Purpose
You receive the error "The remote server returned an error: (401) Unauthorized" when PDQ Deploy or PDQ Inventory attempts to access PDQ services (for example, downloading from the Package Library or syncing the Collection Library).
Resolution
401 usually indicates an invalid or outdated license on the PDQ Server. Account changes can generate new license keys, which immediately invalidate older keys even if they have not reached their expiration date. Fix by applying the latest keys from the portal, then restart services.
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Retrieve the current license keys from the portal account associated with your organization’s billing or technical contact: https://portal.pdq.com/. If needed, create a login using the current Technical or Billing email.
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On the PDQ Server, in PDQ Deploy and PDQ Inventory, go to Help > License > Enter a New License. Paste the latest keys for each product and click Enter a New License. Include the leading and trailing dashes when pasting. Do not reuse previously emailed or downloaded licenses. You can also locate keys here: Access your License Keys.
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Restart both PDQ services (
services.msc) or reboot the PDQ Server, then try the operation again.
Additional Troubleshooting
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Test with a package that does not require an active Enterprise license, such as PDFSam from the Package Library. This isolates license validation from connectivity.
If PDFSam downloads successfully, the issue is license-related (recheck steps above). If PDFSam also fails with 401, continue to firewall/proxy checks below.
Firewall and Proxy Exceptions
Ensure outbound access from the PDQ Server to required PDQ endpoints. Add or verify explicit allows on your firewall and any forward proxy, then retry the operation.
See Windows Firewall Ports and Exceptions and review the External Exceptions section to confirm reachability.
See Also
Access your License Keys
Windows Firewall Ports and Exceptions
