This article explains how to handle the error "Update aborted with Error: A valid and non expired license is needed before updating".

LAST TESTED ON CHECKMK 2.5.0

Table of Contents

License verification in Checkmk Pro starting with 2.5.0

Beginning with Checkmk 2.5.0, automated license verification is introduced for Checkmk Pro. Previously, license verification was only required for Checkmk Ultimate. With this change, Pro now uses the same verification mechanism to simplify subscription management.

This enhancement replaces manual reporting tasks with an automated process and provides a clear, in-application view of license compliance. It also reduces administrative overhead and improves transparency for licensed environments.

Avoiding errors during the update to 2.5.0

When updating from Checkmk 2.4.0 Enterprise to Checkmk 2.5.0 Pro, you may encounter the following error: “Update aborted with Error: A valid and non expired license is needed before updating”.

Based on our experience with the introduction of license verification in Checkmk Ultimate, we implemented a pre-update check to ensure that only verified sites can be updated to version 2.5.0. This saves users from the risk from ending up with an unlicensed site that immediately enters a 30-day trial mode and avoids the need to troubleshoot licensing issues during a major version migration. We recognize that updates can be demanding, and our goal is to eliminate unnecessary surprises.

How to Resolve This

This error only appears if there is no verified, valid license on the 2.4.0 site from which you are updating. By blocking the update at the pre-update stage, Checkmk can perform an automated, safe rollback to version 2.4.0, as no configuration files have been migrated yet. To proceed, simply verify your license in your 2.4.0 site before initiating the update again.

How do I best upgrade between editions?

For the exact process of how to upgrade Checkmk to any commercial edition, please refer to the user guide.

How to do license verification and license usage report submission

Please refer to the Checkmk user guide for instructions on how to do license verification.

Further information

Please refer to our “Handling Issues with Online License Verification and License Report Submission” article for additional guidance.

How-to handle "Update aborted with Error: A valid and non expired license is needed before updating"