Spyder5 Legacy License Transfer After Online Activation Ends

As of July 19, 2026, new online activation of Spyder5 software will no longer be available. However, if your Spyder5 software is already installed and activated on an existing computer, you may be able to transfer your existing license information to another compatible computer using the manual legacy license-transfer process below.

This process is intended for customers who already have a working, activated Spyder5 installation. It is not a new online activation method and does not provide new software updates, operating-system compatibility updates, bug fixes, or standard technical support for Spyder5.

Before you begin

• Access to the computer where Spyder5 is currently installed and activated.
• A compatible new computer where the Spyder5 software can be installed.
• The Spyder5 software installer.
• A method to copy files from the current computer to the new computer, such as a USB drive, external drive, or network transfer.

Step by step instruction

Step A: On your Running Computer: (Spyder5 software is installed and activated there)

• On Mac go to the folder MacHD/Users/YOUR USERNAME/Library/Preferences/Datacolor/
  (this folder is hidden by Apple by default)
  To access, open the Finder. Enter ⇧ + ⌘ + G and copy the following line:
  ~/Library/Preferences/Datacolor/
  into that window. Press Enter and you will be in  MacHD/Users/YOUR USERNAME/Library/Preferences/Datacolor/
• Copy the folder "Common" from that folder to a USB drive, external drive, or another location that can be accessed from the new computer
   
• On Windows go to the Windows Explorer into the folder
  C:\users\YOUR USERNAME\AppData\Local\Datacolor\
  (the folder AppData may be hidden -  Enable hidden items in File Explorer - please find more info how to show a hidden folder here: https://www.technipages.com/show-hidden-files-windows)
• Copy the folder "Common" from that folder to a USB drive, external drive, or another location that can be accessed from the new computer

Step B: On your New Computer: (Spyder5 software has not been previously installed and activated there)

• Install the Spyder5 6.2 software (final release version). You must use the same installer (Express, Pro, or Elite) as on the Running Computer
• Start the software once and it will ask for activation - just cancel and quit.
• On Mac go to the folder MacHD/Users/YOUR USERNAME/Library/Preferences/Datacolor/
• On Windows go to the folder C:\users\YOUR USERNAME\AppData\Local\Datacolor\
  See explanation from above
• Copy the folder "Common" from the source computer now into that Datacolor folder on the new computer

Step C:

• Now run your Sypder5 software on your new computer and calibrate

Please note:

The manual transfer process can work from Mac to Mac, Windows to Windows, Mac to Windows, or Windows to Mac, provided the Spyder5 software is compatible with the destination computer and operating system.

Important limitations

This process requires access to a computer where Spyder5 is already installed and activated. If you no longer have access to an activated installation, Datacolor will not be able to create a new activation after online activation services end.
This process does not guarantee compatibility with current or future versions of macOS or Windows. Spyder5 is a legacy product and will not receive future software updates, bug fixes, operating-system compatibility updates, or new display-technology support.
Datacolor is not remotely disabling currently activated Spyder5 installations. However, after July 19, 2026, new online activation through Datacolor’s legacy activation service will no longer be available.

Do you need additional help?

Please submit a support request (ticket) here