How to Install RDS CALs on Windows Server 2025
A step-by-step guide to installing the Remote Desktop Licensing role, activating the server, and installing licenses.
Windows Server 2025 has been released; however, installing Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs) follows a similar process to previous versions. The process involves two primary steps: installing the role and then activating the license server.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
Step 1: Install the Remote Desktop Licensing Role
- Open Server Manager on your Windows Server.
- Click Manage > Add Roles and Features.
- Click Next on the "Before You Begin" screen.
- Select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
- On the "Select destination server" page, choose the server you're using for this role from the server pool and click Next.
- Check the box for Remote Desktop Services on the "Select server roles" page, then click Next.
- Click Next again to skip the "Features" screen.
- On the "Remote Desktop Services" page, click Next.
- Select Remote Desktop Licensing and Remote Desktop Session Host from the list of role services. (Click Add Features if prompted).
- Click Next and then Install on the "Confirmation" page.
(The server may need to restart after the installation is complete).
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.
- 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.
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