# Activate a license

## In this learning path

- [Introduction](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/vcpkg-tool-installation/)
- [Install vcpkg](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/vcpkg-tool-installation/installation/)
- [Initialize vcpkg](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/vcpkg-tool-installation/initialization/)
- [Create a vcpkg-configuration.json file](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/vcpkg-tool-installation/config_creation/)
- [Use vcpkg](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/vcpkg-tool-installation/usage/)
- [Activate a license](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/vcpkg-tool-installation/licenseactivation/)
- [Remove vcpkg](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/vcpkg-tool-installation/removal/)
- [Next Steps](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/embedded-and-microcontrollers/vcpkg-tool-installation/_next-steps/)

Arm tools are license managed. The [Arm Compiler for Embedded (ACfE)](https://developer.arm.com/Tools%20and%20Software/Arm%20Compiler%20for%20Embedded) comes with the necessary executables to manage licenses. Before you can compile with ACfE, you need to install a license.

[Keil MDK v6](https://www.keil.arm.com) comes with a free-to-use, non-commercial license that is easy to activate.

## Activate an MDK-Community license

```
armlm activate -product KEMDK-COM0 -server https://mdk-preview.keil.arm.com
```

## [Optional] Check your license

```
armlm inspect
__output__ 1 active product in your local cache:
__output__ 
__output__ Keil MDK Community
__output__     Product code: KEMDK-COM0
__output__     Order Id: Community
__output__     License valid until: 2033-05-31
__output__     Local cache expires: 6 days and 0 hours
__output__     License server: https://mdk-preview.keil.arm.com
```

## Deactivate an MDK-Community license

```
armlm deactivate -product  KEMDK-COM0
__output__ 
__output__ Deactivation of Keil MDK Community was successful.
__output__ 
__output__ License server records are unchanged by this action. A license seat may still be allocated to you depending on the last time the local cache was refreshed on this or other devices.
__output__ 
__output__ Please consult the documentation at [https://lm.arm.com](https://lm.arm.com) for more information on deactivation.
```

## Reactivate an MDK-Community license

```
armlm reactivate -product KEMDK-COM0
__output__ Reactivation of Keil MDK Community was successful. It has been renewed and added to your local license store.
```

Tip: Refer to the [User-based Licensing User Guide](https://developer.arm.com/documentation/102516/latest/User-based-licensing-overview) for more information on how to activate commercial licenses.

Now, you are ready to build projects with Arm Compiler for Embedded.