How to Remove or Delete all RDS CALs from a Windows Server

Step-by-step guide screenshot showing how to remove or delete all RDS CALs from a Windows Server for proper licensing management

How to Delete All RDS CALs from Windows Server

A guide for resetting licensing on Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022.

The process for deleting all Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs from a Windows Server can be done through a few different methods. The most reliable method is to rebuild the license database.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting the license database will permanently remove all installed RDS CALs from the server. Ensure you have a record of your CALs (e.g., license agreement, product key) before proceeding.

Method 1: Rebuilding the RDS Licensing Database

This method involves renaming the database file, which forces Windows to create a new, empty database. This effectively clears all installed licenses.

  1. Open the Services snap-in (services.msc) or a PowerShell prompt as an administrator.
  2. Stop the Remote Desktop Licensing service. In PowerShell, run:
    Stop-Service TermServLicensing
  3. Navigate to the directory: C:\Windows\System32\lserver
  4. Find the file named TLSLic.edb
  5. Rename this file to TLSLic.edb.old (or simply delete it).
  6. Start the Remote Desktop Licensing service. In PowerShell, run:
    Start-Service TermServLicensing

All licenses will now be cleared. You will need to reinstall your RDS CALs if you wish to add them back.

Method 2: Using PowerShell to Uninstall Individual Packs

If you only want to remove a specific pack of CALs and not the entire database, you can use PowerShell.

  1. Open a PowerShell prompt as an administrator.
  2. To find the KeyPackId of the licenses you want to remove, run the following command:
    Get-WmiObject Win32_TSLicenseKeyPack | select-object KeyPackId,ProductVersion,TypeAndModel,AvailableLicenses,IssuedLicenses | ft
  3. Locate the KeyPackId of the license pack you want to remove.
  4. Run the following command (replace Your-KeyPackId with the actual ID found above):
    wmic /namespace:\\root\CIMV2 PATH Win32_TSLicenseKeyPack CALL UninstallLicenseKeyPackWithId Your-KeyPackId

This will remove only the specific CAL pack referenced by the ID.

Method 3: Deactivating the Server

You can also deactivate the entire license server, which will make it unable to issue licenses.

  1. Open Server Manager and navigate to:

    Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager
  2. In the RD Licensing Manager, right-click on the server name and select Advanced > Deactivate Server.
  3. Follow the wizard to complete the deactivation process. This sends a request to the Microsoft Clearinghouse.
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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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