Unable to authorize an ArcGIS Desktop license with an Esri Secure License File (ESLF)

Description

When attempting to authorize an ArcGIS Desktop license with an Esri Secure License File (ESLF), the license file fails to process, returning the following error message in the Software Authorization Wizard:

Error:   
Authorization file has expired.

Cause

The 'File Timeout Date' is set when generating the ESLF in My Esri. When a 'File Timeout Date' is set, the ESLF cannot be applied to a machine beyond the set date.

Solution or Workaround

To resolve the issue, generate or request a new ESLF. Refer to How To: Create an Esri Secure License File (ESLF) for the steps to do so. In Step 7 of the article, under 'Generating an ESLF', set the File Timeout Date to a later date, or leave the File Timeout Date field blank, as shown in the image below.