Abstract: A method is disclosed for enabling functions of an information handling system such as startup (i.e., boot), loading of an operating system or execution of a software application, by requiring authentication of the information handling system. A client information handling system establishes a communication link with a central system or server via a network such as a Local Area Network (LAN) or the Internet. A request for authentication is then sent to the central system by the information handling system via the communication link. The central system, upon receiving the authentication request from the information handling system, determines if the authentication request is valid, and, if valid, provides authentication of the information handling system via one or more encrypted tokens passed from the central system to the information handling system, thereby allowing the information handling system to provide or continue to provide the function, even when disconnected from the network.