About license files
In order to use a GitHub Enterprise Server instance, you must upload a license file that GitHub provides when you purchase, renew, or add user licenses to GitHub Enterprise.
A license file has an expiration date and controls the number of people who can use your GitHub Enterprise Server instance. After you download and install GitHub Enterprise Server, you must upload the license file to unlock the application for you to use.
If your license expires, you won't be able to access GitHub Enterprise Server via a web browser or Git. If needed, you will be able to use command-line utilities to back up all your data.
Next steps
- To download your license file, see Downloading your license for GitHub Enterprise.
- To upload your license file to GitHub Enterprise Server, see Uploading a new license to GitHub Enterprise Server.
- To back up your GitHub Enterprise Server instance, see Configuring backups on your instance using Backup Utilities.
- If you have questions about renewing your license, contact GitHub's Sales team.