# Frequently Asked Questions | Endpoint Central **Last Updated On**: 06 Aug 2026 **107 minutes read** ## Server ### Server Migration #### 1. When do you remove the old setup after server migration? Do not remove the old setup until all the agents start reporting to the new setup. The agents and the distribution servers, during their next contact, will pick up the details of the new server and start communicating with the new server subsequently. You will need to run the Endpoint Central Servers at both the installations till all the agents start reporting to the new server. Once all the agents have contacted the new server, you can then uninstall the old server. #### 2. Do you have to reapply the server license after server migration? No, you need not reapply the server license after server migration. ### Build Number and Versions #### Where do I find my current build number? Click the profile icon at the top-right of the console. Your build number appears in the panel that opens — for example, `Build: 11.5.2605.01`. Click the build number itself to open the Version Details panel, which shows the individual version installed for each component: Central Server, Distribution Server, and each agent type (Windows, Mac, and Linux). #### How do I know if an upgrade is available for my current setup? Click the profile icon at the top-right of the console. If a newer build is available, an upgrade prompt appears in that same panel alongside your current build number. For a broader view to plan the upgrade ahead, refer to the Service Packs page: - [Service Packs page](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/service-packs.html) #### What is the difference between a Service Pack and a Hotfix? A **Service Pack** is a cumulative release that consolidates all fixes from prior builds into a single new baseline. Every customer upgrading beyond it must pass through it — there is no way to skip it. In the build string, the SP level is the second digit: in `11.5.2605.01`, the `5` denotes SP5. An SP release also significantly reduces the size of subsequent PPM files, because older patch-handling code gets cleaned up during consolidation. A **Hotfix** is smaller and targeted — it addresses specific bugs found after the last SP and applies on top of it. Hotfixes can be applied incrementally and are lighter than a full Service Pack. **Practical rule:** install the SP first to establish the baseline, then apply hotfix builds on top as they are released. #### My console shows a build number which is higher than the "latest released" build. How? This is a **custom fix or specialised hotfix build** — not a general release. ManageEngine engineers assign a version number at the time a custom fix is compiled, which can produce a service-pack segment (`2534`) that appears numerically higher than the current public GA release (`2528`). This does *not* mean your environment has a newer or superior build — it means it's on a non-standard release branch. **Implications for upgrades:** - Standard PPM files for the GA release path (`2528.x`) will likely be **rejected** by your Update Manager. - Standard in-product upgrade notifications may **not appear**. - Do not attempt to downgrade or apply a lower-versioned PPM without Support guidance. **Recommended action:** Contact ManageEngine Support and provide: - Your current build number as shown in the console - The contents of `\conf\fixes_id.properties` Support will confirm your correct upgrade path. #### Upgrade notification not appearing — but the server has internet access. Why? Internet access alone does not guarantee that the upgrade notification will appear. Identify the cause below: | Cause | How to Identify | Resolution | |---|---|---| | **Customised or Hotfix Build Installed** | Console build number ends in an unusual patch suffix (e.g., `.12` on a build not listed on ME's official website). | Contact ManageEngine Support with your current build number. | | **AMS (Annual Maintenance & Support) Subscription Expired** | Navigate to **Admin → License**. AMS expiry date is in the past. | Renew your AMS subscription. | | **Proxy or Firewall Blocking Update Server** | Cannot reach `autoupgrade.manageengine.com` on port 443. | Whitelist `autoupgrade.manageengine.com` and `downloads.manageengine.com` on port 443. | | **In-Product Notification Setting Disabled** | Navigate to **Profile Icon → Build Version → Settings** and check notification settings. | Enable the notification setting and save. | If none of the above causes apply, download the PPM manually from the official website and apply it via `UpdateManager.bat`. #### How do I distinguish between a Service Pack and a Minor Version from the build string alone? | Segment | Position | Example | Upgrade Type Required | |---|---|---|---| | **Service Pack** | 3rd (4 digits) | `2528` | Manual PPM download + planned downtime | | **Minor Patch** | 4th (2 digits) | `21` | Auto Upgrade eligible — no downtime | **Examples:** - `11.4.2528.19` → `11.4.2528.21` → **Minor Version** - `11.4.2516.39` → `11.4.2528.21` → **Service Pack** - `11.4.2528.21` → `11.5.2528.21` → **Major Version** --- ## Backup #### Does the server go down during a scheduled backup? No. Scheduled backup is an **online backup** — the Endpoint Central server remains operational. #### What happens if the server is stopped at the scheduled backup time? The backup **will not run**. It will attempt again at the next scheduled time. #### How much disk space do I need? At least **2–2.5× the current database size** on both local and backup drives. #### Can I back up to a network folder? Yes. Ensure the service account has write access. For MSSQL, the SQL Server service account also needs write access. #### My backup is taking a long time. Is this normal? Yes. Duration depends on database size and storage speed. Network backups are slower than local ones. #### What is the recovery key email I keep receiving? Every 45 days, a recovery key is emailed to administrators. It allows backup restoration if you forget the password. **Do not delete these emails.** #### Can I disable scheduled backups? It is **not recommended**. VM snapshots and SQL-only backups do not cover application files. --- ## Restore #### Can I restore a backup taken on a different build version? **No.** The backup must match the exact build number. #### Do I need to stop the server before restoring? **Yes.** Stop the service before restoring. #### Will I lose data made after the backup date? Yes. All changes after the backup date will be lost. #### I forgot my backup password. What can I do? Use the **recovery key** emailed to administrators. If unavailable, contact ManageEngine Support. --- ## License ### Server Licensing #### How to identify servers? Are all Linux machines considered servers? Machines are considered servers if: - Running Windows Server OS - Red Hat Enterprise Linux with Server subscription - Oracle Linux OS - Virtual machines with any of the above OS #### How many servers can be managed with the free edition? The free edition allows management of any number of servers, as long as total endpoints do not exceed 25. #### How to identify servers from the Endpoint Central web console? Navigate to **Agent → Computers** and filter by Operating System tags "server" and "Oracle". ![identify servers](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/images/identify-servers.png) --- ## OS Deployment #### Does OS Deployment support Windows Surface Pro? Yes, OS imaging and deployment is supported on Windows Surface Pro machines. #### Can you run OS Deployment as a standalone product? Yes. ManageEngine provides a standalone product: - [ManageEngine OS Deployer](https://www.manageengine.com/products/os-deployer/) #### How is OS Deployment Licensed? OS Deployment supports machine-based licensing tied to the machine’s MAC address. You must purchase licenses based on the number of workstation or server machines where deployment is performed. #### How does OS Deployer activate the Windows license? - **OEM license**: Automatically activated if OS version matches OEM license. - **Volume-based license**: Activated automatically if license availability permits. --- *This document includes frequently asked questions across Server, Backup, Restore, License, and OS Deployment for ManageEngine Endpoint Central.*