If a recently purchased feature (like FabricPool or FlexClone) does not appear in the generator list, the sales order might not be fully processed or linked to your NSS account. Contact NetApp Support or your account manager to initiate an entitlement transfer.
Ensure the serial number used during generation precisely matches the serial number of the controller hardware. Check this via the CLI using node show -fields serial-number .
For dark sites, secure environments, or automated deployments, the CLI offers precise control. You must first place the .nlf file on an accessible web or network server (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, or SFTP).
The installation method depends on whether you are using the official NetApp Support Site utility or the specialized ONTAP Select Deploy utility (which includes a built-in offline license file generator). Method 1: Installing the Standalone Offline Utility
What are you using for your deployment host? netapp license file generator install
: If you have a specific 28-character key instead of a file, select Use 28-character license keys and enter them manually. 3. Verify the Feature
The graphical interface is the simplest method for most administrators.
After installation, you can verify that the feature (such as iSCSI, CIFS, or SnapMirror) is active by checking the license list in System Manager or using the CLI command system license show .
Unlike traditional software that you install on a local PC, the "License File Generator" is primarily a web-based utility hosted by NetApp. Here is the step-by-step workflow to "install" those licenses onto your system. Step 1: Access the License Manager If a recently purchased feature (like FabricPool or
cluster1::> system license add -license-code Use code with caution. 🔍 Step 4: Verify the Installation
Always save this file to a secure, backed-up location. You will need it if you ever have to perform a disaster recovery of your cluster configuration. Step 4: Installing the File on ONTAP
For a detailed walkthrough, you can watch the NetApp ONTAP Licensing Tutorial on YouTube .
NetApp storage systems rely on valid license keys to unlock core features like ONTAP, SnapMirror, FlexClone, and various data protection protocols. Managing these licenses efficiently requires utilizing NetApp's digital licensing tools. Check this via the CLI using node show -fields serial-number
Review the output to ensure the column displays valid and the expected features are listed as active . ⚠️ Troubleshooting Common Issues
rather than a local software application that requires installation
cluster1::> system license add -license-code Use code with caution.
: Click Submit . After your request is validated, you will be asked how you want to receive the file: Direct Download (immediately), Email , or both. The file is typically in a .NLF or .json format.
Choose the appropriate generation wizard based on your deployment (e.g., ONTAP, SolidFire, or StorageGRID). Enter your or Lock ID . Select the specific software features you need to activate. Click Submit or Generate .