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).
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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