# [UBL LLS End-user setup](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/license/ubl_license_enduser/)

## About this Install Guide
| Reading time: | 15 min |
|----------------|---------|
| Last updated: | 22 Jun 2026 |

| Author: | Ronan Synnott, Arm [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/ronansynnott) |
|----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Official docs: | [View](https://developer.arm.com/documentation/102516) |

This guide shows you how to install and use the tool with the most common configuration. For advanced options and complete reference information, see the official documentation. Some install guides also include optional next steps to help you explore related workflows or integrations.

## What do I need to know about the Local License Server?
A [Local License Server (LLS)](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/license/ubl_license_admin/) must first be set up by your license administration team.

## How do I activate a license on my computer?
The user-based license can be activated on the end user machine in different ways. Select the most appropriate for your needs.
- [Activate via environment variable](#envvar)
- [Activate within tools IDE](#ide)
- [Activate manually](#manual)

## How do I activate a license using an environment variable?
Create `ARMLM_ONDEMAND_ACTIVATION` environment variable referencing the product code and your internal license server. Contact your internal license administrators for information on your internal server.

### HSK
```bash
export ARMLM_ONDEMAND_ACTIVATION=HWSKT-STD0@https://internal.ubl.server
```

### SSK
```bash
export ARMLM_ONDEMAND_ACTIVATION=SWSKT-STD0@https://internal.ubl.server
```

A license will be automatically checked out whenever a user-based licensing enabled tool is run, for example:
```bash
armclang --version
```

You can now [confirm your license has been checked out](#confirm).

## How do I activate a license from the tools IDE?
The license can also be activated in the various Arm tool IDEs.

For example, [Arm Development Studio](https://developer.arm.com/Tools%20and%20Software/Arm%20Development%20Studio), via `Help` > `Arm License Manager` > `Manage Arm User-Based Licenses`.

Select `Activate with` > `License Server`, and enter the appropriate license server address. Click `Query` to see what license types are available, and select the appropriate one from the pull down. Click `Activate`.

## How do I activate a license manually?
Open a command prompt, and navigate to the bin directory of any user-based licensing enabled product.

Activate your user-based license with `armlm`:
```bash
armlm activate --server https://internal.ubl.server --product HWSKT-STD0
```

## How do I confirm my license check-out?
To confirm you have checked-out a license, enter the command:
```bash
armlm inspect
```

You should see an output similar to:
```
__output__1 active product in your local cache:
__output__
__output__Hardware Success Kit
__output__    Product code: HWSKT-STD0
__output__    Order Id: xxxxxxxx
__output__    License valid until: 2025-12-31
__output__    Local cache expires in: 6 days and 23 hours
__output__    License server: https://internal.ubl.server
```

## How do I refresh my license?
Your license is cached on your local machine, and is valid for 7 days.

There will be an automatic attempt to refresh this license once per day. If that fails (for example, if tools are run whilst not connected to your network) the tools can still be used provided there is still time on the locally cached license.

To manually refresh the license, you can deactivate and reactivate your license (when connected to your network). For example:
```bash
armlm deactivate --server https://internal.ubl.server --product SWSKT-STD0
armlm reactivate --server https://internal.ubl.server --product SWSKT-STD0
```

Verify that you have refreshed successfully with:
```bash
armlm inspect
```

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