Configuring RDS Licensing Mode and License Server
A guide for Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2025.
Configuring the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) licensing mode and license server on a Windows Server is a critical step for allowing more than two concurrent remote connections. The process can be done through Server Manager, Group Policy, or PowerShell.
⚠️ Before you begin: Ensure you have the Remote Desktop Session Host (RD Session Host) and Remote Desktop Licensing roles installed on your server.
Method 1: Using Server Manager
This method is best for small deployments or when you have a single RD Session Host server.
- Open Server Manager.
- In the left pane, click on Remote Desktop Services.
- Click on Overview, and in the Deployment Overview section, click the Tasks dropdown menu, then select Edit Deployment Properties.
- In the Deployment Properties window, click on RD Licensing.
- Select the Remote Desktop licensing mode that matches your purchased CALs (Per User or Per Device).
- Under "Specify the RD licensing server," enter the name or IP address of the server where the RDS Licensing role is installed.
- Click Add to add the server to the list, then click OK.
Method 2: Using Group Policy
Recommended for larger environments with multiple RD Session Host servers to ensure consistent configuration.
- Open the Local Group Policy Editor by running
gpedit.msc. (For a domain-wide policy, usegpmc.msc). - Navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing
- Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode:
- Double-click the policy "Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode".
- Select Enabled and choose either Per User or Per Device.
- Click OK.
- Specify the license server:
- Double-click the policy "Use the specified Remote Desktop license servers".
- Select Enabled.
- In the "License servers to use" box, enter the name or IP address of your license server. (Separate multiple servers with a comma).
- Click OK.
- To apply the changes immediately, open a Command Prompt as an administrator and run:
gpupdate /force
Method 3: Using PowerShell
PowerShell offers a quick and scriptable way to configure licensing. Run PowerShell as Administrator.
To set the licensing mode:
(Replace "PerUser" with "PerDevice" if needed)
Set-RDLicenseConfiguration -ConnectionBroker <ConnectionBrokerName> -Mode "PerDevice"
To specify the license server:
(Replace placeholders with your actual server names)
Set-RDLicenseConfiguration -ConnectionBroker <ConnectionBrokerName> -LicenseServer <LicenseServerName>
Understanding Licensing Modes
- Per User CALs: A license is assigned to each individual user that connects to the RD Session Host, regardless of how many devices they use.
(Best for mobile workforce or users with multiple devices). - Per Device CALs: A license is assigned to each unique device that connects to the RD Session Host, regardless of how many users share that device.
(Best for shared workstations or kiosks).
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