Installing a Fixed License

Important Notice for VirtServer Customers

Starting from ReadyAPI 3.62.0, VirtServer 3.29.0, and TestEngine 1.34.0, SmartBear Product Family has fully deprecated file-based licenses and transitioned to the ID-based SmartBear License Management (SLM) system. Any customers still using file-based licenses must complete their migration to SLM by September 30, 2025.

From October 1, 2025, existing and activated file-based licenses will continue to work for some time. However, SmartBear will no longer generate new file-based licenses or support activation and deactivation of file-based licenses in ReadyAPI, VirtServer, or TestEngine. All new and updated licenses are now issued in SLM only.

All technical support for file-based licenses has now ceased, and SmartBear no longer maintains the file-based licensing system. Any access or service issues will result in service disruptions that we will not be able to restore.

If you have not completed the process of migrating, contact your Account Manager or SmartBear representative today. Our teams are ready to assist you with smooth transition strategies. For additional support, log a request with our SmartBear Support.Migration Process

For more information and timelines, refer to the File-based License End-of-Support Policy page.

To use VirtServer, you need a license. This topic explains how to install a fixed license.

Requirements

To install a fixed license online, you need a functioning internet connection.
The firewalls and proxies in your network should allow access to the https://activation.smartbear.com and https://licenseusage.smartbear.io websites through the 80 and 443ports.

Using Web UI

Install VirtServer and start it.
Open the VirtServer web interface and log in as an administrator:
Go to the VirtServer homepage:
```
https://<virtserver-host>:<port>/virtserver#/
```
For example, if VirtServer is installed on your local machine and you run it on the default port, use the following link:
```
https://localhost:9090/virtserver#/
```
Click Admin, and go to the License Administration page. Click Add License:
In the subsequent dialog, select License from a File, click Browse, and specify the VirtServer license file (.zip or .key file):
Fill in the form fields and click Install:
The License tab will show information about the license:
You can start using the product.

In Case of an Error

In case of an error, you will see a message explaining the problem.
If you are unable to solve the problem, contact our Support Team. We will be glad to help you.
One of the issues that may occur during the VirtServer license activation is the "Connection time out" error. Typically, it happens when the VirtServer computer is not connected to the SmartBear licensing server (see above). In this case, you have to resort to offline activation by using the license manager command-line application.

Notes

There can only be one license installed at any one time on VirtServer. To install a new license, please uninstall your existing license. This also applies to renewal or upgrade and downgrade license scenarios.
If you are working with a trial license, you can install the production license over an installed trial license. This is why you will see Install license shown when a trial license is installed.
To uninstall the current license, please see Uninstall a Fixed license.

In this section: