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NVivo FY2027 Subscription Renewal and Activation Instructions

Important: NVivo Activation Process Has Changed

Beginning with the FY2027 subscription term, NVivo licensing is being managed through the Lumivero licensing portal instead of the Sassafras Key Client.

If you previously used the Sassafras K2 Key Client to activate NVivo, you will need to complete the steps below to transition to the new activation method.

Before You Begin

You will need:

  • An active FY2027 NVivo subscription

  • A computer with NVivo installed (or ready for installation)

  • Your device MAC address

  • Access to your email account to receive a license invitation from Lumivero

Find Your Device MAC Address

You will be asked to provide your device MAC address as part of the registration process.

Instructions:

Step 1: Complete the Registration Form

Complete the NVivo registration form and provide:

  • Your contact information

  • Your device MAC address

The information from this form will be used to assign your NVivo license through the Lumivero portal.

Nvivo registration form

Step 2: Wait for License Assignment

After your registration has been processed:

  • WebStore will assign your NVivo license in the Lumivero portal.

  • You will receive an email invitation from Lumivero.

Please allow a one hour processing time.

Step 3: Remove Existing NVivo Licensing Components

If you previously used NVivo with the Sassafras Key Client:

  1. Uninstall the Sassafras K2 Key Client. Windows:

    1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a Program (Windows 7/8/10) or Add or Remove Programs 

    2. Find Sassafras KeyServer Platform Client or KeyAccess.

    3. Click Uninstall and follow the prompts.

    Mac: 1. In System Preferences, remove KeyAccess from the Preference Pane 

    1. Navigate to Macintosh HD → Library → KeyAccess and delete the folder

  2. Uninstall your current NVivo installation. ## Deactivate NVivo Before Uninstalling

  3. Windows:

    1. Close any open NVivo projects (File > Close).

    2. Go to File > Product Info > Manage License.

    3. Select Deactivate License and confirm.

  4. Mac:

    1. Close any open NVivo projects (File > Close).

    2. Go to NVivo > Licensing and click Deactivate.

    3. Confirm with Yes 

If you can’t deactivate (e.g., no internet or old device), log into the myNVivo or myLumivero portal and deactivate from there 

2. Uninstall NVivo

  • Windows:

    1. Open Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program.

    2. Find NVivo in the list and click Uninstall.

    3. Follow the prompts to remove the app 

    4. Mac:

    5. Open Finder and go to Applications.

    6. Locate NVivo and drag it to the Trash 

    7. Empty the Trash to free up space.

This step is required because FY2027 subscriptions use a different activation method.

Step 4: Install NVivo

Download and install the current NVivo version.

  1. Download the installer for your version (NVivo 14 or 15) from your WebStore Nvivo order in WebStore.

  2. Right‑click the downloaded file and select Run as Administrator.

  3. Follow the on‑screen installation instructions.

Step 5: Create a Lumivero Account

When you receive the Lumivero invitation email:

  1. Select Retrieve License.

  2. Create a Lumivero account if you do not already have one.

  3. Sign in to the MyLumivero portal.

Your assigned NVivo license should appear in your account.

Step 6: Activate NVivo

  1. Launch NVivo.

  2. When prompted for activation, choose:

    Sign In to Account

    Do not choose:

    Activate with License Key

  3. Sign in using your Lumivero account credentials.

NVivo should automatically detect your assigned license and activate successfully.

Troubleshooting

I have not received my Lumivero invitation email.

  • Check your spam or junk folder.

  • Verify that your registration form was submitted successfully.

  • Contact WebStore support if you do not receive the invitation within 2 hours.

I do not see a license in my Lumivero account.

  • Confirm that you are signed in with the same email address used for registration.

  • Contact WebStore support for assistance.

NVivo is still asking for a license key.

  • Verify that the previous NVivo installation and Sassafras Key Client were removed.

  • Reinstall NVivo and select Sign In to Account when prompted.

Need Help?

If you experience difficulties during the transition, please contact:

webstore@illinois.edu