How to Install Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Roles ?

How to Install Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Roles

How to Install Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Roles

A guide to setting up the Session Host and Licensing roles on Windows Server.

To enable multiple users to connect to a Windows Server simultaneously, you must install the Remote Desktop Services roles. This process transforms the server from a standard administrator-only system into a full application server.

Prerequisites

  • Administrator Access: You must be logged in as a local or domain administrator.
  • Static IP Address:. Ensure the server has a fixed IP address.
  • Domain Membership: While not strictly mandatory for all setups, it is highly recommended that the server be part of a domain for proper licensing management.

Step 1: Start the Installation Wizard

  1. Open Server Manager.
  2. Click on Manage in the top-right corner and select Add Roles and Features.
  3. Click Next on the "Before you begin" screen.
  4. Select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
  5. Select your server from the server pool and click Next.

Step 2: Select Server Roles

  1. Scroll down the list of roles and check the box for Remote Desktop Services.
  2. Click Next.
  3. You can skip the "Features" section by clicking Next again.
  4. Click Next on the "Remote Desktop Services" overview screen.

Step 3: Select Role Services

This is the most critical step where you define the server's function.

  1. Remote Desktop Session Host: Check this box. This is the core service that allows users to run desktop sessions.
    (Click Add Features if prompted).
  2. Remote Desktop Licensing: Check this box. This is required to issue and manage CALs.
    (Click Add Features if prompted).
  3. Click Next.

Step 4: Confirmation and Restart

⚠️ Warning: Installing the Session Host role requires a restart. Ensure you have saved all work and planned for downtime.

  1. On the Confirmation screen, check the box Restart the destination server automatically if required.
  2. Click Install.

The server will restart. Upon logging back in, Server Manager will automatically open and complete the installation.

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