Configuring RDS CALs on Windows Server 2008 R2: A Step-by-Step Guide

To set up the Remote Desktop Licensing and Session Host roles, follow these detailed instructions:

Setting Up Remote Desktop Licensing Role

1. Launch the Server Manager by clicking its icon on the taskbar.

2. Go to the top left corner and select Roles, then choose Add roles.

3. Proceed in the Add Roles Wizard by selecting Next.

4. On the Select Server Roles page, ensure Remote Desktop Services is selected before clicking Next.

5. Continue by clicking Next.

6. Tick the boxes for Remote Desktop Licensing and Remote Desktop Session Host and click Next.

7. Install the Remote Desktop Session Host by clicking Next.

8. Opt out of Network Level Authentication by selecting Do not require and clicking Next.

9. Choose the RDS CALs license type, either per user or per device, and proceed by clicking Next.
Note: In this guide, we will choose the Per device option.

10. Add users who will connect to the server by clicking Next.

11. Configure user settings by selecting the desired options and proceed with Next.

12. Click on Next.

13. Finish the installation by selecting Install.

14. Wait for the configuration to complete, then restart the Server by selecting Close and clicking on Yes.

15. After the installation, activate your Remote Desktop Licensing server by clicking on the Server Manager icon on your taskbar.

16. Proceed to the Remote Desktop Services by clicking on the + sign next to Roles, found in the top left corner, and then select Remote Desktop Services.

17. Scroll down to Advanced Tools, and click on Remote Desktop Licensing Manager under this tab.

18. Right-click on the server and select Activate Server.

19. Follow the prompts in the server activation wizard and click on Next.

20. Enter your company name and region, then click on Next.

21. Input the company details and proceed by clicking Next.

22. The server activation wizard will finish after you confirm your details. Click on Next.

23. Receive a confirmation of your server settings, then click Next.

24. In the License Program, select Pack. lic. (Box or product pack) and continue with Next.

25. Key in your RDS CALs product key and select Add.

26. Following license recognition, proceed by clicking Next.

27. License Installation Wizard will verify the installation. Click Finish.

28. Your licensing server is now operational and ready for managing licenses. Confirm this by checking the server's name, where the count of available and issued licenses should display. Initially, this will show as zero.