Multi-User Network Installations (NWL)
This section is applicable to installations involving a license file activation type. This licensing method is gradually being replaced by the user credentials activation type starting with Thermo‑Calc 2025a.
There are different types of multi-user network installations: consolidated, distributed, and where the licensing software is installed on a computer network. There is also a subtype of installation called thin client, which is a step done with the consolidated and distributed network installations.
Thin client installations: A thin client installation is where the Thermo‑Calc software is installed on a computer server but is run from a client computer. The licensing software can be installed on the computer server (a consolidated network) or on a different computer (a distributed network). This type of installation is available for Windows and Linux operating systems. The client computer must have the Thermo‑Calc software installed. This type of installation mainly sets environmental variables and paths on the client computer.
Consolidated Network Installations
The consolidated network installation is used with a Network License (NWL) and it is available for Windows and Linux operating systems.
The Thermo‑Calc software 
and the license management program are installed on the same server where the license file 
is also copied. A thin client installation allows all computers (the clients) in the server network to access both the software and the licensing on the same computer server.
To get started, go to (1) First Steps of Installation and then (2)
Distributed Network Installations
The distributed network installation is used with a Network License (NWL) and is available for Windows and Linux operating systems.
The Thermo‑Calc software is installed on one computer server in a network and the licensing software is installed on a different computer server where the license file is also copied. A thin client installation allows all computers (the clients) in the server network to access both the software and the licensing on the two computer servers.
To get started, go to (1) First Steps of Installation and then (2)
License Installations on a Server Network
When a license file is installed on a server network, it is used with a Network License (NWL). It is available for all platforms. However, for macOS the server containing the licensing software must be set up on Windows or Linux.
The licensing software is installed on a computer server where the license file is also copied. The Thermo‑Calc software is installed on every computer in the network that needs it.
To get started, go to (1) First Steps of Installation and then (2)