NVivo is a powerful qualitative data analysis tool, with features that provide functionality far beyond that of the average statistics package. Rather than simple number-crunching, qualitative analysis is about exploring issues and finding the patterns in unstructured data. As a qualitative research software package, NVivo lets you analyse your materials, identify themes and patterns and develop meaningful conclusions, with powerful tools for classifying, sorting and arranging information.

How do I install NVivo?

NVivo is available for download from the Downloads section of the ICTS website:

For Windows:

New installations:

  1. Download the Nvivo 12(x64) executable zip file from the ICTS Downloads page
  2. Locate the downloaded file, then unzip its contents.
  3. In the unzipped folder, right click Nvivo 12(x64) and select Run as administrator from the fly-out menu.
  4. In the NVivo 12 - InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click Install.
  5. As the software is installing, several dialog boxes will appear. Do not click Next or Finish in any of these boxes. Simply allow the installation to proceed automatically.
  6. Once the installation finishes, the  it will automatically launch NVivo setup, auto-populate the license key and present you with the License activation dialog box.
  7. Fill in your details and click Activate.
  8. NVivo is now successfully installed and activated.

Installations requiring the updated licence (June 2019):

  1. Download the NVivo 12 Licence Renewal zip file from the ICTS Downloads page.
  2. Locate the downloaded filer, then unzip its contents.
  3. In the unzipped folder, right click NVivo 12 Licence Renewal and select Run as administrator from the fly-out menu.
  4. In the NVivo 12 - InstallShield Wizard dialog box, click Install.
  5. A command prompt window opens. The window closes automatically once the new licence key has been installed.
  6. Fill in your details and click Activate.
  7. The NVivo licence is now successfully updated.

For Mac:

  1. You will need to download two files:
    • NVivo 12
    • NVivo activation licence
  2. Full installation instructions are available in the NVivo activation licence file.
  3. Use the licence key in the NVivo activation licence file to activate your NVivo installation.

Current staff members and registered students at UCT may install as many copies of NVivo as they need for their own use (e.g. on a desktop and laptop). Should you leave UCT's employ or are no registered as a student, you must remove the software.