Can I use the PHPKB software without active support subscription?

Yes, you can continue to use your knowledge base software even after the active support & maintenance period expires. As all commercial and academic licenses are perpetual, you can use your software into perpetuity. Do keep in mind that software maintenance renewals commence from the expiration of the last active software maintenance period.

What happens after the free support period of first 12 months?

After the first 12 months, your free software maintenance period will expire and you will no longer be able to access support or software updates. Renewing your software maintenance (support & updates) is done purely at your discretion and can be renewed in advance of your maintenance expiration to ensure uninterrupted access to the support and software updates.

Note: Support & maintenance renewals commence from the date the previous maintenance period expires, regardless of when the maintenance renewal was purchased or not.