FAQ: licensing, installation and updates

What do I get without a licence?

The free tier runs the pipeline on a limited basis so you can prove the bridge works end to end before paying anything. Paid tiers lift the limits and unlock the later stages.

My licence says expired and I haven't changed anything

A licence is bound to the machine it was activated on. Older builds derived the machine identity partly from network hardware, so changing a network adapter — including a VPN, a docking station, or Windows updating a driver — could make the same PC look like a different one.

Current builds bind to the Windows installation ID instead, which doesn't move. Update to the current version and re-enter your key; existing activations migrate automatically. If it still reports expired, open a ticket with the key and we'll reissue.

Can I run it on two machines?

Yes. A paid plan covers more than one computer — Trader 2, Studio 3 — so activate the same key on your desktop and your laptop. The Account page shows how many seats are in use. Runs move between the machines from the Runs page (Export selected on one, Import runs… on the other), and portfolio eligibility carries over with them. A strategy's setup moves the same way from its page (Export settings, then Import settings… on the other machine), and a tracked setting from the Deployment page (Export, then Import…). To free a seat, click Deactivate on the machine you no longer use.

How do I update?

The app checks for updates and installs over the running version — you don't need to uninstall first, and your runs, settings and licence are preserved. Runs live outside the program folder, so an uninstall doesn't take them with it.

The MultiCharts option disappeared after updating

MultiCharts support ships behind a flag while it's in testing, and a fresh install starts with it off. Turn it back on under Settings. Once MultiCharts leaves testing this stops being a question.

Where is my data kept?

Locally, on your machine. Runs, results and trade lists are files in the app's data folder; nothing is uploaded. The Support tab copies a diagnostics bundle to your clipboard when you open a ticket — you can read it before you paste it.

The app won't start, or the page won't load

The app serves its interface on a local port. If another copy is already running — including one left over from a previous session — the new one can't claim the port. Close the other window, or check Task Manager for a stray process.

How do I get help?

Open a ticket from the Support tab so the diagnostics come with it. For MultiCharts problems attach C:\AlgoCrucible\mcbridge\io\driver_log.txt; for NinjaTrader problems, the NinjaScript Output window contents (filter for [BridgeOptimizer]).