> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.devolutions.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/check-out-and-check-in.md).

# Check-out and check-in

**Check-out** and **check-in** are processes used to secure and manage [privileged accounts](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/privileged-account/). **Check-out** refers to reserving a privileged account for exclusive use, effectively locking it from access by others. When enabled, MFA can also be required at the moment of check-out, prompting users to verify their identity with a second factor before a privileged session is launched.

**Check-in** releases this lock, typically followed by a [password rotation](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/password-rotation/) to ensure account security. This mechanism ensures that credentials are not reused without oversight.

Check-in can occur manually, automatically at the end of the check-out period, or when a session is closed in Remote Desktop Manager, depending on user configuration. This provides flexibility while helping to enforce secure practices. With [just-in-time (JIT) access](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/concepts/jit-elevation/), group or role memberships of privileged accounts are temporarily modified upon check-out and restored on check-in, limiting access to only what is needed during the session.

This functionality supports secure, time-bound access to sensitive resources, helping organizations control and monitor privileged usage, especially when combined with logging and session auditing features in Devolutions APM and Devolutions Server.

#### Aliases

* Account retrieval (CyberArk)
* Privileged account reservation

#### Related topics <a href="#related-topics" id="related-topics"></a>

* [Approve access to a privileged account in Devolutions Cloud](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/pam-with-devolutions-cloud/privileged-accounts/approve-access-privileged-account/)
* [Request access to a privileged account in Devolutions Cloud](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/pam-with-devolutions-cloud/privileged-accounts/request-access-privileged-account/)
* [Check-out requests report in Devolutions Cloud](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/pam-with-devolutions-cloud/privileged-access-reports/check-out-requests/)

#### See also <a href="#see-also" id="see-also"></a>

* [Privileged accounts (Devolutions Server)](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/server/accounts/)
* [Privileged accounts (Devolutions Cloud)](https://docs.devolutions.net/pam/pam-with-devolutions-cloud/privileged-accounts/)
* [Spotlight on automatic privileged account check-in](https://blog.devolutions.net/2024/11/inside-20243-automatic-privileged-account-check-in/)
* [Glossary of Common Privileged Access Management (PAM) Terms](https://blog.devolutions.net/2021/01/glossary-of-common-privileged-access-management-pam-terms/)
* [Need Cybersecurity Insurance? Then You Probably Need PAM, Too](https://blog.devolutions.net/2023/10/need-cybersecurity-insurance-then-you-probably-need-pam-too/)


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