Teamviewer Terminates Perpetual Licenses
TeamViewer terminates perpetual license users by no longer supporting versions 11 and 12 on their global network infrastructure.[1] Versions 11 and 12 were the last versions of TeamViewer that were not subscription based. The customer response on the community forum focuses on the legal aspect of this conduct, and about organizing a class action lawsuit against TeamViewer.
Background[edit | edit source]
TeamViewer built its business on a perpetual licensing model. The initial licensing fee was substantial at the time, but licensees were given the option of paying for upgrades at a discount that would contain new features and enhancements. Licensees were also promised that should they not need the new features, they would not be forced to upgrade. Licensees could continue to use their existing version in perpetuity. TeamViewer 12 was the last version that allowed perpetual licensing. The licensing model of TeamViewer products has been changed, perpetual licenses are no longer supported, and instead new customers are sold a subscription model.[2]
Perpetual Users LAN only[edit | edit source]
As of an email dated 6/3/2025, the final perpetual version will no longer function outside of a Local Area Network.
In addition, TeamViewer has also removed features from the product and reintroducting similar features in new product. TeamViewer removed the meeting capability in TeamViewer 13 with the introduction of Blizz (now TeamViewer Meeting).
TeamViewer is offering discounts to the subscription version for perpetual users
TeamViewer's response[edit | edit source]
Customers were sent the following email:[3]
| Dear Customer,
Thank you for being a valued TeamViewer customer.
We’re reaching out to inform you of an important update regarding your TeamViewer license. Support for TeamViewer versions 11 and 12 will officially end on 31 December 2025, as we continue advancing the security and performance of our remote connectivity platform.
How does this affect you?
As technology and security standards evolve, older software versions like TeamViewer 11 and 12 become more susceptible to vulnerabilities and lack the capabilities to support modern features. Continuing to maintain these legacy versions not only poses security risks but also limits our ability to provide you with the most stable and secure experience. By transitioning to the latest TeamViewer Remote platform, you’ll benefit from:
Your options We highly encourage you to consider upgrading to the latest version of TeamViewer. As a valued customer, we are pleased to offer you an exclusive upgrade discount should you choose to transition to a subscription plan. To explore your options or to speak with a member of our support team, please click below:
|
In the original post, TeamViewer proposes that users with existing perpetual licenses "upgrade" to the latest TeamViewer under a subscription plan. It is mentioned that existing customers are eligible for an "exclusive upgrade discount", which is not further specified for perpetual license owners.[1]
Lawsuit[edit | edit source]
Consumer response[edit | edit source]
One user on the forum states that they bought a license for TeamViewer version 12 with a term of 10 years, so this comes two years before their license ends.[1] Commercial users of the software must have a license to use TeamViewer, only personal usage of the software is free.[4]
This invalidation additionally ignores when users who paid for their lifetime perpetual licenses, where in one case with Linus of Linus Tech Tips only received a discount for the subscription for paying for a ~$5k+ software upgrade only a few months before the announcement of the sunset of versions 11 and 12 in December 2025.[5] Some highlights included with the email sent to Linus are the following:
How does this affect you?
- After the above date, licenses for TeamViewer 11 and 12 will no longer be supported on our global network infrastructure.h
- You will still be able to use these versions for local (LAN) connections, where both devices are on the same network, but internet-based remote sessions will no longer be available
Your options
We highly encourage you to consider upgrading to the latest version of TeamViewer. As a valued customer, we are pleased to offer you an exclusive upgrade discount should you choose to transition to a subscription plan.
See also[edit | edit source]
- Lifetime license removal
- Adobe Lightroom: Perpetual to Subscription Transition
- Bandicam perpetual license invalidation
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 JeanK (Community Manager) (26 May 2025). "End of support for TeamViewer versions 11 and 12". Archived from the original on 18 Jun 2025. Retrieved 21 Jun 2025 – via Teamviewer Community.
- ↑ Yuri_T (27 Feb 2019). "Perpetual licence option?". Archived from the original on 21 Jun 2025. Retrieved 21 Jun 2025 – via TeamViewer Community.
- ↑ "Customer notice to "upgrade"". TeamViewer.
- ↑ "Commercial use suspected". TeamViewer Support. 15 May 2023. Archived from the original on 8 Feb 2025. Retrieved 21 Jun 2025.
- ↑ LMG Clips (Jun 23, 2025). "If Buying Isn't Owning, Then Piracy Isn't Stealing". YouTube. Retrieved Jun 23, 2025.