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

# License Activation

> Activate your ArgentOS license — key entry, hardware fingerprint, and verification.

## Overview

License activation binds your license key to your specific ArgentOS installation. This is a one-time process per machine.

## Activation Flow

```mermaid theme={null}
graph LR
    LK[License Key] --> AS[Activation Server]
    AS --> HF[Hardware Fingerprint]
    HF --> V[Verification]
    V --> FU[Features Unlocked]
```

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enter Your License Key">
    ```bash theme={null}
    argent license activate ARGENT-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
    ```

    Or through the dashboard: **Settings > License > Activate**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Hardware Fingerprint">
    ArgentOS generates a hardware fingerprint based on:

    * Machine ID
    * OS type
    * CPU identifier
    * Network interface MAC address

    This fingerprint uniquely identifies your installation without collecting personal information.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Server Verification">
    The license key and fingerprint are sent to the activation server:

    ```
    POST https://api.argentos.ai/v1/licenses/activate
    {
      "key": "ARGENT-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX",
      "fingerprint": "sha256:abc123...",
      "hostname": "my-server"
    }
    ```

    The server verifies the key is valid and not already activated on another machine, then returns an activation token.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Local Storage">
    The activation token is stored locally:

    ```
    ~/.argentos/license.json
    ```

    This token is used for periodic verification without needing to re-activate.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Verification Schedule

ArgentOS verifies the license periodically:

* **On startup**: Checks the local token validity
* **Daily**: Contacts the server to verify the license is still active
* **On feature use**: Some features check license tier before executing

<Info>
  If verification fails (network issues), a grace period allows continued use.
</Info>

## Transferring a License

To move your license to a different machine:

```bash theme={null}
# On the old machine
argent license deactivate

# On the new machine
argent license activate ARGENT-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
```

Deactivation releases the hardware fingerprint, allowing activation on new hardware.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="License already activated">
    The key is bound to another machine. Deactivate it there first, or contact support.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Invalid license key">
    Verify the key format: `ARGENT-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX`. Check for typos or extra whitespace.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Verification failed">
    Check your internet connection. If persistent, the activation server may be temporarily unavailable. ArgentOS will use the grace period until connectivity is restored.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>