if you manage the computer yourself and your IT policy allows it.

First confirm which port the License Server uses. The default is TCP 7070.

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Enter wf.msc and press Enter.
3. Select Inbound Rules → New Rule.
4. Select Port, then Next.
5. Select TCP and enter the configured License Server port. By default, this is 7070.
6. Select Allow the connection.
7. Select the network profiles that apply to your environment.
8. Enter a name for the rule, for example FlexNet License Server Port 7070, and select Finish.

Back on the workstation:

Try connecting to the License Server again.

Step 5: Verify the connection

On the workstation:

Confirm that the floating license shows as Active in the License Wizard. Then open the Materialise software and confirm that it can check out a license.

✅ Done — the workstation is connected to the Floating License Server and can use the floating license.

Something not working?

• Connection still fails? Ask your IT team to confirm that the workstation can reach the configured port on the License Server and that no additional security software or network configuration is blocking the connection.
• Still stuck — contact Materialise Support.