Setting Up RDS CALs on Windows Server 2012 R2

Follow these steps to install the Remote Desktop Licensing role service and Remote Desktop Session Host:

Installing the Remote Desktop Licensing Role

1. Open Server Manager by clicking on the Windows icon and selecting Server Manager.

2. Select Manage, then click Add Roles and Features.

3. In the Add Roles and Features Wizard, click Next.

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

5. Select the server for the roles and click Next.

6. On the Select server roles page, check the Remote Desktop Services box and click Next.

7. On the Select Features page, check the Remote Server Administration Tools box.

8. Click Add Features after checking the box.

9. Click Next.

10. Click Next again.

11. On the next page, check the boxes for Remote Desktop Licensing and Remote Desktop Session Host, then click Next.

12. For the web server role, click Next.

13. In the Select role services option, click Next.

14. Check the box for Automatically restart and click Install. Wait for the roles to be installed.

15. After the roles are installed, proceed to use your remote desktop service.

Activating the Licensing Server

1. In the top right, select Tools, then Terminal Services, and click Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

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

3. The server activation wizard will open. Click Next.

4. Select the automatic connection method and click Next.

5. Enter your details (first name, last name, region, and company name). Click Next.

6. Enter the company details and click Next.

7. Complete the activation of the licensing server. Start installing the license by clicking Next.

8. Review your server configuration reminder and click Next.

9. In the License Program, select License Pack (Retail Purchase) and click Next.

10. Enter your RDS CALs product key and click Add.

11. After the license is validated, click Next.

12. The wizard will confirm successful installation of the license. Click Finish.

13. Your licensing server is now ready to issue and manage licenses. Verify by selecting your server's name to see available and issued licenses, which should initially be zero.