How to Install RDS CALs via Automatic Connection
The fastest way to install licenses on an online server.
If your Windows Server is connected to the internet, the "Automatic Connection" method allows the server to contact the Microsoft Clearinghouse directly to validate and install your keys instantly.
⚠️ Prerequisite: Ensure your License Server is already Activated. You can verify this in the Licensing Manager—if the server status is "Not Activated," right-click it and select "Activate Server" first.
Step 1: Select "Automatic Connection"
Before installing licenses, you must ensure the server is configured to talk to Microsoft automatically.
- Open Server Manager.
- Navigate to Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
- Right-click on your Server Name in the left-hand tree and select Properties.
- Click on the Connection Method tab.
- In the "Connection method" dropdown menu, select Automatic connection.
- Click OK.
Step 2: Launch the Installation Wizard
- Right-click on your server name again.
- Select Install Licenses.
- The Install Licenses Wizard will appear. Click Next.
Step 3: Select License Program
You must choose the correct license type based on what you purchased. This is the most common source of errors.
- For Retail Keys (Most Common):
Select Retail Purchase from the dropdown menu. This is for standard 25-character product keys. - For Other Agreement:
Select Other Agreement. You will need your Agreement Number. - Click Next.
Step 4: Enter Your Key
- If Retail: Enter your 25-digit product key (e.g., XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX) into the box and click Add.
- If Other Agreement: Enter your Agreement Number into the respective fields.
- Click Next.
Step 5: Finish and Verify
The wizard will contact Microsoft servers to validate the key.
- Once validated, the wizard will display "The licenses have been successfully installed."
- Click Finish.
- In the Licensing Manager, refresh the view (F5). You should now see your new license pack listed (e.g., "Windows Server 2022 - Installed RDS Per User CAL").
⚠️ Important Next Step:
Installing the CALs is not enough. You must configure the server to use them.
Click here for a guide on How to configure “Licensing Mode” and “License Server to Use”
Related Posts
How to configure “Licensing Mode” and “License Server to Use” on a Windows Server?
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…
Everything you need to know about Microsoft RDS CALs
Everything you need to know about Microsoft RDS CALs A complete guide to Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses. What are Microsoft RDS CALs? RDS CALs (Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses) are a type of license required for a user or device to connect to a Windows Server running the Remote Desktop Session Host…
How to Remove or Delete all RDS CALs from a Windows Server?
How to Delete All RDS CALs from Windows Server A guide for resetting licensing on Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022. The process for deleting all Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs from a Windows Server can be done through a few different methods. The most reliable method is to rebuild the license database. ⚠️ Warning:…
How to revoke Per-Device RDS CALs on a Windows Server?
Revoking Per-Device RDS CALs Understanding the complexities of revoking Client Access Licenses in Windows Server. Revoking per-device Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs) can be a complex and often misunderstood process in a Windows Server environment. The key takeaway is that direct revocation of a single per-device CAL is not always possible or…