Setting Up and Activating RDS CALs on Windows Server 2022

Begin by installing both the Remote Desktop Licensing and the Remote Desktop Session Host roles using these instructions:

Installing the Remote Desktop Licensing role.

1. Navigate to the Server Manager by clicking on Windows and selecting Server Manager.

2. Choose Manage.

3. Select Add Roles and Features.

4. Proceed by clicking Next in the Add Roles and Features Wizard.

5. Opt for Role-based or feature-based installation and proceed with Next.

6. Identify the server for role installation and click Next.

7. Select Remote Desktop Services on the Select server roles page and continue with Next.

8. On the Select features page, ensure the Remote Server Administration Tools box is ticked.

9. Select Add Features then proceed with Next.

10. Advance by clicking Next.

11. Tick the boxes for Remote Desktop Licensing and Remote Desktop Session Host on the next page and click Next.

12. Click Next to proceed to web server role installation.

13. Under Select role services, continue with Next.

14. Click Install to begin installation of roles and restart the server if needed.

15. Once installation is complete, proceed to utilize your remote desktop service.

Activating the Licensing Server

1. In the top right, go to Tools, select Remote Desktop Services, and click on Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

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

3. The server activation wizard will initiate. Proceed by clicking Next.

4. Select the automatic connection method and proceed with Next.

5. Enter your details including first name, last name, region, and company name, then click Next.

6. Provide your company information and continue with Next.

7. Complete the licensing server activation and begin installing the licences by clicking Next.

8. You will then see a summary of how your server is configured. Proceed with Next.

9. Within the License Program, choose Packaged Lic. (Retail or Prod. Pack) and click Next.

10. Key in your product key for the RDS CALs and select Add.

11. Upon recognition of the licence, proceed with Next.

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

13. Your licensing server is now operational and ready for managing licences. Verify this by checking your server's name, where you should see the available licences and those issued, which should currently be zero.