Keep a copy of your registration email in a secure password manager.
The “Beyond Compare 4 license key has been revoked” message is frustrating—but it’s not mysterious. It occurs when your local copy of the software receives a server response marking your key as invalid. The solution ranges from a simple file deletion (which erases your settings) to precise XML edits (which preserve them) to the permanent solution: purchasing a legitimate license.
Beyond Compare 4 License Key Has Been Revoked: Why It Happens and How to Fix It
: Users sometimes unintentionally deploy a pirated key found online instead of the legitimate one included in their order email. beyond compare 4 license key has been revoked
If you were using a key found online, you must purchase an official license. Scooter Software offers affordable, perpetual licenses for both the Standard and Pro editions of Beyond Compare 4, which include free minor updates and discounted major upgrades. Step 3: Enter Your New License Key Once you have obtained a valid serial number:
Beyond Compare frequently releases patches for cloud storage compatibility (like OneDrive or Dropbox). Cracked versions cannot update safely.
: The most frequent cause is a purchased key being leaked to the internet. If Scooter Software identifies a key being shared on forums or "warez" sites, they revoke it to prevent unauthorized use. Keep a copy of your registration email in
: Under the License Agreement , Scooter Software reserves the right to terminate the agreement immediately if they believe a user has breached the terms.
Depending on whether you bought a legitimate license or are using a shared key, choose the appropriate solution below to resolve the issue. Method 1: Remove the Revoked Key and Re-enter a Valid One
rm -rf ~/.config/bcompare/*
While Beyond Compare 4 keys work for all minor version updates (e.g., 4.1 to 4.3), they will not work for major upgrades like Beyond Compare 5.
A "license key has been revoked" error in Beyond Compare 4 typically indicates that a key previously associated with your installation has been flagged or leaked. Common Reasons for Revocation
If you believe the revocation was a mistake, find your original "Proof of Purchase." Check your email for a message from Scooter Software or their payment processor. Compare the key in that email to the one currently entered in the software (). 2. Contact Scooter Software Support The solution ranges from a simple file deletion