For learning: Use – a virtual ONTAP instance that includes trial licenses or uses demo mode. The simulator accepts a special eval license file available on the NetApp Support Site (free account required).
Modern ONTAP deployments, especially ONTAP Select (software-defined storage) and Cloud Volumes ONTAP (CVO), use capacity-based licensing. The generator issues a license file based on the total Terabytes (TB) managed by the instance, rather than a fixed hardware serial number. 3. Master License Keys (Evaluation/Demo)
| Product / License Type | Example Serial Number Format | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 9-digit number | This serial number is assigned to the specific node. | | Cloud Volumes ONTAP (Direct Capacity) | Starts with 485XXXXX | Generated in the Support Site, not by the main License Generator, to update BlueXP Digital Wallet. | | SnapCenter (Capacity-based) | 9-digit number, format 51xxxxxxx | The serial number is found in your order confirmation. | netapp license file generator
To get the most out of the NetApp License File Generator, follow these best practices:
: You can select a starred favorite or use the New Search function to find your specific hardware or instance. For learning: Use – a virtual ONTAP instance
NetApp partners and systems engineers use specialized internal generators to create temporary Master License Keys. These allow customers to evaluate premium features like data encryption or autonomous ransomware protection for 30 to 90 days before purchasing.
: Enter the serial number of your system or the specific Sales Order (SO) number provided in your purchase confirmation email. The generator issues a license file based on
To generate or retrieve your NetApp License Files, you must have an active NetApp Support Site account linked to your organization's purchase orders. Step 1: Gather Required Information Before logging in, collect the following system details:
NetApp License File Generator a web-based tool on the NetApp Support Site used to obtain NetApp License Files (NLF) for managing product entitlements . It is primarily used for systems running ONTAP 9.10.1 or later
Browse to select your downloaded license file, or copy and paste the 28-character text strings. Click to validate and apply. Method 2: Using the ONTAP CLI
Enter your controller or cluster serial number into the search field. Click or Submit .