If you received a revoked key from a third party, uninstall Beyond Compare, remove any leftover license files, and either buy a legitimate license or switch to a free diff tool. The time lost hunting for working keys almost always exceeds the cost of a proper license.
If a Beyond Compare 4 license key has been revoked, it typically means that the key is no longer valid for activation or use. This could be due to several reasons:
While the desire to find a free or revoked license key for Beyond Compare 4 might stem from budget constraints, it's crucial to consider the legal and security implications. Exploring official channels for obtaining a license, such as purchasing directly from Scooter Software or utilizing the free trial, ensures a safe and compliant use of the software. If issues arise with your license, engaging with the software developer's support team is the best course of action.
A "license key has been revoked" error in Beyond Compare 4 typically occurs because the key was leaked to the internet or flagged as a pirated key.
If you are seeing this message, it is usually because the software's verification system has identified the specific key as being used by unauthorized users globally. Why This Happens
Key Leaking: If a purchased license key is shared publicly on forums or GitHub, Scooter Software may revoke it to prevent unauthorized use.
Version Mismatch: While minor updates (e.g., 4.1 to 4.3) are free, major upgrades (e.g., version 4 to version 5) require a new key. Using an old key on a newer major version can sometimes trigger errors.
Pirated Software: If you downloaded a "free" version from a third-party site, the included key may have already been blacklisted by the developer. How to Resolve It
Contact Support: If you are a legitimate owner and believe your key was revoked in error, email support@scootersoftware.com with your original order email or serial number to request a replacement.
Purchase a Legitimate License: Beyond Compare is a one-time purchase with no annual fees. You can buy a Standard Edition for $35 or a Pro Edition for $70 at the Beyond Compare Shop.
Evaluate for Free: If you need to use the software temporarily, you can use the 30-day fully functional trial to evaluate the product before buying. Summary of Pricing (Current as of April 2026) License Type Quantity 1 - 4 Major Upgrade Standard Edition $35 / user ~Half Price Pro Edition $70 / user ~Half Price
Do you have your original order number or serial number to help support verify your purchase? Buy Beyond Compare
If your Beyond Compare 4 license key has been revoked (which can happen if it's reported stolen or if there's a violation of the terms of service), you should:
For a long time, this leaked key continued to work. However, modern software activation relies on server-side verification. Scooter Software eventually identified that this specific key was being used by thousands of IP addresses across the globe—far more than a legitimate site license would account for.
When a Volume License is abused, the publisher has the right to revoke it. In a recent crackdown, Scooter Software blacklisted that specific key. When the application "phones home" to verify the license, the server now responds that the key is invalid or revoked.
Is this legal? Yes. The End User License Agreement (EULA) strictly prohibits sharing keys or using keys that do not belong to you. The revocation is a standard anti-piracy measure.
The "free" license keys for Beyond Compare 4 that were circulating online were not legitimate freebies; they were leaked corporate keys that have now been blacklisted by the developer. To continue using the software reliably, users are encouraged to either purchase a license or utilize the limited free functionality provided by the official software.
The Frustrating Experience of a Revoked License Key
It was a typical Monday morning for John, a freelance web developer. He had a deadline to meet and was relying on his trusty software, Beyond Compare 4, to compare and merge code files for his client. As he booted up his computer and launched the application, he was greeted with a shocking message: "Your license key has been revoked."
Panic set in as John tried to understand what was happening. He had purchased the software a few years ago and had been using it without any issues. He checked his email and found no notification from the software vendor, Scooter Software, about any revocation. He tried to launch the application again, but the same message persisted.
John visited the Scooter Software website, searching for answers. He found a support page that mentioned license revocation due to "abuse or non-payment." But John knew he had paid for the software and had not violated any terms. He submitted a support ticket, hoping for a quick resolution. beyond compare 4 license key has been revoked free
Days went by, and John heard nothing back. His deadline was looming, and he couldn't afford to delay the project. He tried to find alternative software, but Beyond Compare 4 was an essential tool for his work. He felt frustrated and helpless, unable to access the software he relied on.
The Search for a Solution
Desperate for a solution, John turned to online forums and communities. He found a few threads discussing similar issues with revoked license keys, but no concrete solutions. Some users suggested purchasing a new license, but John was hesitant to pay again for a software that had been working fine until now.
