Windows Remote Desktop Services CAL

Hello Sevil, I am Henry and I want to help you with this concern.

For environments with multiple Windows Remote Desktop Services (RDS) servers, the recommended best practice is to utilize a centralized license server. This approach streamlines administration by providing a single point for installing and managing Client Access Licenses (CALs) for all four of your RDS servers.

Key Steps for Implementation:

1. Install the Remote Desktop Licensing Role: Designate one of your servers, or a separate server, to host the RD Licensing role. This is accomplished through the "Add Roles and Features" wizard in Server Manager. During this process, you will select "Remote Desktop Services" and then the "Remote Desktop Licensing" role service.
2. Activate the License Server: Once the role is installed, you must activate the license server. This is done through the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, which can be accessed from the Tools menu in Server Manager. The activation wizard will guide you through the process, which involves connecting to Microsoft's clearinghouse to validate your server.
3. Install RDS CALs: After activation, you can install your purchased RDS CALs onto the license server. Within the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, right-click your server and select "Install Licenses." You will need to provide the license program and agreement numbers from your purchase. There are two main types of CALs: "Per Device" and "Per User." The "Per User" model is often preferred for environments where users access RDS from multiple devices.
4. Configure Session Host Servers: The final step is to configure your four RDS servers (Session Hosts) to communicate with the central license server. This can be achieved through Group Policy for domain-joined servers, which is the most efficient method for multiple servers.
   • In the Group Policy Management Console, navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing.
   • Enable the "Use the specified Remote Desktop license servers" policy and enter the name or IP address of your activated license server.
   • Enable the "Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode" policy and select the appropriate CAL type ("Per User" or "Per Device") that you have installed. You can reference public document: <<License Remote Desktop session hosts>>

I hope you’ll give my recommendation a try and let me know how it goes and if this answer helps, feel free to hit “Accept Answer” so others can benefit too.