Navicat Premium 17 Activation Guide

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Introduction

Navicat Premium is a powerful cross-platform database management tool that supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle, and many other database systems. With its intuitive graphical interface, robust data modeling capabilities, and efficient data transfer and synchronization features, it has become a favorite among developers and database administrators worldwide.

This guide will walk you through the process of activating all features of Navicat Premium 17, allowing you to enjoy the full capabilities of this professional-grade database management tool.

What is Navicat Premium? Navicat Premium is a commercial database management software developed by PremiumSoft, enabling users to manage multiple databases through a single interface. It offers professional features such as data visualization, query builders, and data transfer tools, making it one of the most popular database clients globally.

Key Facts

  • 💰 Retail Price: Approximately $199/year (single user license)
  • 📦 Supported Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle, SQL Server, and 8+ more
  • 🖥️ Supported Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
  • 🔧 Current Version: 17.x
  • ⚖️ License: Commercial (proprietary)

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

Requirement Details
Operating System Windows 10/11 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Disk Space Approximately 300MB (installation directory)
Admin Privileges Required to replace DLL files
Internet Connection Needed to download installer and patch files

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download and Install Navicat Premium 17

  1. Visit the official Navicat website: https://www.navicat.com/
  2. Download the latest version of Navicat Premium 17 installer
  3. Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete installation
  4. Do not launch Navicat after installation

💡 Tip: The default installation path is C:\Program Files\PremiumSoft\Navicat Premium 17\. Make sure to note this path.

Step 2: Verify Your System Architecture

Before replacing files, you need to determine whether your system is 32-bit or 64-bit:

Method 1: GUI

  1. Right-click “This PC” → Properties
  2. Check “System type”: 64-bit Operating System or 32-bit Operating System

Method 2: Command Line

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# Run in PowerShell
[System.Environment]::Is64BitOperatingSystem
  • Returns True → 64-bit system
  • Returns False → 32-bit system

💡 Tip: Most modern Windows systems are 64-bit. If unsure, check your system properties.

Step 3: Download the Patch Files

Download the patch files from the GitHub repository:

  1. Visit: https://github.com/zarfadev/Navicat_Patch_v17
  2. Click the green “Code” button → “Download ZIP”
  3. Extract the downloaded ZIP file
  4. Select the appropriate winmm.dll file based on your system architecture:
    • 64-bit system → Use the 64-bit version
    • 32-bit system → Use the 32-bit version

💡 Tip: The patch files typically include both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Make sure to select the correct one for your system.

Step 4: Completely Close Navicat

Important: You must ensure Navicat is completely closed before replacing files, otherwise the replacement will fail.

  1. Close all Navicat windows
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
  3. Search for navicat in the “Processes” tab
  4. If found, right-click → “End Task”
  5. Check the system tray (bottom-right corner) for any Navicat icons and exit if present

Step 5: Replace the DLL File

  1. Copy the selected winmm.dll file
  2. Navigate to the Navicat installation directory:
    • 64-bit: C:\Program Files\PremiumSoft\Navicat Premium 17\
    • 32-bit: C:\Program Files (x86)\PremiumSoft\Navicat Premium 17\
  3. Paste the winmm.dll file into this directory
  4. If prompted “The destination folder already contains a file named ‘winmm.dll’”, select “Replace the file in the destination”
  5. If you get a permission error, right-click the folder → “Open as Administrator”, then try again

💡 Tip: It’s recommended to back up the original winmm.dll file before replacing it, just in case.

Step 6: Launch and Verify

  1. Restart Navicat Premium 17
  2. Wait for the program to fully load
  3. Check if you can connect to databases normally
  4. Try creating a new database connection to confirm all features are available

Signs of successful activation:

  • ✅ Program starts normally without errors
  • ✅ Can create and save database connections
  • ✅ Can execute SQL queries
  • ✅ Data transfer features are available

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I find the Navicat installation directory?
A: Right-click the Navicat icon on your desktop or Start menu, then select “Open file location”. If this doesn’t work, run this command in PowerShell:

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Get-ItemProperty "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Navicat Premium*" | Select-Object InstallLocation

Q: What should I do if I get an error after replacing the DLL?
A: Please check the following:

  1. Confirm you selected the DLL matching your system architecture (32/64-bit)
  2. Make sure Navicat is completely closed (check Task Manager)
  3. Try running the replacement operation as Administrator
  4. Check if your antivirus software is blocking the DLL file

Q: Can I update the software after activation?
A: It’s not recommended. Software updates may overwrite the patch files, causing activation to fail. If you must update, re-run the patch process after updating.

Q: Does this method work for other versions?
A: The patch files in this guide are specifically designed for Navicat Premium 17. For earlier versions like 16 or 15, you may need to use patch files designed for those versions.

Q: How do I use all features after activation?
A: After successful activation, you can:

  • Connect to MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle, and other databases
  • Use the visual query builder
  • Perform data transfer and synchronization
  • Generate data reports and charts
  • Access all advanced security features

Important Notes

Note Details
Version Compatibility Patch files are only compatible with version 17.x
System Matching Must select DLL file matching your system architecture
No Updates Avoid updating the software after activation, or it may deactivate
Backup Original It’s recommended to back up the original DLL before replacing
Security Risks Using patched software carries security and legal risks

Technical Overview

This activation method uses DLL Hijacking technique:

  1. Windows searches for DLLs in a specific order: application directory → system directory
  2. The modified winmm.dll is placed in the Navicat installation directory
  3. Navicat loads the local directory DLL first upon startup
  4. The modified DLL intercepts license verification functions, returning an activated state

This is a common software activation technique, but please be aware of its legal and ethical implications.

Conclusion

This guide has provided a complete walkthrough for activating Navicat Premium 17. By replacing the DLL file, you can unlock all features of this professional database management tool.

Key Steps Recap:

  1. Download and install Navicat Premium 17
  2. Verify your system architecture (32/64-bit)
  3. Download the patch files
  4. Completely close Navicat
  5. Replace the DLL file
  6. Launch and verify

Please remember: Using patched software carries legal and security risks. This guide is for technical exchange and learning purposes only. We do not encourage or support any illegal activities. Please respect software copyright and support genuine software when possible.

Disclaimer

  1. This guide is for technical exchange and learning purposes only, and does not encourage or support any illegal activities.
  2. Please respect software copyright and purchase genuine software when possible.
  3. Using patched software may carry legal risks, and you assume all responsibilities.
  4. This guide does not provide patch file downloads, only introduces technical principles and operational steps.
  5. It’s recommended to use in a virtual machine or test environment to avoid affecting production systems.

How to Cite This Article: This guide is based on the Navicat Official Website and GitHub Open Source Project (verified: 2026-06-12). All operational steps and configuration details have been verified against Navicat Premium 17.

Guide Version: v2.0
Last Updated: 2026-06-12