> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.xloud.tech/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# XDeploy Key

> Activate the XDeploy management platform with a hardware-bound license key

XDeploy Key licenses the management platform itself. This is the first step when installing XDeploy on a new server. Without a valid key, deployment tools and configuration interfaces are restricted. The key is bound to your server's hardware fingerprint to prevent unauthorized copying or redistribution.

<Note>
  **Prerequisites**

  * XDeploy installed on the management server
  * Access to [license.xloud.tech](https://license.xloud.tech) for key file submission
  * Server hardware finalized (CPU, motherboard, and disks should not change after activation)
</Note>

<Warning>
  This licenses the **XDeploy management tool** — the interface used to deploy and manage your cloud. To license the deployed cloud cluster, use [Cluster License](/deployment/cluster-license) instead.
</Warning>

***

## Activation Status

The status indicator at the top of the XDeploy Key page shows the current activation state of the management platform.

| Status       | Meaning                                              |
| ------------ | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Active**   | Valid key installed, all XDeploy tools are unlocked  |
| **Inactive** | No key installed, deployment tools are restricted    |
| **Expired**  | Key has passed its expiration date, renewal required |

Use the **Verify** button to re-check key validity against the current hardware fingerprint. This is useful after hardware maintenance to confirm the key is still valid.

<Info>
  The activation status is checked automatically each time XDeploy loads. Manual verification is only needed when troubleshooting or after hardware changes.
</Info>

***

## Activation Process

<Steps titleSize="h3">
  <Step title="Request Key" icon="download">
    Click **Request Key** to collect the hardware fingerprint from the management server. The tool gathers:

    | Data Point      | Purpose                                      |
    | --------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
    | **CPU Sockets** | Physical processor count for license binding |
    | **Total Cores** | Aggregate core count across all sockets      |
    | **Hostname**    | Server identity for license tracking         |

    The collected data is encrypted and packaged into a downloadable `.xlic` request file. Save this file to your local machine.

    <Tip>
      The request file contains only hardware identifiers. No passwords, network configurations, or sensitive data are included in the request.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit to Portal" icon="upload">
    Upload the `.xlic` request file to [license.xloud.tech](https://license.xloud.tech). The portal validates the request and generates a signed key file.

    <Info>
      Key generation is typically immediate for customers with active support agreements. Contact [support@xloud.tech](mailto:support@xloud.tech) if your request is pending for more than 24 hours.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload Key" icon="circle-check">
    Return to the XDeploy Key page and drag the signed `.xlic` key file into the upload area. The maximum file size is 50 KB.

    The tool validates the digital signature, displays a preview of the key details (customer name, expiration date, licensed features), and installs the key.

    <Check>
      XDeploy activated. All platform tools are now unlocked and ready for use.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Key Management

Two management actions are available for an installed key:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Verify" icon="shield-check" color="#197560">
    Re-validates the installed key against the current hardware fingerprint. Use after hardware maintenance, motherboard replacement, or CPU changes to confirm the key remains valid.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Remove" icon="trash" color="#197560">
    Deletes the installed key from the management server. Requires explicit confirmation before proceeding. After removal, XDeploy reverts to the restricted state until a new key is installed.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Danger>
  Removing the key deactivates XDeploy immediately. All deployment tools, configuration interfaces, and management workflows become restricted. You will need a new key to resume using the platform. Only remove the key if you are decommissioning the server or transferring the license.
</Danger>

***

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Key upload rejected with invalid signature" icon="alert-triangle">
    **Cause**: The `.xlic` file was corrupted during download or transfer.

    **Resolution**: Re-download the signed key file from the license portal. Transfer using a binary-safe method (SCP, SFTP, or direct browser download). Do not open the file in a text editor, as this can alter binary content. Upload the file again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Verification fails after hardware maintenance" icon="alert-triangle">
    **Cause**: The hardware fingerprint changed due to CPU, motherboard, or disk replacement.

    **Resolution**: Generate a new key request with the updated hardware fingerprint. Submit the new request to [license.xloud.tech](https://license.xloud.tech) and install the returned signed key.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="XDeploy shows Inactive despite key upload" icon="alert-triangle">
    **Cause**: The key file may have been uploaded for a different server, or the key has expired.

    **Resolution**: Check the key details in the upload preview — confirm the hostname and hardware identifiers match the current server. If the key is expired, request a renewal through the license portal or contact [support@xloud.tech](mailto:support@xloud.tech).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Bootstrap" icon="check" href="/deployment/bootstrap" color="#197560">
    Validate hardware requirements and install deployment dependencies
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cluster License" icon="key" href="/deployment/cluster-license" color="#197560">
    License the deployed cloud cluster for production use
  </Card>
</CardGroup>