HPE iLO Licensing Explained: Standard vs Advanced (Gen10/Gen11)
Every HPE ProLiant ships with iLO Standard (free) for basic monitoring. iLO Advanced is a paid, per-server license that unlocks the features admins actually want — full remote graphical console (KVM), virtual media, and remote power. Here is exactly what each tier gives you on iLO 5 (Gen10) and iLO 6 (Gen11), and what to check when buying refurbished.
TL;DR — Direct Answer
HPE iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) is the out-of-band management chip on every ProLiant server — it lets you monitor, power-cycle, and manage the server even when it's off or the OS is down.
- iLO Standard ships free with every server: health monitoring, basic web UI, power on/off, sensor and inventory data.
- iLO Advanced is a paid, per-server license that unlocks the features admins really use: full graphical remote console (KVM-over-IP), virtual media (mount an ISO remotely to install an OS), remote console recording, directory/AD integration, and more.
If you manage servers remotely — especially in a colo or branch with no hands on site — iLO Advanced is usually worth it. Gen10 uses iLO 5, Gen11 uses iLO 6. Below is the breakdown and what to verify on refurbished servers.
---
What you get at each tier
| Feature | iLO Standard (free) | iLO Advanced (licensed) |
|---|---|---|
| Health/sensor monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Power on/off/cycle | Yes | Yes |
| Web UI + inventory | Yes | Yes |
| Remote graphical console (KVM) | No | Yes |
| Virtual media (mount remote ISO) | No | Yes |
| Integrated remote console recording | No | Yes |
| Directory/AD authentication | Limited | Yes |
| Email/SNMP alerting (advanced) | Limited | Yes |
The dividing line that matters for most teams: without iLO Advanced you cannot get the full remote graphical console or mount virtual media — the two things you need to install or recover an OS without physically standing at the server.
---
iLO 5 (Gen10) vs iLO 6 (Gen11)
- iLO 5 — ProLiant Gen10 / Gen10 Plus. Mature, widely deployed.
- iLO 6 — ProLiant Gen11. Newer security (silicon root of trust), updated UI, same Standard-vs-Advanced licensing model.
Licensing is per server — one iLO Advanced key per physical server (or use a volume/flexible license for fleets).
---
Buying refurbished: what to check
When you buy a refurbished ProLiant, confirm:
- iLO has been reset (no prior owner's credentials/config) — reputable refurbishers do this as standard.
- Whether iLO Advanced is included. Some refurbished servers ship with an active iLO Advanced license; others are Standard-only and you license Advanced separately if you need KVM/virtual media.
- Firmware is current for security.
Always ask the seller about iLO Advanced status so there are no surprises — a server that looks cheap but needs a separate Advanced license changes the math.
---
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iLO Advanced worth it?
For remote or lights-out management, yes — it unlocks the full remote graphical console (KVM) and virtual media, which you need to install or recover an OS without being at the server. For a single server you sit next to, iLO Standard may be enough.
What is the difference between iLO Standard and Advanced?
Standard (free) does monitoring, power control, and inventory. Advanced (paid, per-server) adds the remote graphical console, virtual media, console recording, and directory integration — the features needed for true remote administration.
Does HPE Gen11 use iLO 5 or iLO 6?
Gen11 uses iLO 6. Gen10/Gen10 Plus use iLO 5. Both use the same Standard-vs-Advanced licensing model.
Does refurbished ProLiant include iLO Advanced?
It varies — some do, some are Standard-only. Always confirm with the seller, and make sure iLO has been reset to factory before deployment.
---
Where to buy
Pro Disk Network stocks refurbished HPE ProLiant servers (Gen9/Gen10/Gen11) with iLO reset and current firmware — and we'll tell you up front whether a unit includes iLO Advanced. Same-day US shipping, warranty, Net 30 for verified businesses. Contact us with your remote-management needs.
Related: HPE Gen11 DDR5 Memory Part Numbers · Cisco & HPE End-of-Life Guide