License key
Run AskUI Desktop without an AskUI account by activating a license key and bringing your own model provider.
There are two ways to run AskUI Desktop:
| Mode | How you get in | Where inference runs |
|---|---|---|
| AskUI account | Sign in with your AskUI account (Auth0) | AskUI hub, billed to your workspace |
| License key | Activate a local license key, no account needed | Your own model provider (you add it during activation) |
License mode is for teams that run against their own Anthropic or OpenAI‑compatible endpoint and don't want inference to route through the AskUI hub, air‑gapped setups, self‑hosted models, or an existing model contract.
Note
Because License mode never talks to the AskUI hub for inference, it requires a model provider. Activation walks you straight into connecting one.
Activate
Open AskUI Desktop. On the welcome screen choose Activate with a license key instead of signing in.
Paste your license key and select Continue.
Add your model provider. License mode runs on your own model, so the next step is the model provider form. Enter your endpoint and key, then Finish & open AskUI.
You're now in the app. AskUI Desktop remembers the license and model provider, so subsequent launches open straight into your projects.
Managing your license
- Your license and its plan tier are shown in the profile menu (top‑right).
- To switch machines or hand the seat back, remove the license key from the profile menu. Removing it returns you to the welcome screen.
- If you later sign in with an AskUI account, the account takes precedence over a stored license key.
Tip
Not sure which mode you want? If you don't already operate your own model endpoint, sign in with an AskUI account instead, it's the zero‑config path.