Free an On-premises 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.

Why you may need to free a license

When a license administrator activates an on-premises License on an On-Premises License Server in your network, the license becomes bound to the License Server. This means it cannot be activated on another machine. To move it to another computer or convert it back to an online license, you need to release the license on your On-Premises License Server first.

Uninstall the license in VirtServer

  1. When you want to uninstall your license, go to the VirtServer Web UI, click the Admin tab, and then select License in the Administration section.

    Screenshot of the VirtServer Administration page with the License tab selected. The License Information section displays details of an installed SmartBear ID-based license. Information shown includes: License Type (Professional – Floating), License Key (partially blurred), License Expiration Date (August 6, 2035), and Max number of concurrently running virtual APIs (-1). A button labeled Uninstall License is visible on the right.

  2. Click Uninstall License.

  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall the license from the product.

    After uninstalling the license, a confirmation message appears: Success: License has been deactivated.

    The License tab returns to its default state with no license installed.

    Screenshot of the VirtServer Administration page with the License tab selected. The section “License Information” displays a message prompting the user to click Add License to install a new license or contact SmartBear Support to acquire one. A turquoise + Add License button is visible on the right side of the screen.

How to free an on-premises license

The on-premises license is bound to the computer where the On-Premises License Server is installed.

  1. To free the license, your license administrator should log in to the On-Premises Licensing Portal and free the license by selecting Return License to Licensing Portal.

    Return Floating License

  2. The license administrator generates the server fingerprint file or data.

    Server Fingerprint File
    Licensing Portal

    The system removes the license from the On-Premises License Server.

    License Removed

  3. In the SmartBear Licensing Portal , the license administrator imports the server fingerprint file from the On-Premises License Server.

    Import Fingerprint File

  4. The license administrator adds the server fingerprint file or data.

    License Fingerprint File

  5. The license administrator clicks Close to confirm.

    License Imported

    The on-premises license is now returned to the SmartBear Licensing Portal.

    After return, the license is available in the SmartBear Licensing Portal for direct use or for export to another On-Premises License Server.

    License Re-exported

The step-by-step instructions are available in the SmartBear Administration documentation.

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