When you purchase GitHub Enterprise, you're given a license file to validate your application. A license file has an expiration date and controls the number of user accounts that can connect to your GitHub Enterprise appliance.

Once you downloaded and install GitHub Enterprise, the license file unlocks the application for you to use. It also allows you to access the Management Console for the first time. The GitHub Enterprise license file ends with the .ghl extension.

If your GitHub Enterprise license expires:

  • You won't be able to access your GitHub Enterprise appliance via a web browser.
  • You won't be able to interact with your appliance via Git operations.
  • You will be able to use command-line utilities to back up all your data.

Check out the site admin dashboard or the License API for more information on your current license, including:

  • how many seats are in use
  • how many seats are available
  • when the license expires

If you have any questions about renewing your license, please contact our sales and account management team.

Further reading