"FlexNet License Finder" window popping up when launching Autodesk software

Autodesk Support

Aug 28, 2024

Products and versions covered

Issue:

When launching Autodesk software the FlexNet License Finder window appears and requests to specify the license server system. However after entering the server name or address, the product fails to acquire a license and may return an additional error message. Thus Autodesk software is not able to connect to the license server and check out a license.

FlexNet License Finder

Your application was not able to obtain a license because the FlexNet license server manager could not determine where to find the licensing data it needs. Please choose one of the following:

Specify the License Server System
Specify the License File

FlexNet License Finder Your application was not able to obtain a license because the FlexNet license server manager could not determine where to find the licensing data it needs.

Causes:

Incorrect license type was selected on the Let's Get Started window.
Outdated version of Network License Manager.
The license server is not running or it is in sleep mode.
The contents of licpath.lic is corrupted.
The software points to the wrong server or one without an actively running license server.
The wrong License Server Model was specified.
A firewall is blocking the license request or the default port is blocked.
An AntiVirus program is blocking the exe-file for the product (for example, acad.exe for AutoCAD).
The license request times out.
Autodesk vendor daemon, adskflex.exe, is not running on the license server.
Connecting to license server through VPN.
IP to hostname resolution.

Solution:

Verify your License Type:

Sign in to your Autodesk Account.
Under All Products and Services, find your product and click View Details.
Click License details.
Check to see which type of license you have:

Autodesk sign in and network License details

Note: If you don't see either of the above windows, consult with your Autodesk license administrator.

Your License is a "Sign In License"

If the "Multi-user" license type was selected by mistake for Single-user licensing, or the software was previously using a multi-user license, the FlexNet License Finder dialog box will appear as the software will be looking for a license server.

To correct the license type, follow these steps:

Reset the license for your software, see Configure your license.
Start the software.
On the first start, select Access with Autodesk ID to sign in and activate your software.

Alternatively, download the Autodesk Licensing Support Tool and start AdskLicensingSupportToolUI.exe to switch License Types.

Your License is a "Network License"

Note: Some of the following suggestions require administrative permissions for your PC and/or the network license server. Consult with your system/license administrator before proceeding.

Verify the below suggestions one by one:

On the client, verify the license server information is correct. See Change or reset a network license server information for Autodesk products version 2020 or higher.
Verify that the license for the software being launched is included in the license file.
Verify if the workstation and server can communicate. See "No interactive network license" while checking the network connection to the license server.
Verify that the latest version of the Autodesk Network License Manager is running on the server.
Verify that the Autodesk Network License Manager service is properly running on the server. See the "How to set up Autodesk Network License Manager" article under See Also section, depending on your Operating System.
Disable sleep mode so the workstation/server never goes to Sleep Mode. See How to adjust power and sleep settings.
Both on the client and server, configure the firewall to allow communication between the server and client. See: How to set exceptions for Autodesk Network License Manager in Windows Firewall.
On the client, increase the license retrieval timeout value. See: How to create a FLEXLM_TIMEOUT environment variable.
On the client, verify your antivirus program for blocked programs. See How to set up antivirus (AV) exclusions to improve stability and performance of Autodesk software.
On the client, check your VPN settings. Make sure that your VPN configuration allows your PC to reach the license server. Consult with your network/system administrator to troubleshoot your specific VPN setup.

Products:

All Desktop Products;

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