Activating RDS CALs on Windows Server 2019: A Step-by-Step Guide

Install the Remote Desktop Licensing role service and Remote Desktop Session Host by following these steps:

Setting up Remote Desktop Licensing Role.

1. Open the Server Manager by clicking on the Windows button, then select Server Manager.

2. Go to the top right corner, select Manage, then click on Add Roles and Features.

3. In the Add Roles and Features Wizard, proceed by clicking Next.

4. Select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.

5. Select the server for role installation, then click Next.

6. On the Select Server Roles page, tick the Remote Desktop Services box and hit Next.

7. Check the box for Remote Server Administration Tools on the Select Features page.

8. Proceed by clicking Add Features.

9. Click Next to continue.

10. Click Next once more.

11. In the next screen, check the boxes for Remote Desktop Licensing Management and Remote Desktop Session Host, then click Next.

12. For the Web Server role, simply click Next.

13. On the Select Role Services page, hit Next.

14. In the following screen, select Automatically Restart the Server, then click Install. Wait for the installation to complete.

15. Once the installation is done, proceed with the next step to configure your remote desktop service.

Activating the Licensing Server

1. From the top right corner, select Tools, then go to Remote Desktop Services and click Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

2. Right-click on the server, then choose Activate Server.

3. You'll be prompted by the server activation wizard. Click Next.

4. Select the automatic connection method and hit Next.

5. Fill in the required details (first name, last name, region, and company name). Click Next.

6. Enter the company's information and click Next.

7. The server activation wizard will appear once more. Click Next.

8. Review the server setup information, then click Next.

9. Under License Program, choose Lic. Pack. (Box or pre-packaged product) and click Next.

10. Input your RDS CALs product key, then click Add.

11. After the licence is verified, proceed by clicking Next.

12. The Licence Installation Wizard will confirm a successful installation. Click Finish.

13. Your licensing server is now ready to manage licences. Check the server name to see available and issued licences, which should initially be zero.