CNC Software has clearly signaled that physical dongles are being phased out. By 2025-2026, most Mastercam versions will rely exclusively on CodeMeter’s soft licensing system. This means:
For current Mastercam users, the best path forward is to contact an authorized reseller and ask to convert your physical license to a soft license. The cost is often minimal or free within the maintenance period.
Modern Windows 10/11 requires drivers to be digitally signed by Microsoft. Virtual multikey drivers are almost never signed. To install them, you must disable Driver Signature Enforcement, which:
To understand the virtual driver, you must first understand the Sentinel HASP (Hardware Against Software Piracy) system. Mastercam (owned by CNC Software, Inc.) uses these physical USB keys. The software, at launch, sends a challenge to the USB port. If the dongle returns the correct encrypted response, Mastercam unlocks.
The user pain points: