Cubase 10 was the last version to run on Win7. I am still on that OS - my plans are to first build a new computer before upgrading to Win 10 (no - I am not touching Win11 yet). I see several similar questions like mine - but not C10. So - can I use the new licensing system on my Win7/64 machine and Cubase 10? Also - If I purchase an upgrade to C14 now… Will it be ok to wait with the install many months into 2025?
Unfortunately no
Related:
No you can’t use Cubase 10 with the new licensing system. Yes you don’t have to redeem Cubase 14 after buying it.
Are you sure about this in an license upgrade scenario?
Because the license upgrade writes to the dongle.
you must redeem the License as it will modify the eLicenser, so it has to be done before the shutdown.
what you don’t need to do is to activate the License in the Activation Manager.
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Ah good point. I forgot about the server decommissioning
Thanks! This was useful. But! … if it modifies the eLicenser - will my dongle become useless? The new system will not work on my current Win7/64 machine. I am in the middle of production and my new computer build is taking its time (had to return a motherboard).
No, your dongle license is modified to work with all versions up to 11 so will continue working perfectly with your current version.
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No, the licenses on it will just be marked as updated, so that this can’t be done again. Your dongle will keep on working as usual.
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Many thanks guys! Greatly appreciate your swift answers. I will now buy an update to the current Cubase version, redeem my licensce and wait until the new computer is finished before installing it. Merry Xmas!
I deleted this one.
Now - my last message seem to be redundant already… Steinberg has announced WHEN the eLicenser-server closes down… (they used to say early 2025)… now it is MAY 2025… I can live with that. My computer build will be ready sometime during January.
You can do the redeeming on any computer, it does not need to be your audio computer. You need to download the download assistent, your redeem code and your elicencer. After that C14 is in your account. No need to activate it, just redeem it.
Ah you noticed you have until may!
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Thanks! Don’t think I need to… Steinberg says they’re closing down in May 25… my new stuff will be up and going long before that. 
Merry Xmas!!
You too 
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Hi, I’m (sort of) in the same boat!
I have a current Win7 system with Cubase 7, with the classic eLicenser. I ordered a new Win11 system, to be used with Cubase 14.
Do you know if I can buy the Cubase v14 upgrade, work with this version on my new PC and remain working with v7 on my old PC?
If so, how would that work? Can I leave the eLicenser plugged into my old PC when working with Cubase v7, while working with with v14 on my new PC using the new licensing system?
I first thought I’d need to switch the eLicenser every time I use the program on a different machine, but the new version won’t be needing a physical licenser anymore I think.
Yes, the eLicenser keeps on working without limitations, until the dongle breaks or is lost.
That is exactly how it works. You leave the dongle connected to your old PC and activate Cubase 14 on your new machine via the Activation Manager. You can find all these informations here
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For anyone else reading this: the procedure of still using Cubase 7 on my old PC didn’t go as planned - and it scared the living sh*t out of me, since I still rely on it for many projects.
I plugged my dongle in the new PC to be able to install the upgrade to V14 on the new PC, that worked. After installation, I changed the dongle back into my old PC and got the message that the Cubase license wasn’t activated:
When I clicked “Start License Activation” it said
I tried updating the eLicenser Control Center but the latest version wouldn’t install: it couldn’t detect Windows 7, weird.
I then went for the oldest version, 6.7.1.8151. It installed but couldn’t perform maintenance tasks nor update the License DB. One version newer, 6.11.10.2272 was also able to install but got the same issues. I then tried the latest version 6.12.10.1326 again and boom, license DB was updated and now it said my USB dongle was updated towards Cubase 11.
Was it somewhere in the FAQ/docs? Probably. But nevertheless very happy this license chaos came to a good end.
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Hey all!
My new computer is now up and running - and Cubase 14 and 10 runs nicely. Still heaps of work to be done to get all third party plugins back. I could not do as Michiel because making this monstermachine required some parts from my old machine, - and maybe the part that scared me most - the old one had to be dismanteled before starting the new build. Anyways - I’m good now. Just hating Line6 for not making a VST3 version of PodFarm… 
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