Installation Guide for Windows Server RDS CAL

Guide: Installing and Configuring Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Licensing on Windows Server

1. Prerequisites

• Windows Server edition with Desktop Experience installed (2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022 or preview 2025).
• Administrative credentials on the server.
• RDS CALs (Device or User) license key(s) ready.

2. Install the RDS Licensing Role

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Click Manage > Add Roles and Features.
3. Click Next until you reach Server Roles.
4. Tick Remote Desktop Services, then expand and select Remote Desktop Licensing.
5. Click Next and then Install.

3. Activate the License Server

1. In Server Manager, go to Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
2. Right‑click your server name and choose Activate Server.
3. Follow the wizard:
   • Connection Method: Internet (recommended) or Telephone.
   • Enter your company details.
4. Finish to register your server with Microsoft.

4. Install RDS CALs

1. In RD Licensing Manager, right‑click your activated server and select Install Licenses.
2. Select your License Program (e.g., Retail Purchase).
3. Enter the 25‑character License Key you received.
4. Choose Device CALs or User CALs, as appropriate.
5. Complete the wizard. The CALs will appear under your server node.

5. Point RD Session Hosts to the License Server

1. In Server Manager, go to Remote Desktop Services > Collections.
2. Select your session collection, then click Tasks > Edit Deployment Properties.
3. Under RD Licensing, set:
   • License mode (Per Device or Per User).
   • License server (your newly‑activated server).
4. Click OK.

6. Verify Licensing

1. On an RDS host, open Event Viewer:
   • Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > TerminalServices‑License‑Server.
   • Look for Event ID 8198 (“Licensing Diagnoser succeeded”).
2. Or check RD Licensing Diagnoser in Server Manager for any warnings/errors.
3. Ensure clients can connect without licensing errors.