How does iLok work?

iLok is a licensing system developed by Pace Anti-Piracy, Inc. to protect software applications from unauthorized use. At its core, iLok uses a physical dongle or a software-based license system to manage and store software licenses. Users purchase software that requires iLok protection, and these licenses are stored on either a physical iLok USB device or in the user’s iLok Cloud account. When a user installs software that utilizes iLok, they must also have the corresponding license associated with it. If the license is stored on a physical iLok USB device, the user must have that device plugged into their computer to authorize and use the software. This prevents unauthorized access because the software will check for the presence of the iLok device containing the required license. In the case of iLok Cloud, users can activate their licenses over the internet without needing a physical device, which offers added convenience. Users can manage their licenses using the iLok License Manager application, which allows them to transfer licenses between devices or to different iLok accounts when needed. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, users should refer to the official iLok website, particularly the support section, which has comprehensive resources.