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These docs are for v4.2. Click to read the latest docs for v2024.2.

Deployment Checklist

A checklist for deploying Seq in production

Seq is extremely fast and easy to set up in its default configuration, and going to production isn't much harder. There are a few things to take care of that will ensure smooth, secure operation of Seq as a critical part of your operations infrastructure.

Use the handy checklist below to make sure nothing is missed.

TaskDescriptionFind out more
Provision HardwareSeq needs enough hardware capacity to perform under the expected load. There are some rules of thumb to help make an initial estimate.System Requirements
Software PrerequisitesWindows Server 2012 R2 or better and .NET 4.6 are needed.System Requirements
Create a Service AccountIt is best practice to use an unprivileged machine account to run the Seq service. This should be a local Windows account on the target server (by default Local System is used otherwise).
Choose a Storage LocationChoose a location on disk where Seq will store log data. On cloud VMs, an option with local redundancy is recommended (e.g. an attached data disk on Azure).
Obtain and Install an SSL CertificateIf Seq is to serve data over SSL, a certificate will be needed for the domain Seq is hosted on.SSL
Install SeqInstall Seq from MSI on the target server.

Skip Install or start the Seq service when prompted, or run seq.exe stop && seq.exe uninstall afterwards to remove the default http://localhost:5341 service instance.
Configure the Seq ServiceRun seq.exe install passing appropriate --storage, --listen and --username arguments.Storage, URLs
Bind the SSL CertificateThe SSL certificate must be associated with the port used by Seq. This is done with the seq.exe bind-ssl command-line.SSL
Configure an Ingestion PortIf the server accepts events from the open Internet, setting up a dedicated port for ingestion can assist with firewall/load balancer/security group configuration.api.ingestionPort
Save your Seq Master Encryption KeyOn the Seq server, run seq.exe show-key and copy the resulting key to a secure location.Backup and Restore
Start SeqIf you haven't already, run seq.exe start and view Seq in your browser.
Import your Seq LicensePaste your Seq license key into Settings > License and save changes.
Enable AuthenticationUnder Settings > Users, enable authentication and set up the admin user account.Managing Users, Active Directory, Azure Active Directory
Configure the Backup LocationUnder Settings > Backup, make sure daily backups are stored to an appropriate drive.Backup and Restore
Require API KeysWe recommend all apps logging to Seq use a distinct API key; enforce this under Settings > API Keys.API Keys
Configure Retention PoliciesMake sure at least one retention policy is configured, so that disk space isn't exhausted.Retention Policies

Remember that we're here to help if you get stuck at any point!

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Check out our Azure installation guide if you're installing Seq in Microsoft Azure.