--- title: SolidNetwork License manager description: How to set up SolidNetwork License Manager to Return License to the pool. --- [Skip to content](https://faq.mecad.co.za/knowledge/solidnetwork-license-manager#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [More support](https://faq.mecad.co.za/knowledge/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [![MECAD Systems Logo - Original 2](https://faq.mecad.co.za/hs-fs/hubfs/MECAD%20Systems%20Logo%20-%20Original%202.png?width=190&height=60&name=MECAD%20Systems%20Logo%20-%20Original%202.png)](https://mecad.co.za/) - [About](https://mecad.co.za/about/) - [Products](https://mecad.co.za/products/) - [Training](https://mecad.co.za/solidworks-training/) - Support Show submenu for Support - [Request Support](https://mecad.co.za/request-support/) - [Contact Us](https://mecad.co.za/contact-us/) - Resources Show submenu for Resources - [Promotions](https://mecad.co.za/end-of-promotion/) - [Product Brochures](https://mecad.co.za/solidworks-product-brochures/) - [Customer Stories](https://mecad.co.za/solidworks-customer-stories/) - [Blog](https://mecad.co.za/solidworks-blog/) - [Webinars](https://www.youtube.com/@mecadsystems-solidworksand4875) - [Events](https://mecad.co.za/events/) - [Careers](https://mecad.co.za/careers/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [About](https://mecad.co.za/about/) - [Products](https://mecad.co.za/products/) - [Training](https://mecad.co.za/solidworks-training/) - Support Show submenu for Support - [Request Support](https://mecad.co.za/request-support/) - [Contact Us](https://mecad.co.za/contact-us/) - Resources Show submenu for Resources - [Promotions](https://mecad.co.za/end-of-promotion/) - [Product Brochures](https://mecad.co.za/solidworks-product-brochures/) - [Customer Stories](https://mecad.co.za/solidworks-customer-stories/) - [Blog](https://mecad.co.za/solidworks-blog/) - [Webinars](https://www.youtube.com/@mecadsystems-solidworksand4875) - [Events](https://mecad.co.za/events/) - [Careers](https://mecad.co.za/careers/) - English Show submenu for translations - [More support](https://faq.mecad.co.za/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) - [Contact us](https://mecad.co.za/contact-us/) [Contact us](https://mecad.co.za/contact-us/) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [MECAD Systems Knowledge Base](https://faq.mecad.co.za/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Licensing FAQ](https://faq.mecad.co.za/knowledge/licensing-faq?hsLang=en) # SolidNetwork License manager ## How to set up SolidNetwork License Manager to Return License to the pool. This article provides a detailed explanation of how the Options file in the SolidNetwork License Manager can be utilized to efficiently manage network licenses. By making use of this file, network licenses can be automatically returned to the license pool if a client's PC remains inactive for a specific period of time. However, it should be noted that the SolidNetwork License Manager Server must reactivate the license for it to effectively utilize the Options File. This feature offers companies an immense amount of flexibility in how they handle network licenses, especially when they are shared among multiple users. Step 1: Open the SolidNetwork License Manager, then click the Server Administration tab and select Modify. ![SOLIDWORKS SolidNetwork License Manager interface showing the server administration tab.](https://faq.mecad.co.za/hubfs/image-png-Aug-03-2023-09-16-45-5917-AM.png) Step 2: Select "Activate/Reactivate your product license (s)" and click Next. ![SOLIDWORKS SolidNetwork License Manager interface with the license usage tab highlighted.](https://faq.mecad.co.za/hubfs/image-png-Aug-03-2023-09-17-20-0666-AM.png) Step 3: Check the box "Options File" and click Edit. ![Configuration settings in SOLIDWORKS SolidNetwork License Manager for managing network licenses.](https://faq.mecad.co.za/hubfs/image-png-Aug-03-2023-09-17-46-6126-AM.png) Step 4: If there isn't an "Options File", the pop up below will show. Click Yes to create a new file. ![SOLIDWORKS SolidNetwork License Manager interface showing the process to add or modify a license.](https://faq.mecad.co.za/hubfs/image-png-Aug-03-2023-09-18-14-7262-AM.png) Step 5: A text editor will open automatically with the Options file. Enter your timeout rules using the syntax and examples below, then save and close the file. - - - Syntax **must** follow the following format: - KEYWORD, followed by a space. - Feature Name, followed by a space. - TIME in seconds. - Examples: - TIMEOUT \ \ - This times out SOLIDWORKS products, specifically. - TIMEOUTALL\ - This times out all products. ![SOLIDWORKS SolidNetwork License Manager interface with the status tab displaying license server details.](https://faq.mecad.co.za/hubfs/image-png-Aug-03-2023-09-19-25-4117-AM.png) Ensure the information is logged correctly and save the sw\_d.opt file and close. **Note:** 900 seconds (15 minutes) is the minimum allowed timeout value. 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