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This guide shows you how to set up Remote Desktop licensing so that multiple users can access the server simultaneously via Remote Desktop (RDP) – legally and correctly licensed.

Step 1: Install RDS Licences (CALs)

1. Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager (licmgr.exe)

2. Right-click on the server and select “Install Licenses”

3. Choose your license type (e.g. Retail, Open License, etc.)

4. Enter your license key(s)

5. Complete the installation and verify that the licenses appear correctly in the list

Step 2: Install the Remote Desktop Services Role

1. Open the Server Manager

2. Click on “Add Roles and Features”

3. Choose:

   • Role-based or feature-based installation

   • Select the target server

4. Enable the role “Remote Desktop Services”

5. Complete the installation and restart the server

Step 3: Configure Licensing via Group Policy

1. Open the Group Policy Editor by running gpedit.msc

2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration
→ Administrative Templates
→ Windows Components
→ Remote Desktop Services
→ Remote Desktop Session Host
→ Licensing


3. Configure the following two entries:

   • “Use the specified Remote Desktop license servers”

     • Set to Enabled

     • Enter the license server name (e.g. localhost or the server’s hostname)

   • “Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode”

     • Set to Enabled

     • Choose the mode: Per User or Per Device

Step 4: Restart the Server