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Authorizing Portal for ArcGIS

Each installation of Portal for ArcGIS needs to be authorized for use. Visit My Esri to obtain your authorization number (similar in format to ECP123456789) for use in the software or to create a provisioning file, which can be used to complete the authorization process.

Ensure that your provisioning file includes entitlements for at least one portal member using a Level 2 license. You require at least one Level 2 license in order to create your portal.

Once you've obtained your authorization, you can launch the Software Authorization Wizard from your desktop, or you can authorize Portal for ArcGIS silently from the command line. For instructions, see the sections below.

From the desktop

The instructions for launching the Software Authorization Wizard vary depending on your operating system:

Windows 8/8.1, Windows Server 2012/R2, Windows Server 2016 (Standard/DataCenter)

Navigate to the Apps page, and choose ArcGIS > Software Authorization.

Windows 7, Windows Server 2008/R2

Choose Programs > ArcGIS > Portal for ArcGIS > Software Authorization.

Silent authorization

Run the following command to silently authorize Portal for ArcGIS:

<System disk drive>\Program Files\Common Files\ArcGIS\bin\SoftwareAuthorization.exe -s -ver 10.6 -lif <path to authorization file>

Choose the authorization option

You can authorize Portal for ArcGIS by choosing one of two options:

  • I have installed my software and need to authorize it—Select this option if you do not already have an authorization file. Click Next. On the subsequent dialog box, choose one of the options to authorize your software. You'll need an Internet connection to complete the authorization.
  • I have received an authorization file from Esri and am now ready to finish the authorization process—Select this option if you've already received your authorization file from My Esri. Browse to the authorization file on disk and click Next to complete your authorization.