Activating Windows Server 2022 RDS 10 Device CAL

Activating Windows Server 2022 RDS 10 Device CAL involves two separate stages: first, you need to activate the Remote Desktop Services licence server, and then install the relevant RDS CAL licences on it. In practice, the entire process is carried out using the RD Licensing Manager tool. If the configuration is performed correctly, the RDS session server will be able to issue licences to devices connecting to the Remote Desktop service.

In the Device CAL model, the licence is assigned to a specific device, rather than a user. This is a good solution where multiple people use the same computer, for example in an office, reception, warehouse, or in a terminal environment shared by shift workers.

Step by Step

1. Check if the RDS licensing role is installed

On a Windows Server 2022 server, open Server Manager, then go to add roles and features. Ensure that the Remote Desktop Licensing role is installed. Without it, license activation will not be possible.

After installation, run the tool:

Server Manager > Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager

This RD Licensing Manager is used to activate the license server and add CAL packages.

2. Activate the license server

In the RD Licensing Manager window, on the list on the left, you will see the name of your server. Right-click it and select Activate Server.

The activation wizard will start. The most commonly chosen method is Automatic connection, as the server connects directly to the Microsoft activation service. If the environment has limited Internet access, you can also use the method via a browser or phone.

In the wizard, fill in the basic company data, such as the organization name and country. After completing the activation, the server should change its status to active. At this stage, the license server itself is ready, but it still does not issue licenses to clients until you add an RDS CAL package.

3. Install the RDS CAL package

After activating the server, right-click its name and select Install Licenses. Another wizard will open.

In the licensing program field, select the appropriate option compatible with the purchased channel. Then, enter the required identification data, such as the contract number or license code, depending on the type of purchase. After proceeding, select:

• product: Windows Server 2022
• license type: RDS CAL
• mode: Device CAL
• quantity: 10

After confirming, the wizard will add a 10 Device CAL package to the license server.

4. Set the licensing mode on the RDS server

The mere installation of licenses in RD Licensing Manager is not enough if the RDS session server does not know which license server to use. Therefore, you need to set:

• licensing mode: Per Device
• RDS license server name

This can be done through Server Manager, Group Policy, or local remote desktop settings. Most often, group policies are used:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing

Enable the setting that specifies the licensing mode and select Per Device, then specify the license server.

5. Apply changes and refresh the configuration

After saving the settings, update the policies with the command gpupdate /force or restart the service or the server itself if required. After a while, the session server should start communicating with the active license server.

Verification

The simplest verification is to reopen RD Licensing Manager and check if the server has the status of an active license server and if the list of installed packages includes Windows Server 2022 - RDS Device CAL - 10 pieces.

It's also worth opening the remote desktop services diagnostics on the session server and checking if:

• the licensing mode is set to Per Device
• the license server is detected correctly
• there are no warnings about missing licenses or incorrect configuration

If devices connect correctly and the system does not report licensing problems, the activation has been performed correctly.

In case of any issues or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call 00 800 121 1654.

Problems

The most common problem is confusion over the licensing mode. If Per User is set on the session server, but Device CAL has been purchased, the system may report errors or handle licenses incorrectly. The mode must match the licenses actually owned.

Another common situation is the lack of a specified license server. Even if licenses are correctly installed in RD Licensing Manager, the RDS server will not start using them until the license server name is assigned to it.

Problems also arise when the license server itself has been activated, but the CAL package has not yet been added. Activating the server and installing licenses are two different steps.

In environments without Internet access, automatic activation can be difficult. In such cases, you need to use browser or phone activation and manually go through the wizard.

If errors occur despite correct configuration, it's worth checking the event logs, local policies, and whether the server has the Remote Desktop Session Host and Remote Desktop Licensing roles correctly installed.

If you have problems with activation or selecting the correct license, you can contact us: [email protected].

FAQ

Does 10 Device CAL mean 10 users?

No. 10 Device CAL means a maximum of 10 devices that can receive an RDS access license. More than one person can use a single device.

Is activating the license server enough for RDS to work?

No. First, you activate the license server, and then you install the appropriate RDS CAL package. Additionally, you need to set the correct licensing mode on the session server and specify the license server.

Where can I check if licenses have been added correctly?

Best in RD Licensing Manager. There, you can see the status of the license server and the list of installed CAL packages. This is the primary tool for controlling RDS CAL licenses in Windows Server 2022.