How to Set Up and Activate RDS CALs for Windows Server 2019

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

Setting Up the Remote Desktop Licensing Role.

1. Launch Server Manager. Click on Windows and then Server Manager.

2. Select Manage in the top right corner and then click on Add Roles and Features.

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

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

5. Select the server where the roles will be installed and click on Next.

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

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

8. Click on Add Features.

9. Then, click on Next.

10. Click on Next.

11. Tick the boxes for Remote Desktop Licensing Management and Remote Desktop Session Host, then click on Next.

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

13. In the Select Role Services option, click on Next.

14. Tick the box for Automatically Restart the Server and click on Install. Wait for the roles to install.

15. Once the roles are installed, proceed with the next steps to use your remote desktop service.

Activating the Licensing Server

1. Select Tools in the top right corner, then choose Remote Desktop Services and click on Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

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

3. In the server activation wizard, click on Next.

4. Select the automatic connection method and click on Next.

5. Enter the requested information (first name, last name, region, and company name) and click on Next.

6. Enter the company details and click on Next.

7. In the server activation wizard, click on Next.

8. Review the server setup reminder and click on Next.

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

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

11. Once the licence is recognised, click on Next.

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

13. Your licensing server is now ready to issue and manage licences. Check this by selecting your server's name to see available licences and those that have been issued. Initially, it should be zero.