These tools typically automate the removal of local "fingerprints" that the IDE uses to track trial usage. The main "features" of such scripts usually include:
Registry & File Cleanup: Deleting specific configuration files (e.g., other.xml) and registry keys that store the trial start date.
User ID Modification: Changing the PermanentUserId file in the application data folder to trick the system into recognizing a "new" user.
Evaluation Key Removal: Searching for and removing "evlsprt" (evaluation support) properties within the IDE's internal XML options. jetbrains-reset-trial
Scheduled Automation: Some versions on GitHub include features like launchd agents or Windows Task Scheduler jobs to automatically reset the trial on the first day of every month.
Preference Cache Flushing: Killing background processes like cfprefsd (on macOS) to ensure deleted settings aren't immediately restored from memory. GitHub - MLeft/jetbrains-reset-trial-evaluation-mac
Every first day of each month the job will: * Close all Intellij applications. * Reset evaluation. * Flush preference cache. GitHub - garyjuano/jetbrains-reset-trial-evaluation-mac These tools typically automate the removal of local
If none of the above work for you, consider switching to Visual Studio Code. While not a JetBrains product, Code:
Many developers use VS Code professionally and never pay for an IDE.
%USERPROFILE%\.JetBrains\JetBrains.sln and %USERPROFILE%\.JetBrains\<product_name>\options\ide.xml~/Library/Application Support/JetBrains/JetBrains.sln and ~/Library/Application Support/JetBrains/<product_name>/options/ide.xml~/.JetBrains/JetBrains.sln and ~/.JetBrains/<product_name>/options/ide.xmlFrom version 2022.2 onwards, JetBrains introduced "Offline Activation" improvements and server-side validation. In 2024 and 2025, they have implemented stricter enforcement: Is completely free and open-source
JetBrains engineers actively monitor forums where jetbrains-reset-trial is discussed and patch the vulnerabilities used by these tools in every minor release (e.g., 2024.3.1, 2025.1).
A typical reset script does the following:
Developers build JetBrains tools. Hundreds of engineers, designers, and support staff rely on the revenue from subscriptions. If every developer used a trial reset, JetBrains would cease to exist. By paying for software, you support:
Rather than fighting users, JetBrains has expanded its free programs. They now offer:
JetBrains has actively sent takedown notices to GitHub repositories containing jetbrains-reset-trial code. Major repositories like ja-netfilter are removed within days of appearing. This has pushed reset tools into obscure, unmoderated forums where malware is rampant.