How to Install RDS CALs on Windows Server 2022
A step-by-step guide to installing the Remote Desktop Licensing role, activating the server, and installing licenses.
Installing Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs) on Windows Server 2022 is a two-part process. You first install the Remote Desktop Licensing role and then activate the license server to install your CALs.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
Step 1: Install the Remote Desktop Licensing Role
- Open Server Manager and click Manage > Add Roles and Features.
- Click Next on the "Before You Begin" screen.
- Select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
- Choose the server from the server pool and click Next.
- On the "Select server roles" page, check Remote Desktop Services, then click Next.
- Click Next again to skip the "Features" screen.
- On the "Remote Desktop Services" page, click Next.
- Select both Remote Desktop Licensing and Remote Desktop Session Host. (Click Add Features if prompted).
- Click Next and then Install.
(The server may need to restart).
Step 2: Activate the License Server and Install CALs
Once the role is installed, you can activate the server and add your licenses.
- Open Server Manager and navigate to Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
- In the RD Licensing Manager, right-click on the server name and select Activate Server.
- The Activate Server Wizard will open. Click Next.
- Select Automatic connection (recommended) and click Next.
- Fill in the required company information and click Next. (The server will contact Microsoft's clearinghouse).
- Once activation is successful, the wizard may prompt you to install licenses. If not, right-click the server and select Install Licenses.
- Click Next on the "Welcome to the Install Licenses Wizard" screen.
- Choose the License Program you purchased your CALs through (e.g., Retail Purchase, Select License, Other Agreement) and click Next.
- Enter your License Key or Agreement Number and click Next.
- Specify the Product Version, License Type (Per User or Per Device), and Quantity.
- Click Next. The server will contact Microsoft to install your CALs.
Your installed RDS CALs will now appear in the RD Licensing Manager.
⚠️ 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”
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.
Related Posts
Understanding RDS CAL Downgrade Rights
Home – Understanding RDS CAL Downgrade Rights Understanding RDS CAL Downgrade Rights When managing a Remote Desktop Services environment, hardware and software upgrades rarely happen all at once. You might purchase new Client Access Licenses (CALs) today, but still need them to authorize connections to older servers running in your datacenter. Microsoft accommodates this reality…
How to Disable Remote Desktop Easy Print in Windows Server (2016-2025)
Home – How to Disable Remote Desktop Easy Print in Windows Server (2016-2025) How to Disable Remote Desktop Easy Print in Windows Server (2016-2025) Remote Desktop Easy Print is the default driver Windows uses to map local client printers into a remote session. While convenient, it strips away advanced printer features (like stapling, tray selection,…
How to Create a Remote Desktop User in Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022 & 2025)
Home – How to Create a Remote Desktop User in Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022 & 2025) How to Create a Remote Desktop User in Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022 & 2025) Provisioning remote access for a new employee requires more than just creating a standard Windows account. To securely connect to a Session Host,…
How to Fix the CredSSP “Encryption Oracle Remediation” RDP Error
Home – How to Fix the CredSSP “Encryption Oracle Remediation” RDP Error How to Fix the CredSSP “Encryption Oracle Remediation” RDP Error If you are managing Windows Servers, you have likely encountered this terrifying error message when trying to connect via Remote Desktop: “An authentication error has occurred. The function requested is not supported… This…
