Activating Windows Server 2019 RDS 50 Device CAL

Activating Windows Server 2019 RDS 50 Device CAL is necessary to legally and correctly use remote desktop services in a corporate environment. Device CAL licenses are assigned to devices, not to specific users. This is a good solution for organisations where multiple people use the same computer, such as in offices, receptions, warehouses, or service points.

In practice, the process consists of two stages: activating the license server and installing the purchased RDS 50 Device CAL license package. After proper deployment, the Remote Desktop Licensing server will start issuing licenses to devices connecting to the RDS service. Below, you will find a clear instruction for Windows Server 2019.

Step by Step

Before starting, make sure that the Remote Desktop Licensing role is installed on the server and that you have a valid license key for Windows Server 2019 RDS 50 Device CAL.

1. Open Server Manager, then go to Tools and launch Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

2. In the left panel, find the name of your server. If the license server is not yet activated, a corresponding message or warning icon will be displayed.

3. Right-click the server name and select Activate Server.

4. The activation wizard will start. The most commonly chosen method is Automatic connection, as the server connects to Microsoft's activation service on its own. If the environment does not have Internet access, you can use activation via a browser or phone.

5. Fill in the required company data, such as the organisation name, country, and administrator contact details. Not all fields are always mandatory, but it is worth filling them in according to the actual state.

6. After completing the server activation, select the license installation option and proceed. If the wizard has already been closed, you can later right-click the server and select Install Licenses.

7. In the license installation wizard, select the appropriate licensing program. Depending on the type of purchase, this may be a different model, but in the case of a key intended to activate the package, follow the information received with the purchase.

8. Enter the received license key for RDS 50 Device CAL and complete the wizard. After a while, the licenses should be added to the server.

9. Then, check the configuration of the remote desktop session server. On the RD Session Host server, you need to specify the Per Device licensing mode and assign the correct license server. This can be done through Local Group Policy, Server Manager, or PowerShell.

10. After applying the settings, restart the remote desktop service or the entire server if required by the environment.

It is worth remembering that Device CAL licenses are assigned to devices that connect to the remote desktop service. This means that each endpoint using RDS should have an appropriate license ensured.

If you have any further questions or need assistance, please contact us at [email protected] or call 00 800 121 1654.

Verification

After activation, it's a good idea to immediately verify that the system is working correctly.

First, open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager and check if there are any activation errors on the server. In the details view, the installed pool Windows Server 2019 - RDS 50 Device CAL should be visible.

The next step is to run the Remote Desktop Licensing Diagnostics. This tool helps confirm whether the session server sees the license server and whether the correct licensing mode is set. If everything is configured correctly, there should be no messages about missing licenses or mode inconsistencies.

You can also perform a test connection from a client device. If the connection works correctly and the server does not report any warnings about the grace period or missing licenses, the configuration is likely correct.

Problems

One of the more common problems is the incompatibility between the licensing mode and the type of installed licenses. If Per User is set on the server, but Device CAL is installed, the system may report errors. In such a situation, you should change the licensing mode to Per Device.

Another common problem is the lack of a specified license server on the RD Session Host. Even if licenses are installed, the session server must know which server to use. It's best to check this configuration in the group policies or in the Remote Desktop Services settings.

It also happens that the administrator enters an incorrect key type or selects the wrong licensing program during installation. In such a case, the wizard may reject the data or the licenses may not be added correctly. It's then worth comparing the purchase details with the information received from the seller.

Limited internet connectivity can also be a problem. If the server cannot connect to the Microsoft activation service, you should use the browser or phone activation method. In isolated environments, this is often a standard procedure.

If despite correct configuration, errors still occur, it's worth checking the system event logs and running the RDS diagnostics. If necessary, contact us: [email protected] or call 00 800 121 1654.

FAQ

Does RDS 50 Device CAL mean 50 simultaneous connections?
No. It means a pool of 50 licenses assigned to 50 devices. This is not the same as a limit on simultaneous sessions, as the way licenses are assigned in the RDS environment is important.

Can I use Device CAL and User CAL at the same time?
Technically, in different environments, this is possible, but a single session server should have a clearly set licensing mode. It's best to maintain configuration consistency and choose a model that suits the company's actual work method.

What to do if the server shows a licensing error despite installed CALs?
First, check if the license server is activated, if the Per Device mode is selected, and if the RD Session Host points to the correct license server. If the problem still occurs, run the RDS diagnostics or write to [email protected].