One forum post mentioned a possible workaround: using a older version of Beyond Compare, which might still work with the revoked license key. John tried downloading an older version, but it didn't work seamlessly with his current operating system.
As the deadline drew near, John began to explore free alternatives to Beyond Compare 4. He discovered a few open-source tools that offered similar functionality, but they were not as polished or user-friendly. He spent hours migrating his workflow to the new tools, but it was a painful process.
The Revival
Just when John thought all hope was lost, he received an email from Scooter Software's support team. They had investigated the issue and discovered that the revocation was an error on their part. His license key was reinstated, and he could use Beyond Compare 4 once again.
Overjoyed, John thanked the support team and quickly launched the application. Everything worked as expected, and he was able to complete his project on time. He realized that even with a revoked license key, there were alternatives and workarounds, but it was the support team's timely resolution that saved the day.
From then on, John made sure to keep a closer eye on his software licenses and appreciate the importance of reliable customer support. He continued to use Beyond Compare 4, grateful for the tool that had become an essential part of his development workflow.
When using Beyond Compare 4, encountering a "license key has been revoked" message can be a significant disruption. This typically happens when a key is leaked publicly or if you are attempting to use a key for a different major version of the software. Common Causes for Revoked Licenses
Key Leakage: If a purchased license key is shared on public forums or gists, the developer (Scooter Software) may revoke it to prevent unauthorized use.
Version Mismatch: Beyond Compare licenses are for specific major versions. A license key for Version 3 or Version 5 will not work for Version 4.
Pirated Keys: Using "free" keys found on the internet often leads to revocation once the software performs a routine check. How to Fix a Revoked License Message
If you own a legitimate license and believe the revocation is an error, follow these steps:
Locate Your Official Key: Ensure you are not accidentally using a leaked key. You can find your official key by logging into your account on the Scooter Software website or by requesting a replacement copy.
Remove the Invalid Key: You must delete the existing license file to clear the error.
Windows: Delete %appdata%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\BC4Key.txt.
MacOS: Delete the key file typically located in ~/Library/Application Support/Beyond Compare/.
Re-enter the Key: Open Beyond Compare and go to Help > Enter Key to paste your legitimate license information. Legal and Free Alternatives
Instead of searching for "free" revoked keys, consider these options: Beyond Compare 4 license for Windows, Mac, Linux · GitHub If you received a revoked key from a
If you see a message stating your Beyond Compare 4 license key has been revoked,
it typically means the key has been flagged as leaked or misused
. While there are no legitimate ways to get a permanent license for free beyond the standard 30-day evaluation, here is how you can resolve the issue or legally continue your work: Why was my key revoked? Leaked Keys
: If a purchased key is shared publicly on the internet, the developer ( Scooter Software ) will revoke it to prevent widespread unauthorized use. Version Mismatch
: Some users encounter errors when using an older version's key for a newer major release, though minor updates (e.g., 4.x to 4.y) are always free. Subscription/Trial Expiration
: Evaluation keys or certain enterprise licenses may have built-in expiration dates. Beyond Compare How to Fix Revocation Issues Contact Support
: If you believe your legitimate, purchased key was revoked in error, email support@scootersoftware.com
with your original order details or serial number to request a replacement. Verify the Entire Key : Ensure you are copying the entire block, including the --BEGIN LICENSE KEY-- --END LICENSE KEY-- lines, as partial keys will fail. Clean Installation : Sometimes old, invalid key files block new registrations. BC4Key.txt %appdata%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\ : Remove the license file from
/Users/[username]/Library/Application Support/Beyond Compare/ ~/.config/bcompare/BC4Key.txt Legal Free Options 30-Day Evaluation
: Beyond Compare offers a generous "evaluated" trial that only counts the days you actually use the program. Free Minor Updates
: If you own a Version 4 license, it works for all subsequent 4.x.x releases forever. Beyond Compare License Agreement - Beyond Compare
When Beyond Compare 4 displays a "license key has been revoked" error, it typically means the key has been flagged by Scooter Software because it was leaked to the internet or associated with unauthorized distribution Why Keys Are Revoked Public Exposure:
If a privately purchased key is shared on public forums or GitHub gists, the developer blacklists that serial number in newer software updates. Version Mismatch:
While Beyond Compare 4 keys work for all minor updates (e.g., 4.1 to 4.4), they will not work for major version jumps (e.g., upgrading from version 4 to version 5). License Breach: License Agreement
