How to Configure RDS Licensing Mode and License Server with Group Policy
Applies to: Windows Server 2019, 2022 and 2025.
Session Hosts need an explicit Per User or Per Device mode and the correct licensing-server address. The mode must match purchased CALs.
RDS deployments require Windows Server licensing, the correct RDS CAL model and secure access design. Administrative RDP sessions are not a replacement. Review managed RDS hosting at networkmanager.info.
Prerequisites
- Confirm the authorized CAL model.
- Install and activate the licensing server.
- Verify DNS and connectivity.
- Use a dedicated GPO scoped to Session Hosts.
Procedure
Step 1: Create a GPO
Use a descriptive RDS licensing policy name.
New-GPO -Name 'RDS - Licensing Configuration'Step 2: Link to Session Host OU
Target computers running Session Host.
New-GPLink -Name 'RDS - Licensing Configuration' -Target 'OU=RDS Servers,DC=corp,DC=example'Step 3: Configure licensing server
In GPMC enable Use the specified Remote Desktop license servers under Remote Desktop Session Host, Licensing.
Step 4: Configure mode
Enable Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode and choose Per User or Per Device.
Step 5: Apply and restart service window
Run policy update, then use Licensing Diagnoser.
Verification
Generate computer policy results and check RDS licensing events.
gpupdate /force
gpresult /h C:\Temp\rds-licensing.html
Get-WinEvent -LogName 'Microsoft-Windows-TerminalServices-Licensing/Operational' -MaxEvents 30Rollback
Disable or unlink the dedicated GPO and restore the prior deployment configuration. Do not switch mode without matching CAL rights.
Licensing and security notes
Concurrent connections do not determine CAL quantity; licensing follows authorized users or devices.
