# Overview

Overview

# Licensing Overview

## What Licensing Is

Steel Security uses a licensing system to enable Pro features and manage usage across sites.

A valid license key is required to activate Pro functionality.

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## Free vs Pro

Steel Security is available in two versions:

### Free Version

- includes core scanning functionality  
- provides basic hardening features  
- does not require a license  

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### Pro Version

- includes advanced hardening controls  
- provides additional protections and features  
- requires an active license key  

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## When a License Is Required

A license is only required if you are using the Pro version of Steel Security.

If you are using the free version, no activation is needed.

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## How Licensing Works

Licensing is handled through your Steel Security account.

When you activate a license:

- your site connects to the Steel Security licensing system  
- your license is validated  
- Pro features are enabled  

Each license may have limits on how many sites it can be used on.

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## Where Licenses Are Managed

Licenses are managed through your account portal:

- view your active licenses  
- see which sites are using each license  
- manage activations  

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## What to Do Next

- if you are using the Pro version, activate your license  
- if you are using the free version, no action is required  

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## Related

- [Activating Your License](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/licensing-and-activations/page/activating-your-license)
- [Managing Your License](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/licensing-and-activations/page/managing-your-license)
- [License Limits & Usage](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/licensing-and-activations/page/license-limits-usage)