Resolving licensing issues for older Access Server installations (prior to 2019)

If you’re using an OpenVPN Access Server installed before January 20, 2019, you may encounter licensing issues when you activate or renew fixed license keys. This occurs due to an update to the licensing system that improves security and supports additional features.

Why the change?

In 2019, we updated the licensing system to support more flexible licensing options and prepare for future features such as clustering. The update also improves system security.

Your current setup may continue to function, but you need to update your server before activating new or renewal licenses.

What you need to do

Upgrade your Access Server (Preferred option)
We recommend you upgrade your Access Server to the latest version available in the Access Server Portal. The latest versions include the updated licensing system.

Perform offline activation for your Fixed License
If an Access Server upgrade is not possible for any reason, you can perform offline activation by using a temporary Access Server installation running a current version.

Alternatively, submit a support ticket and include the required hardware information file along with the license key you want to activate. Refer to the offline activation tutorial for more details.

Although this option works well, we always recommend keeping your Access Server up to date. So, if you decide to perform offline activation with your current old Access Server installation, please plan an upgrade afterward.

Common questions

Will this affect my current licenses?
No. Existing license keys continue to work. However, you need to update your server before activating new or renewal licenses.

What about AWS licenses?
This update doesn’t affect AWS licenses purchased through AWS Marketplace. These use a different licensing system and continue to function normally.

If you have additional questions, submit a support ticket.