Tableau - Reactivate, Deactivate or Install a License Key for Tableau Desktop - Windows and MacOS

Issue/Question

  • How do I reinstall a Tableau license key in Tableau Desktop or Tableau Prep Builder? 
  • How do I install a new Tableau license key in Tableau Desktop or Tableau Prep Builder?
  • How do I deactive a Tableau license key in Tableau Desktop or Tableau Prep Builder?
  • Why do I have a message that my license has expired?
  • How do I move a license to a new computer?

Environment

  • Oregon State University
  • Tableau
    • Tableau Desktop
    • Tableau Prep Builder

Resolution

Activating a New Key

Note: If you are moving Tableau to a new computer deactivate the key on your old computer first. You can use your Tableau license key on two computers at a time.

  1. Select "Help" in the top menu bar in Tableau Desktop
  2. In the Help drop down select "Manage Product Keys"
  3. In the pop-up window that appears select "Activate"
    1. Note: To activate a new license after an old one expires select "Refresh." OSU's Tableau licenses usually expire around November 20th.
  4. In the next pop-up window select "Activate with a product key"
  5. Enter your Tableau license key and select "Activate"

Deactivating a Key

Note: You can have your Tableau license on two computers at a time. For example, you can have your license on your tower and a laptop. You cannot share a license between two people.

  1. Select "Help" in the top menu bar in Tableau Desktop
  2. In the Help drop down select "Manage Product Keys"
  3. Select the product key in the pop up window
  4. Select "Deactivate"

Refreshing a Key After Renewals

When Tableau Licenses are renewed around November 20th a new license key is generated for you. To activate this new license key:

  1. Select "Help" in the top menu bar in Tableau Desktop
  2. In the Help drop down select "Manage Product Keys"
    1. Note: If you are activating a license after installing Tableau or changing a license key outside of the unusual refresh window, follow the steps in Activating a New Key section.
  3. In the pop-up window that appears select "Refresh"

If your key does not refresh, reach out to the UIT Data Team for your new license key and follow the steps for activating a new key.

Assistance

For assistance, contact the UIT Data Team

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Related Articles (2)

Instructions on how to install Tableau desktop
Instructions on installing Tableau Prep Builder

Related Services / Offerings (1)

Form for people to request a Tableau license for use with institutional data. Cannot be used to purchase a Tableau license for academic research.