How to Change RDS Licensing Mode from Per User to Per Device

How to Change RDS Licensing Mode from Per User to Per Device

How to Change RDS Licensing Mode from Per User to Per Device

A guide to switching your Remote Desktop Services licensing configuration.

If your organization is transitioning from a user-based licensing model to a device-based one (ideal for shift workers or shared workstations), you must update the configuration on your Remote Desktop Session Host. This ensures the server issues licenses to the specific computer rather than the user account.

⚠️ Prerequisite: Before switching, ensure you have installed valid "Per Device" RDS CALs on your license server. Switching modes without the appropriate licenses installed will prevent devices from connecting once the grace period expires.

Method 1: Using Server Manager (GUI)

This is the standard method for deployments managed via the Remote Desktop Services role.

  1. Open Server Manager.
  2. In the left pane, click on Remote Desktop Services.
  3. Click on Overview.
  4. In the Deployment Overview section, click the Tasks dropdown menu and select Edit Deployment Properties.
  5. In the window that appears, click on the RD Licensing tab.
  6. Under Remote Desktop licensing mode, select Per Device.
  7. 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.

  1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) or Group Policy Management Console.
  2. Navigate to the following path:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing
  3. Double-click the policy: Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode.
  4. Select Enabled.
  5. In the dropdown menu under Options, change the mode to Per Device.
  6. Click OK.
  7. 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 Device mode:
(Replace with your server's name)

Set-RDLicenseConfiguration -ConnectionBroker <ConnectionBrokerName> -Mode PerDevice

To verify the change:

Get-RDLicenseConfiguration -ConnectionBroker <ConnectionBrokerName>

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Author Bio

Mr. 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.

Keloth M.

Microsoft Certified Professional

MCSE MCSA MCTS MCP MCP+I A+ Security+

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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