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| Feature | Online Activation | Offline Activation | |--------|----------------|--------------------| | Setup time | 2 minutes | 15–30 minutes (file transfer) | | Internet needed | Yes (once) | No (but need helper PC) | | Auto-updates | Yes | Manual only | | License check frequency | Every ~90 days | None | | Recommended for | Most users | Secure/isolated environments |
Offline activation bypasses the direct handshake between the end-user machine and the Tableau License Server. Instead, it utilizes a file-based exchange facilitated by a "proxy" machine that has internet access. activate tableau offline
In offline Tableau Server environments, user management is manual. Since the server cannot ping Tableau’s cloud to check if a user is licensed, the server relies on the local activation file. If you run out of seats, you cannot simply add one. You must generate a new request file, go through the proxy process to add capacity, and apply the new file. | Feature | Online Activation | Offline Activation
If your computer cannot reach the internet, Tableau will automatically prompt you for an offline activation when you attempt to sign in. Step 1: Generate the Request File Open Tableau Desktop. Since the server cannot ping Tableau’s cloud to