---
title: "sdpctl"
slug: "sdpctl-v6-5"
description: "Streamline your Collective management with sdpctl. Upgrade, backup, and explore its full capabilities through the comprehensive GitHub documentation."
updated: 2025-10-31T18:24:00Z
published: 2025-10-31T18:24:00Z
canonical: "support.appgate.com/sdpctl-v6-5"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.appgate.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# sdpctl

sdpctl is a command line tool designed to streamline the management of SDP Collectives. As well as performing critical tasks such as upgrading and backing up a Collective, there are several other functions available. For the full scope of what sdpctl can do, see the documentation hosted in [GitHub](https://appgate.github.io/sdpctl/).

## Using sdpctl

To use sdpctl:

- Download the latest version [here](https://appgate.github.io/sdpctl/). This site is not linked to Appgate SDP versions, so check GitHub before using sdpctl to see if there is a newer version available.
- Copy the relevant version of sdpctl to the system where it will run, which will be outside of the Appgate SDP Collective.

### Before you start

- Note your primary Controller and its hostname. You will connect to its admin interface and will need to reference this Controller if you must revert your upgrade.

> [!NOTE]
> NOTE
> 
> Do not use a load-balanced address or hostname, as sdpctl needs to work consistently with the same Controller.

- Get the [CA cert file](/v1/docs/certificate-authority) from the Controller's CA page (System > Certificate Authority). This will ensure there is a mutually-trusted TLS connection established between sdpctl and the Controller when the self-signed certificate is still in use for the admin/API access.
- Create a suitable admin user account for sdpctl to use with proper [Admin Role](/v1/docs/configure-admin-roles) privileges: *Upgrade* on the Controller or *Backup* on other appliances.
- Create a Policy for the admin user and select the proper Admin role for it.

Appgate SDP (Software Defined Perimeter) is a security solution that provides secure access to resources based on user identity and context, leveraging a zero trust security model.

The Controller is the central management appliance in the Appgate ZTNA system, responsible for user authentication, policy distribution, and overall system administration.

A Policy is a set of rules that govern access control and permissions for users and devices within the Appgate ZTNA system. Policies determine what resources users can access based on their entitlements.