> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.expandrive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.expandrive.com/server-edition/server-configuration.md).

# Server Configuration

Configure ExpanDrive Server Edition through its local web interface at `http://localhost:28080`.

## Windows

The MSI installer registers and starts the ExpanDrive Server Edition Windows service automatically. No manual service start is required. Once installation completes, the web configuration UI is available at `http://localhost:28080`. If you are accessing it remotely, connect via RDP or use SSH port forwarding.

## Linux

ExpanDrive Server Edition installs the executable at `/usr/bin/exfs`. The package enables and starts the `expandrive_server.service` configuration service automatically, so the local web interface is normally available immediately after installation.

```bash
sudo systemctl status expandrive_server.service
```

If you are connecting remotely to a headless instance, connect via SSH port forwarding:

```bash
ssh -L 28080:127.0.0.1:28080 yourserver.com
```

## Server Data

Server Edition stores its license, drive definitions, and logs in a machine-wide location because it runs as a system service.

| Data              | Windows                                    | Linux                                     |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------- |
| License           | `C:\ProgramData\ExpanDrive\license.json`   | `/root/.config/ExpanDrive/license.json`   |
| Drive definitions | `C:\ProgramData\ExpanDrive\favorites.json` | `/root/.config/ExpanDrive/favorites.json` |
| Logs              | `C:\ProgramData\ExpanDrive\logs`           | `/root/.config/ExpanDrive/logs`           |

Create and change drives through the local web interface instead of editing `favorites.json` manually. [Logs](/logs.md#server-edition-log-locations) describes the daily log files and Linux service diagnostics.

## License Activation

ExpanDrive Server Edition uses a server token for activation. To retrieve it, sign in to the [ExpanDrive Website](/expandrive-website.md) and open the Server Edition area.

To activate through the local web interface, open `http://localhost:28080/license`, enter the server token, and activate the license.

For headless or scripted activation at the command line:

```bash
exfs --register <server_token>
```

On Linux, run registration with the same system privileges used by the service so the license is written to the machine-wide path:

```bash
sudo /usr/bin/exfs --register <server_token>
```

Once activated, the license refreshes automatically every hour. The server can remain offline for up to approximately 47 hours after the last successful check-in before the license is considered expired.

### Installation Transfer

Your server token is tied to your account and is used only for the first activation of a new server instance.

After activation, the server uses a separate key for ongoing license check-ins for that specific machine. The activated license is bound to the server hostname. To move an installation to another machine or change the hostname, deactivate the old instance in the ExpanDrive Website and activate the new hostname with your server token. Copying the license file does not transfer the activation.

### Server Token Regeneration

To invalidate your existing server token, regenerate it in the [ExpanDrive Website](/expandrive-website.md). Regenerating the token does not affect currently active server instances, but activating new instances requires the new token.

## Remote Configuration

ExpanDrive Server Edition listens only on `localhost`. Do not expose the configuration interface directly to the public internet.

When configuring a remote server, forward port `28080` over SSH. This lets you open the server's local interface from your computer and complete OAuth redirects through `localhost` without exposing the interface publicly:

```bash
ssh -L 28080:127.0.0.1:28080 yourserver.com
```

## Drive Configuration

Add each connection as a drive in the local web interface at `http://localhost:28080`.

Choose the type of provider and then authenticate. For providers that perform OAuth authentication, use SSH port forwarding to redirect to your local machine and have the result captured by ExpanDrive running on your server.

### Additional Drive Options for Windows

On Windows, ExpanDrive Server Edition offers a few extra configuration options.

#### Mount Type

Your mount type can be a network drive (default), or a removable disk (appears as a removable storage device). Without a specific reason to change this, leave it as a network drive for the best performance.

#### No Drive Letter

You can choose not to mount the drive using a drive letter, and instead have it accessible only via UNC. Access the storage by browsing to `\\computername`.

#### Share on Network

On Windows, ExpanDrive Server Edition can automatically share your mount on the network, so other computers can connect to your machine and access the storage.

All connecting computers share the credentials configured for the drive. Do not use this arrangement when each user or tenant needs an isolated identity.

For Citrix or Terminal Services environments, use the regular installer that installs for all users, which gives each user their own isolated process and drive mappings.

For centrally managed desktop installations, use [Team Deployment](/expandrive-website/team-deployment.md) instead of sharing one Server Edition mount among users who require separate identities.