Open Finder, press Cmd + Shift + G , and navigate to ~/Library/Application Support/Beyond Compare 4/ . Delete the BC4Key.txt file. Relaunch the application. Method 3: Purchase a Legitimate License
: Users sometimes unintentionally deploy a pirated key found online instead of the legitimate one included in their order email.
If you’re an organization
In some corporate environments, users may inadvertently deploy a pirated key they found online instead of the company's officially purchased license. beyond compare 4 license key has been revoked
Look for a string value named BC4Key or similar licensing entries and delete them. Alternatively, check C:\Users\ \AppData\Roaming\Scooter Software\Beyond Compare 4\ and delete the BC4Key.txt file if it exists. Open Finder and press Cmd + Shift + G .
Here is how you can resolve this issue and get back to work. 1. Why Was My Key Revoked?
<BCSessions Version="1" MinVersion="1"> </BCSessions> Open Finder, press Cmd + Shift + G
Resolving this issue requires purging the bad license data from your local system and replacing it with a valid form of registration. Step 1: Locate and Remove the Revoked Key
When searching for solutions to a revoked key, you may encounter websites suggesting "cracks," modified executable files, or host-file blocking techniques to bypass validation. Avoiding these unauthorized methods is highly recommended for several critical reasons:
Beyond Compare operates on a major‑version upgrade model. A version 4 license key with version 5. However, licenses purchased after January 1, 2022, are eligible for a free upgrade to version 5. All minor updates (4.x → 4.y) remain free. Method 3: Purchase a Legitimate License : Users
It’s a jarring experience. The software you’ve been using without issue is now locked down. And for many users, the confusion is real: you haven’t changed anything, haven’t shared your key widely—so why is this happening?
Open Notepad and paste the following:
Alternatively, add the following line to your hosts file ( /etc/hosts on Linux/macOS, C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts on Windows):
A paid license comes with official support, no surprise revocations, and access to all features without workarounds.
If you encounter a notification stating your Beyond Compare 4 license key has been revoked, it means the software has flagged your specific license key as invalid, leaked, or blocked. Understanding why this happens and knowing how to resolve it legally will help you restore your access to this essential utility. Why Beyond Compare 4 License Keys Get Revoked