---
sourceDocument: Zurich IT Operations Management
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/zurich/it-operations-management

 Release :

    - zurich

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Zurich IT Operations Management

ft:clusterId :

    - itom

bundleId :

    - itom

workflow :

    - Technology


---

# License key discovery

# License key discovery {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Zurich
* 
* Updated May 27, 2026
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read

License key discovery in Agent Client Collector for Visibility Content automatically collects software license keys from the Windows registry on managed endpoints.

License key discovery enables the Agent Client Collector for Visibility Content (ACC-VC) Windows agent to read software license keys stored in the Windows registry on managed endpoints. When a device is discovered, the agent reads registry values
defined by an admin-configured list of registry paths and value names, and reports the results in your instance.{#license-key-discovery__license-key-discovery-para-1}

The feature is off by default and must be explicitly enabled using a system property.{#license-key-discovery__license-key-discovery-para-2}

## Why use license key discovery {#license-key-discovery__license-key-discovery-why}

License key discovery helps administrators track software license keys across managed Windows devices. By linking discovered keys to device CIs and SAM products, it supports software asset
management and license tracking efforts. Administrators can detect duplicate licenses, track compliance, and manage license costs.{#license-key-discovery__license-key-discovery-para-3}

## Who can use license key discovery {#license-key-discovery__license-key-discovery-who}

Specific roles are required to configure and view license key discovery data. For details, see the Access control table on the [License key discovery and access control tables](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/Vyqt7BxoWp3T~pZC0iQ2Mg "Reference information for the tables, fields, access control, and scheduled job used by license key discovery in Agent Client Collector for Visibility Content.") page.{#license-key-discovery__license-key-discovery-para-4}

No role can delete license key records. If a key that was previously detected is no longer found on a device, it is marked as Absent rather than deleted, preserving
the audit trail.{#license-key-discovery__license-key-discovery-para-5}
* **[Configure license key discovery](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/eGoTztQdygNJAG3QNzyheA)**   
  Enable license key discovery and define the registry paths and values you want the Agent Client Collector for Visibility Content Windows agent to collect from managed endpoints.