No. Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud can only be activated with an activation code and does not use key files.
If you have purchased a new license or renewed your enterprise plan, you will receive a standard 20-character activation code via email. To convert it into a deployment-ready .key file: Navigate to the official Kaspersky KeyFile generation page.
Configure the schedule (e.g., Run immediately) and finish the wizard.
In the console tree, navigate to > Kaspersky Licenses . Click the Add key button in the workspace. kaspersky endpoint security key file new
This is the preferred method for centralized management across multiple endpoints.
Find your 20-character activation code from your purchase receipt.
Installing License...
Kaspersky has significantly changed its licensing system. For new installations, key files ( .key ) are largely being replaced by activation codes (alphanumeric strings) tied to a My Kaspersky account. However, key files are still used for offline systems, legacy versions, or specific corporate deployments.
| Error Message | Possible Cause | Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | You are trying to use a key file meant for a different Kaspersky product or an older version. | Double-check the CompatibilityList.txt file that came with your key file. Ensure you downloaded the correct key for "Kaspersky Endpoint Security." | | "Key is not valid" | The license associated with the key has expired, or the system date is incorrect. | Verify your computer's date and time settings. If correct, the license has expired, and you need a new key file. | | "Denylist of keys corrupted" | The list of blocked keys was corrupted during a database update. | Run the Update task first. If that fails, generate a new key file via the portal and reactivate. | | Key file does not work on Subscription License | Cannot generate a key file for auto-renewing subscriptions. | Subscription licenses must be activated using the activation code, not a key file. | | Error sending request to activation server" | There is an internet connectivity issue or a proxy server configuration error. | Check your network settings and proxy configurations. Wait 1-2 hours and retry. |
To get the most out of the new key file feature in Kaspersky Endpoint Security, organizations should follow best practices for implementation, including: To convert it into a deployment-ready
A unique string of 20 characters divided into four blocks (e.g., XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX). It requires an active internet connection on the target machine to validate with Kaspersky activation servers.
Select the check box to Automatically distribute key to managed devices . Method 2: Local Installation on a Single Endpoint
These license management commands are only executable when Kaspersky Endpoint Security is used in Standard mode . If the application is used in Light Agent mode to protect virtual environments, the application receives license information from the Protection Server and does not need to be activated separately. Click the Add key button in the workspace
Click on the or Licensing link in the bottom right corner of the main window. Click the Activate application or Add key button. Select Activate with a key file and click Browse . Locate and select your new .key file, then click Next . Review the license properties and click Finish . Via the Command Line (CLI):
: Ideal for high-security environments lacking external network channels. Step 1: Generate a New Key File