Key to Using this Guide

Starting with the 2025a release, Thermo-Calc Software began to migrate to a new License Entitlement System. The new license system greatly simplifies the licensing process and has many advantages. Licenses are now handled through a login (where user credentials are entered), rather than downloading and storing license files on a computer. The majority of users are already migrated to this new system. However, for the short term, a few users continue to use the old license file system. For more information about the changes and migration plan, contact us by email at info@thermocalc.com.

In this guide learn how to: 

  • Download and install the software on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. This is applicable to new users and existing users who are installing a new or updated version of Thermo‑Calc, where the new version is installed next to the old version.
  • Activate your license using user credentials or a license file/license server.
  • Locate various items in the default installation directories (i.e. databases, Database Checker, TDB Editor, materials, custom Property Models).
  • Install selected components using the custom installation option.
  • Install the TC-Python and TC-Toolbox for MATLAB® SDKs.
  • Work with existing installations, i.e. add new components, update or uninstall the software.
  • Deactivate online or offline user credentials licenses.
  • Install silently over a network (unattended installations)
  • Troubleshoot to solve common installation problems related to the license file/license server activation type.

This guide is NOT applicable to installations of the Free Educational Package, which does not require a license file and is not currently available with the new license system. Installation instructions are available separately after you request the free version from this page on our website.

Installation instructions are generally organized based on the license activation type: 

  • User credentials: The new License Entitlement System, where a user name and password are entered after the installation is complete. This new system is available for standalone (SUNLL) and floating network licenses (NWL) (i.e. on a Cloud Hosted License Server), but not currently for On Premise License Servers.
  • License file: The soon-to-be phased out license system where the license file is installed on either a standalone computer or a network server. This includes On Premise License Server installations involving the Sentinel license management software.

Visit our website to watch the installation video showing how to install with user credentials (in both online and offline mode), which will replace the license files. The video library also includes the installation videos using the old method (license files) and other installations such as for TC-Python.

This guide is available in PDF format: (1) On the website or (2) when in Thermo‑Calc go to Help → Manuals Folder → Installation.