---
title: License expired
description: Describes what AutoOps detects and surfaces with the License expired insight: The cluster's paid subscription license has expired.
url: https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/autoops-insights/tree/main/elasticsearch/license_expired
products:
  - Elastic Cloud Enterprise
  - Elastic Cloud on Kubernetes
  - Elasticsearch
applies_to:
  - Elastic Cloud on Kubernetes: Generally available
  - Elastic Cloud Enterprise: Generally available
  - Self-managed Elastic deployments: Generally available
---

# License expired
The cluster's paid subscription license has expired. Licensed features including advanced security, machine learning, Watcher, and other capabilities depending on your previous subscription level are unavailable until you install a valid license.
<note>
  For a complete list of insights, refer to [AutoOps insights](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/autoops-insights/tree/main/elasticsearch).
</note>


## Insight details


| Field     | Value         |
|-----------|---------------|
| Component | Elasticsearch |
| Severity  | Critical      |
| Scope     | Cluster       |
| Domains   | configuration |


## Example: What you might see in AutoOps

The following is an example of what you might see when this insight is triggered. Real insights use live data and links from your deployment or cluster.

### Elasticsearch license expired


#### What was detected

The cluster license (Platinum) expired on 2026-03-15.

#### Recommendations

<note>
  AutoOps shows different recommendations depending on how their conditions match your deployment or cluster.
</note>

<dropdown title="License renewal">
  **Condition**: Always shown for this insight.Install a renewed license using Kibana License Management or the Elasticsearch update license API (`PUT /_license`). The update takes effect without restarting nodes. If you do not have a license file, contact Elastic to renew or obtain a replacement. See the [Manage your license](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-content/tree/main/deploy-manage/license/manage-your-license-in-self-managed-cluster) guide for step-by-step instructions.
</dropdown>


#### Background and impact

When a paid subscription license (Gold, Platinum, Enterprise, or Trial) expires, Elasticsearch reverts to a Basic license. Paid subscription features including advanced security, machine learning, Watcher, and other licensed capabilities stop working immediately. The cluster keeps running, but your subscription entitlements are no longer in effect until you install a valid replacement license. Basic licenses do not expire and do not trigger this insight.