How to Install RDS CALs via Automatic Connection

How to Install RDS CALs via Automatic Connection

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.

  1. Open Server Manager.
  2. Navigate to Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
  3. Right-click on your Server Name in the left-hand tree and select Properties.
  4. Click on the Connection Method tab.
  5. In the "Connection method" dropdown menu, select Automatic connection.
  6. Click OK.

Step 2: Launch the Installation Wizard

  1. Right-click on your server name again.
  2. Select Install Licenses.
  3. 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.

  1. For Retail Keys (Most Common):
    Select Retail Purchase from the dropdown menu. This is for standard 25-character product keys.
  2. For Other Agreement:
    Select Other Agreement. You will need your Agreement Number.
  3. Click Next.

Step 4: Enter Your Key

  1. If Retail: Enter your 25-digit product key (e.g., XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX) into the box and click Add.
  2. If Other Agreement: Enter your Agreement Number into the respective fields.
  3. Click Next.

Step 5: Finish and Verify

The wizard will contact Microsoft servers to validate the key.

  1. Once validated, the wizard will display "The licenses have been successfully installed."
  2. Click Finish.
  3. 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”

Shop RDS CALs

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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