allows the developer to terminate keys immediately if they believe the agreement has been breached. Beyond Compare How to Resolve the Error
If you are a legitimate license holder seeing this message, do not seek "free" workarounds, as these often involve scripts that reset trial timers rather than fixing the license itself. Contact Support: support@scootersoftware.com
with your original order email or serial number. They can often issue a new, secure key if yours was compromised. Clear Old License Data:
Sometimes an old, invalid key is "stuck" in the system. You can manually remove it by deleting the BC4Key.txt file found in: %AppData%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\ /etc/BC4Key.txt or within your user config folder. Evaluate via Trial: If you don't have a valid key, the software offers a 30-day fully functional trial . Note that the trial only counts days of actual use , not consecutive calendar days. Beyond Compare Risks of "Free" License Keys Using keys found on public repositories (like GitHub Gists
) is the primary reason for revocation. These keys are eventually detected by the software's update mechanism, leading to the "revoked" error and potentially exposing your system to security risks from unverified scripts. Beyond Compare 4 license for Windows, Mac, Linux · GitHub
A "revoked" license key in Beyond Compare 4 typically indicates that the key has been flagged by Scooter Software as compromised, often because it was leaked to the internet If your Beyond Compare 4 license key has
. This can happen if a legitimately purchased key is shared or if a pirated key is used. Common Causes for Revocation Key Leakage
: If a purchased key appears on public forums or gist repositories, Scooter Software may blacklist it in newer updates License Breach License Agreement
allows Scooter Software to terminate an agreement immediately if they believe the terms have been breached. Upgrade Issues : Sometimes, upgrading the software can cause the BC4Key.txt file to be deleted
or corrupted, leading the app to revert to trial mode or show errors. Beyond Compare Potential Solutions
If you are facing a "license key revoked" message, you can try these steps based on common community and official advice: Re-enter a Valid Key Delete the existing license file ( BC4Key.txt ) to reset the registration state. On Windows, this is typically located in %appdata%\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\ Open Beyond Compare, go to Help > Enter Key , and paste your entire official key (including the Contact Official Support
If you purchased your license and believe it was revoked in error, email support@scootersoftware.com with your original order information or serial number. Reset Trial/Evaluation Mode
If you are testing the software and your trial expired or is bugged, you can sometimes restore trial mode by renaming the BC4Key.txt file BC4Key.bak while the application is closed. Community Workarounds (Advanced) Some users on platforms like GitHub have shared scripts to reset trial status
by deleting specific registry keys or configuration files (e.g., in the Windows registry). between the Standard and Pro editions? Beyond Compare 4 license for Windows, Mac, Linux · GitHub 6 Jan 2023 —
It sounds like you’re seeing a notification that your Beyond Compare 4
license key has been revoked. This usually happens if a key found online has been flagged as unauthorized or shared publicly [1, 2].
If you are looking for a reliable way to keep using the software, here are your best options: 1. Check Your Original Purchase
If you or your company actually bought a license, the key might have been revoked by mistake or replaced during an upgrade. Retrieve a lost key: Scooter Software License Retrieval tool to have your official key emailed to you. Check version compatibility: A version 3 key won't work in version 4. You may need to upgrade your license at a discount. 2. Extend the Evaluation Period Beyond Compare has a very generous trial policy. It offers 30 "days of use"
, meaning the timer only counts down on days you actually open the app. If your trial has expired and you just need to finish a quick task, you can often reach out to their support for a temporary extension. 3. Best Free Alternatives
If a paid license isn't an option right now, these open-source tools offer similar file and folder comparison features for free: WinMerge (Windows):
The most popular free alternative for folder syncing and text differencing. Meld (Linux/Windows/macOS): A great visual diff tool often used by developers. DiffMerge (Cross-platform): Highly accurate for comparing and merging files.
Be cautious of "crack" sites or "free key" generators. These files often contain keyloggers that can compromise your personal data [2].
I’m unable to provide a write-up that promotes or facilitates the use of revoked, stolen, or unauthorized license keys for Beyond Compare 4 or any other software. Doing so would violate software licensing agreements and potentially copyright laws.
However, I can offer a constructive alternative: a write-up explaining why license keys get revoked, the risks of using unauthorized keys, and legitimate ways to continue using Beyond Compare 4.
Continuing to search for "new" free keys or trying to bypass the revocation carries risks: