How to Change RDS Licensing Mode from Per Device to Per User
A guide to switching your Remote Desktop Services licensing configuration.
If your organization is transitioning from a device-based licensing model to a user-based one, you must update the configuration on your Remote Desktop Session Host. This ensures the server requests the correct type of CAL from the licensing server.
⚠️ Prerequisite: Before switching, ensure you have installed valid "Per User" RDS CALs on your license server. Switching modes without the appropriate licenses installed will result in connection errors for your users.
Method 1: Using Server Manager (GUI)
This is the standard method for deployments managed via the Remote Desktop Services role.
- Open Server Manager.
- In the left pane, click on Remote Desktop Services.
- Click on Overview.
- In the Deployment Overview section, click the Tasks dropdown menu and select Edit Deployment Properties.
- In the window that appears, click on the RD Licensing tab.
- Under Remote Desktop licensing mode, select Per User.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Method 2: Using Group Policy
If your setting in Server Manager is greyed out, or if you manage multiple servers, Group Policy is the preferred method.
- Open the Local Group Policy Editor (
gpedit.msc) or Group Policy Management Console. - Navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing
- Double-click the policy: Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode.
- Select Enabled.
- In the dropdown menu under Options, change the mode to Per User.
- Click OK.
- To apply the change immediately, run the following command in Command Prompt:
gpupdate /force
Method 3: Using PowerShell
You can quickly switch the mode using the RDS PowerShell module. Run PowerShell as an Administrator.
To switch to Per User mode:
(Replace with your server's name)
Set-RDLicenseConfiguration -ConnectionBroker
To verify the change:
Get-RDLicenseConfiguration -ConnectionBroker <ConnectionBrokerName>
Author Bio
Microsoft Certified Professional
With over 20 years of experience deploying and managing enterprise Windows Server environments, Keloth leads technical implementation at RDS CAL Store. He specializes in Remote Desktop Services infrastructure, secure remote architecture, and helping IT teams seamlessly scale their official licensing.
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