Configure GitKraken Self-Hosted Server (LDAP, SMTP, and Super User)

Last updated: February 2026

After installing GitKraken Self-Hosted Server (also known as Enterprise Self-Hosted), you’re ready to configure your server.

Quick Start

Configure GitKraken Self-Hosted Server after installation by completing the license, authentication, SMTP, and Super User setup steps.

1. Navigate to your GitKraken Self-Hosted server in a browser.
2. Click Browse for license and upload the license file included with your installation package.
3. Choose an authentication method: Built-in (email and password) or LDAP.
   • If using LDAP, enter your server hostname, port, encryption method, base DNs, group CNs, and user attribute mappings. Optionally enable the Sync Server for automatic user syncing.
4. If using Built-in authentication, configure your SMTP server: enter the hostname, port, From Address, and credentials, then click the test connection button to verify.
5. Create a Super User account by entering an email and password. This account manages the server but cannot log in to GitKraken Desktop directly.
6. Click Save to complete configuration. The Manage Users screen will appear, where you can begin adding user accounts.

To add users, click Add user and enter the user’s email. To disable self-registration, adjust the setting in the Registration tab.

Server License

Navigate to your GitKraken Self-Hosted server.

Click Browse for license and upload the license file provided with your installation package. Once selected, license details will be displayed.

Authentication

Choose the authentication configuration for your server:

• Built-in: Users sign in using an email and password.
• LDAP: Users authenticate using LDAP credentials.

If using Built-in authentication, skip to the SMTP Server section.

LDAP Configuration

Enter your LDAP server hostname and port:

Choose the corresponding encryption method:

Specify the following LDAP configuration fields:

• Base Distinguished Names – Top-level directory paths to search for users.
• Access Group Common Names – Groups that are granted GitKraken licenses. If omitted, all found users are granted access.
• Admin Group Common Names – Groups granted administrative access. If omitted, no users receive admin rights.

Set the required user attribute mappings:

• Username Attribute – Maps to GitKraken usernames (required).
• Email Attribute – Maps to user emails (required).
• Name Attribute – Maps to user display names (optional).

Provide the DN of a search user account with read access to users and groups:

Enable the Sync Server if you want GitKraken to regularly sync with LDAP:

If Sync Server is disabled, you’ll need to manage user accounts manually.

SMTP Server

An SMTP server is required unless you’re using LDAP authentication.

Specify the server details:

• SMTP IP address or hostname
• SMTP port
• From Address

Enable secure protocols if necessary and provide authentication credentials. Use the test connection button to verify:

Super User

The Super User is the license owner of GitKraken Self-Hosted. This account:

• Does not consume a user license
• Cannot log into GitKraken Desktop
• Cannot be viewed or modified via the account site user management page

Configuration is now complete! You should see the ‘Manage Users’ screen, where you can begin adding users.

Adding Users

To add a user, click Add user and enter the user’s email address:

By default, users can self-register on the GitKraken Self-Hosted site. To disable self-registration, go to the Registration tab: