Microsoft Windows Server 2019 RDS 50 Device CAL – Installation, Activation, and Management

Before You Begin

Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) 50 Device CAL is a licence package that enables 50 devices to access remote desktop services on a Windows Server 2019 server. RDS Device CAL (Client Access License) assigns the right to use RDS services to a specific device, regardless of the number of users using the device. This is an ideal solution for organisations where multiple people work on a single computer, e.g. in a shift system or in terminal environments.

KluczeSoft provides an original licence key along with installation and activation instructions, technical support, and documentation. The purchase includes 50 Device CALs for Windows Server 2019 RDS, allowing for legal and secure use of remote desktop services.

Important: RDS CAL licences must be compatible with the version of Windows Server. CALs for Windows Server 2019 do not activate newer server versions, but can be used with older versions (e.g. 2016).

Support Period and Updates

What You Get from KluczeSoft?

• Original Microsoft RDS 2019 Device CAL licence key (50 pieces)
• Installation and activation instructions
• Technical support (phone: 00 800 121 1654)
• VAT invoice
• Legality guarantee

You can find more information about licensing in the official Microsoft documentation.

System Requirements

To install and use RDS 2019 Device CAL, your server and infrastructure must meet specific hardware and software requirements. Below, you will find a detailed table consistent with Microsoft documentation.

Note: RDS CAL 2019 is compatible only with Windows Server 2019 and earlier versions (2016, 2012 R2). It does not work with Windows Server 2022.

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

Step 1: Installing the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Role

1. Log in to the Windows Server 2019 as an administrator.
2. Open Server Manager.
3. In the left menu, select Manage > Add Roles and Features.
4. In the wizard, select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
5. Select the server from the list and click Next.
6. In the Server Roles section, check Remote Desktop Services.
7. Expand the branch and check:
   • Remote Desktop Session Host
   • Remote Desktop Licensing
8. Click Next, go through the next screens, and confirm the installation.
9. After the installation is complete, restart the server if prompted.

Tip: If you are using an RDS server farm, repeat the role installation on each server that will act as a session host.

Step 2: Activating the RDS License Server

After installing the licensing role, you must activate the license server before installing the purchased CAL.

1. Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager:
   • Start > Administrative Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager
2. In the left panel, right-click on the server name and select Activate Server.
3. The activation wizard will start. Click Next.
4. Select the connection method:
   • Automatically (recommended, requires internet connection)
   • Telephone (if the server does not have internet access)
5. Enter the required contact information and click Next.
6. After the process is complete, click Finish.

Note: After activating the server, you can immediately proceed to install the CAL licenses.

Step 3: Installing RDS Device CAL Licenses (50 pieces)

1. In the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, right-click on the server and select Install Licenses.
2. In the wizard, click Next.
3. Select the license program type:
   • Open License (if purchased through Open License)
   • Retail Purchase (if purchased retail)
   • Other (for other programs)
4. Enter the license or authorization number received from KluczeSoft.
5. Click Next and wait for the verification and installation of the licenses.
6. After completion, click Finish.

Tip: Licenses will appear in the left panel under the license server. You can check the number of available and issued CALs.

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

Activating via GUI

1. Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
2. Right-click on the server > Properties.
3. In the Licenses tab, ensure that 50 Device CALs are displayed.
4. If not, repeat the license installation or check the key's correctness.

Activating via Command Line (slmgr.vbs)

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator:
   • Start > Type "cmd" > Right-click > Run as administrator
2. Enter the command to install the product key:

cscript C:\Windows\System32\slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

1. Then activate the product:

cscript C:\Windows\System32\slmgr.vbs /ato

1. If a success message appears, the license has been activated.

Note: For RDS CAL licenses, using slmgr.vbs is not always required – most often, activation concerns the Windows Server system itself. RDS CAL licenses are installed through the Licensing Manager.

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

Step 5: Activation Verification

After installing and activating the license, it's worth checking if everything is working properly.

Checking the Status of Windows Server Activation

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type:

cscript C:\Windows\System32\slmgr.vbs /xpr

1. A message about permanent activation should appear.

Checking the Status of RDS CAL License

1. Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
2. Check if the number of available and issued Device CALs matches the purchased quantity.
3. You can also check the event logs for licensing errors:
   • Start > Event Viewer > System logs > Application > Filter by "TermServLicensing"

Step 6: Post-Installation Configuration

After installing and activating the license, it's worth performing a few key configuration tasks:

1. Assign the RDS licensing mode:
   • Open Server Manager > Remote Desktop Services > Collections.
   • Right-click on the collection > Properties > Licensing.
   • Select Per Device and specify the license server.
2. Add users to the "Remote Desktop Users" group:
   • Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Local Users and Groups > Groups > Remote Desktop Users > Add users.
3. Configure security policies:
   • Set strong passwords, enable the firewall, and configure account lockout policies.
4. Update the system and drivers:
   • Run Windows Update and install all updates.
5. Test RDS connections:
   • From another device, try connecting to the server via Remote Desktop.

Step 7: Troubleshooting

Below, you'll find the most common errors and their solutions:

1. "No Remote Desktop License Servers available"

• Description: Clients cannot connect to the RDS server, and a message about the lack of a license server appears.
• Solution:
  • Check if the licensing role is installed and activated.
  • In Server Manager > Remote Desktop Services > Collections > Properties > Licensing, specify the correct license server.

2. "The remote session was disconnected because there are no Remote Desktop License Servers available"

• Description: Sessions are disconnected after 60 minutes.
• Solution:
  • Ensure that CAL licenses are installed and assigned.
  • Check the event logs for "TermServLicensing" errors.

3. "Licenses are not being issued to clients"

• Description: Licenses are not being issued to devices.
• Solution:
  • Check if the licensing mode is set to "Per Device".
  • Ensure that the license server is correctly specified in GPO or Server Manager.

4. "The RD Licensing grace period has expired"

• Description: The trial period has expired, and clients cannot connect.
• Solution:
  • Install and activate RDS CAL licenses.
  • Restart the server.

5. "Remote Desktop Services will stop working in XX days"

• Description: Warning about the expiration of temporary licenses.
• Solution:
  • Install purchased CALs before the trial period expires.

6. "Cannot connect to the license server"

• Description: Error connecting to the license server.
• Solution:
  • Check the network connection and firewall.
  • Ensure that the "Remote Desktop Licensing" service is running.

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

Comparison of versions and prices in KluczeSoft

More information and purchase: /windows-server-cals

Summary

Installing and activating 50 Device CAL for Microsoft Windows Server 2019 RDS is a process that requires precision, but with the above step-by-step instructions, you can be sure that your infrastructure will operate legally and efficiently. Remember to regularly verify the licence status and system updates. In case of problems, use the troubleshooting section or contact our support department.

Have questions? Call: 00 800 121 1654

See also:

• How to choose the type of RDS CAL licence?
• Comparison of Windows Server 2016 vs 2019 vs 2022 You can also contact us at [email protected] for more information.