How to Install RDS CALs via Web Browser
A guide for offline servers or when automatic activation fails.
If your Windows Server does not have direct internet access, or if a firewall is blocking the automatic connection to Microsoft, or if Microsoft Clearing House is unavailable to activate the CAL using Automatic Connection method, you must use the Web Browser method. This involves generating a license code on a different device and pasting it into your server.
⚠️ Prerequisite: Ensure your License Server is already Activated. If it says "Not Activated," you must right-click the server and choose "Activate Server" first (you can also use the Web Browser method for that step).
Step 1: Set Connection Method to Web Browser
- Open Server Manager > Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
- Right-click your server name in the left tree and select Properties.
- Click the Connection Method tab.
- Change the dropdown menu to Web Browser.
- Click OK.
Step 2: Start the Installation Wizard
- Right-click your server name again and select Install Licenses.
- Click Next on the welcome screen.
- You will see a screen displaying your License Server ID (a long string of numbers).
Keep this window open. You will need to copy this ID.
Step 3: Generate the Key Pack ID
Go to any computer or smartphone that has internet access.
- Visit the Microsoft Clearinghouse website: https://activate.microsoft.com
- Select the option: Install Client Access Licenses and click Next.
- Enter Required Information:
- License Server ID: Paste or type the ID from your server.
- License Program: Select Retail Purchase (if you bought a 25-digit product key) or Other (if you have an Agreement Number).
- Company Information: Fill in your name and company details.
- Click Next.
- Enter Your License:
- If you selected Retail: Enter your 25-character product key.
- If you selected Other: Enter your Agreement number.
- Click Next to confirm. Microsoft will now generate a License Key Pack ID.
Step 4: Complete the Installation
Return to your Windows Server.
- In the Licensing Wizard, enter the License Key Pack ID you just obtained from the website into the boxes provided.
- Click Next.
- The wizard should confirm that the licenses have been installed successfully.
- Click Finish.
Verification: In the Licensing Manager, your server should now show a Green Checkmark next to its name. You are now ready to install licenses.
⚠️ 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”
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