Applies to: Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022, and Windows Server 2025.
An RD Licensing server installs, tracks, and issues valid Remote Desktop Services client access licenses for session-based deployments.
Prerequisites
- Administrative access to the affected Windows Server hosts.
- A tested backup or documented rollback point.
- An approved maintenance window for production systems.
Step-by-step configuration
- Install the Remote Desktop Licensing role service on a stable domain member.
- Activate the licensing server through Server Manager.
- Install the purchased RDS CAL pack using the correct agreement information.
- Configure session hosts with the licensing mode and license-server name.
- Review licensing diagnostics and grace-period status.
PowerShell and command-line procedure
Install-WindowsFeature RDS-Licensing -IncludeManagementTools
Get-WindowsFeature RDS-Licensing
gpupdate /force
Get-WinEvent -LogName "Microsoft-Windows-TerminalServices-Licensing/Operational" -MaxEvents 20
Verification
RD Licensing Diagnoser reports the correct mode and server without configuration errors, and valid sessions receive licenses.
Rollback
Restore the previous approved licensing-server policy. Do not delete issued CAL data without Microsoft-supported recovery and a verified backup.
Security and operational guidance
- Apply least privilege and document every production change.
- Test the procedure in an isolated environment before broad deployment.
- Replace all example names, paths, and TEST-NET addresses with approved production values.
- Monitor relevant Windows event logs after the change.
Related resources
Deploy or manage Canadian Windows VPS infrastructure with networkmanager.info. Validate production decisions against the official Microsoft Windows Server documentation.
