Kerio Control Web Filter Is Not Activated Categorization Is Disabled Fixed

Is your software maintenance agreement () currently active?

The categorization database is downloaded from GFI’s update servers. If your firewall blocks its own updates, you’ll see this error.

Check for updates and ensure you are running the most recent build compatible with your license. Summary Checklist Potential Cause Renew SMA or Web Filter subscription. Time Sync Issue Enable NTP and verify the correct Time Zone. DNS Failure Set Kerio to use 8.8.8.8 for system resolution. Server Timeout Is your software maintenance agreement () currently active

By following these tips and best practices, administrators can ensure that their Kerio Control web filter is functioning correctly and providing the necessary protection for their organization.

The “Web filter not activated, categorization disabled” error in Kerio Control is almost always fixable. Most users resolve it by renewing their license or restarting the categorization service. For persistent cases, clearing the local database or re-synchronizing the system time works wonders. By following this guide, you’ll restore full URL filtering capabilities and keep your network safe from undesirable content. Check for updates and ensure you are running

Navigate to and look at the License tile, or go to Status > License .

Web Filter categorization disabled. Serial number: ko-197974 DNS Failure Set Kerio to use 8

After restart, wait 2–3 minutes and refresh the Web Filter page.

Before jumping into the fixes, it helps to understand why Kerio Control throws this error. The Web Filter relies on a live connection to external databases (such as Cyren or Webroot, depending on your Kerio Control version) to classify websites in real-time.

and verify that "Enable Kerio Control Web Filter" is checked. Free Disk Space: