> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Activating PADS4 with a license key

To activate your **PADS4 product**, follow the steps below using the provided **PADS4 license key.**

## Step 1: Open PADS4 CTRL Center

* After installing **PADS4**, browse to the **PADS4 Web Portal.**

<Tip>
  If you are going to (re-)activate a PADS4 installation which is already in use, using the su\root is not mandatory, any user with the **System Management + License Management** license can re-activate the installation by going to **Licenses** at the left hand menu.
</Tip>

* Login with the **su\root** user.
* At the top of the screen choose the "**pads**" domain.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/pads4/Dq-Jj7CbDCq0m3WR/images/install-pads4/activating-pads4/root-domain.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Dq-Jj7CbDCq0m3WR&q=85&s=e11508465f0eda11a3e7d7e7c4193b83" alt="Root Domain" width="436" height="368" data-path="images/install-pads4/activating-pads4/root-domain.png" />

* Now on the left hand menu, "**Licenses**" will appear.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/pads4/Dq-Jj7CbDCq0m3WR/images/install-pads4/activating-pads4/root-licenses.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Dq-Jj7CbDCq0m3WR&q=85&s=c96bf3c2e9e2f43316997f10f04f69ea" alt="Root Licenses" title="Root Licenses" style={{ width:"100%" }} width="440" height="383" data-path="images/install-pads4/activating-pads4/root-licenses.png" />

* Click on licenses and press "**Activate"**

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/pads4/Dq-Jj7CbDCq0m3WR/images/install-pads4/activating-pads4/root-license2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Dq-Jj7CbDCq0m3WR&q=85&s=34829c589a74ec785065e564d1c8d921" alt="Root License2" width="459" height="167" data-path="images/install-pads4/activating-pads4/root-license2.png" />

* If an internet connection is unavailable, an **offline activation** method will be displayed.
  * Follow the instructions provided on-screen.
  * After receiving the **License File**, click **"Upload License File"** and select the file.
  * Complete the activation process by following the wizard.

Once activation is complete, your **PADS4 installation is ready for use.**