Microsoft Windows Server 2019 RDS 10 User CAL – Installation, Activation and Configuration

Before You Begin

Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) User CAL (Client Access License) is a crucial element that enables users to remotely access the Windows Server 2019 environment. Each user or device that connects to the server via RDS must have the appropriate CAL license. In this article, you will find a detailed description of the installation, activation, and configuration process of the RDS 10 User CAL license, as well as a comparison of versions and troubleshooting of the most common issues.

What Does KluczeSoft Provide?

• Electronic License: Product key for activating 10 User CAL for Windows Server 2019 RDS.
• Technical Support: Assistance with installation and activation.
• VAT Invoice: Proof of purchase.
• Secure Delivery: Key sent electronically.

Support Period

Note: After the end of technical support, no security updates will be released.

What are RDS CAL?

RDS CAL (Remote Desktop Services Client Access License) is a license that allows users or devices to use remote desktop services on a Windows Server. The User CAL version is assigned to a specific user who can use RDS from any device.

Important: Both standard CAL for Windows Server and additional RDS CAL are required to use RDS.

System Requirements

To install and activate RDS 10 User CAL on Windows Server 2019, your server must meet the following requirements:

Full list of requirements: Microsoft Docs – Windows Server 2019

Step 1: Installing the Remote Desktop Services Role

1. Run Server Manager

   • Click the Server Manager icon on the taskbar or type Server Manager in the Start menu.

2. Add Role and Features

   • In Server Manager, select Manage > Add Roles and Features.
   • In the wizard, select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
   • Select the target server and click Next.

3. Select the Remote Desktop Services Role

   • Check Remote Desktop Services.
   • In the next step, check Remote Desktop Licensing.
   • Click Next and go through the next screens, confirming your selection.

4. Install the Role

   • Click Install and wait for the installation to complete.
   • After installation, restart the server if prompted.

Step 2: Activating the RDS License Server

1. Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager

   • In Server Manager, click Tools > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

2. Activate the license server

   • In the Licensing Manager, right-click the server name and select Activate Server.
   • The activation wizard will start. Click Next.
   • Select the connection method to Microsoft (usually Automatically via Internet) and click Next.
   • Enter the required organisation data and click Next.
   • Once finished, click Finish.

Step 3: Installing RDS 10 User CAL Licenses

1. Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager

   • If not already open, go to Server Manager > Tools > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

2. Install licenses

   • Right-click the server and select Install Licenses.
   • In the wizard, select the licensing program: Retail Purchase.
   • Enter the product key received from KluczeSoft (e.g., XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX).
   • Confirm and proceed through the wizard's subsequent steps.
   • Once the installation is complete, the licenses will appear on the list.

Step 4: Activating with a Product Key – GUI and Command Line Methods

Activating via GUI

1. In the Licensing Manager, right-click the server and select Properties.
2. Check if the licenses are visible and assigned to the User CAL type.

Activating via Command Line (cmd)

Note: RDS CAL does not activate through slmgr.vbs – this script is used for activating the Windows Server system. RDS licenses are activated through the Licensing Manager.

Activating Windows Server 2019 (if required)

cd %windir%\system32
slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
slmgr.vbs /ato

Verifying System Activation

slmgr.vbs /xpr

Result: You should see a message about permanent activation.

Step 5: Verifying RDS License Activation

1. In the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager:

   • Check if the license list shows 10 User CAL.
   • The status should be Available.

2. Verification via PowerShell:

Get-RDLicenseConfiguration

Result: You should see information about the installed licenses and their type.

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

Step 6: Post-Installation Configuration

After installing and activating the RDS 10 User CAL license, perform the following steps:

1. Assign the license server to the session host

   • In Server Manager, go to Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host.
   • Right-click the host and select Properties.
   • In the Licensing tab, enter the license server name.
   • Select the licensing mode: Per User.
   • Apply the changes.

2. Check Group Policy (GPO) settings

   • Open gpedit.msc.
   • Go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing.
   • Configure the options: Specify the Remote Desktop license server and Specify the Remote Desktop licensing mode.

3. Test the RDS connection

   • From another computer, run Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe).
   • Enter the server's IP address and log in as a user with permissions.

4. Monitor license usage

   • In the License Manager, check how many users are using the license.

Step 7: Troubleshooting

Below, we present common issues and their solutions:

1. Error: "Remote Desktop License Issue"

Symptom: After 120 days, a message about a missing license appears.

• Solution: Ensure that RDS licenses are installed and assigned to the session host. Check GPO settings.

2. Licenses are not visible after installation

Symptom: After installing CAL, they do not appear in the License Manager.

• Solution: Restart the Remote Desktop Licensing service:
  • Open services.msc.
  • Find the Remote Desktop Licensing service, click Restart.

3. Error: "No Remote Desktop License Servers available"

Symptom: Users cannot connect, with a message about the lack of a license server.

• Solution:
  • Check if the license server is assigned in GPO and on session hosts.
  • Ensure that TCP port 135 is open between the session host and the license server.

4. Error: "Licensing mode for the Remote Desktop Session Host is not configured"

Symptom: Message about the unconfigured licensing mode.

• Solution:
  • Configure the licensing mode in GPO or directly on the session host.

5. Error: "The Remote Desktop license server cannot update the license attributes for user"

Symptom: Issues with assigning licenses to users.

• Solution:
  • Ensure that the user account has the necessary permissions in Active Directory.
  • Check the time synchronization between servers.

6. Per User licenses are not enforced

Symptom: User CAL licenses are not tracked by the server.

• Explanation: This is normal – the administrator is responsible for license compliance.

Step 8: Comparing Versions and Prices at KluczeSoft

Tip: Choose the number of licenses suitable for the number of users in your organization. Licenses can be combined.

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

Summary

Microsoft Windows Server 2019 RDS 10 User CAL is an essential element for companies that want to enable remote access to server resources. The installation and activation of the licence require a few steps, but thanks to this guide, you will go through the entire process without any problems. If you have any questions or difficulties, please contact our technical support at 00 800 121 1654 or visit the KluczeSoft – Windows Server CALs page.

Do you have any questions? Contact us – we will be happy to help!