Server Manager Options: License Borrowing

Enable borrowing for Concurrent Network licenses in Server Manager; set max days, auto-return occurs, early returns allowed if network connected.

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Answer

Applies to:
Server Manager 6.x and Up

Borrowing Options for Concurrent Network Licenses

Concurrent Network licenses can be borrowed for offline use.
Borrowed licenses are temporarily removed from the server’s available pool until returned.
Borrowing is not available for Enterprise Network licenses.

License Type	Borrowing Behavior
Certificate licenses	Borrowed license can be used only by the borrowing user
Activatable licenses	Borrowed license can be used by any user on that computer

Borrowed licenses return automatically at the end of the borrowing period, even if the user is off-network.
Users may return early if connected to the network.
Available license counts are shown in Server Manager → Status.

A borrowed license is locked to the user for the entire borrow period; the server cannot force an early return.
If any licenses are borrowed, you cannot deactivate the Concurrent Network license, which may delay server moves or upgrades.
Many organizations may not need borrowing, e.g., all users on desktops or using VPN connections.
Borrowing does not work for server-hosted applications or remote login environments; it only locks the license until the borrow period ends.

Open Server Manager (8.6.1 or later, check Licenses or Legacy Licenses tab).
Click Options.
In the bottom section, select Allowed.
Set a maximum borrowing period (commonly 7 or 14 days).
Borrowing settings can be changed anytime, but changes only affect future borrows, not currently borrowed licenses.

Tip: Users should borrow only as long as they need, not the maximum allowed.

Borrowed licenses cannot be forced back early by the server.
Licenses automatically return at the end of the borrow period.
End users can return early if connected to the network.
To prevent long borrow periods in the future, consider shortening the maximum borrowing period in Server Manager → Options.

Concurrent Network licenses can be borrowed for offline use.
Borrowing must be enabled in Server Manager, with a set maximum period.
Borrowed licenses cannot be force-returned, but will auto-return at the end of the period.
Enterprise Network licenses do not use borrowing.

Related Articles:

Licenses tab vs Legacy Licenses tab

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