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

Before You Begin

Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is an advanced solution that enables remote access to the server environment for multiple users. To ensure legal and seamless access for 50 users, it is necessary to purchase the appropriate number of RDS CAL (Client Access License) User type licenses. These licenses allow each user to access remote desktop services from any device, which is particularly useful in remote or hybrid work environments.

At KluczeSoft.pl, we offer the Microsoft Windows Server 2019 RDS 50 User CAL package for 1149 zł. This package ensures full compliance with Microsoft's requirements and provides technical support until January 2029. By purchasing licenses from us, you receive:

• The original license key for 50 users
• Installation and activation instructions
• Technical support in Polish
• A VAT invoice
• Access to security updates until the end of product support

Below, you will find a support table and basic product information:

Important: RDS CALs are required in addition to standard Windows Server CALs. Each user or device using remote desktop services must have the appropriate license.

System Requirements

To deploy Windows Server 2019 RDS 50 User CAL, your server must meet the minimum hardware and software requirements compatible with Microsoft's documentation. The recommended parameters will ensure the stability and performance of the remote environment.

Note: RDS CALs for Windows Server 2019 can only be used with servers of the same or earlier version.

Step 1: Installing the Remote Desktop Services Role

1. Log in to the Windows Server 2019 server as an administrator.
2. Open Server Manager. You can do this by clicking the icon on the taskbar or by typing Server Manager in the Start menu.
3. Select Manage > Add Roles and Features.
4. In the wizard, select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
5. Select the target server from the list and click Next.
6. In the Server Roles section, check Remote Desktop Services. Confirm the addition of the required features.
7. Click Next until you reach the summary, and then click Install.
8. After the installation is complete, restart the server if prompted to do so.

Tip: You can also install the RDS role using PowerShell:

Install-WindowsFeature -Name RDS-RD-Server -IncludeManagementTools

Step 2: Activating the RDS License Server

1. In Server Manager, go to Remote Desktop Services > Overview.
2. Click RD Licensing.
3. In the right-hand panel, find your license server, right-click it, and select Activate Server.
4. The activation wizard will ask you to choose a connection method:
   • Automatic connection (recommended) – requires internet access.
   • Telephone – if the server does not have internet access.
5. Enter the required organisational data and complete the wizard.
6. After activating the license server, you can proceed to install the RDS CAL keys.

Note: Activating the license server is required before installing CAL keys.

Step 3: Installing RDS 50 User CAL Keys

1. Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager:
   • Start menu > type Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
2. Right-click the license server name and select Install Licenses.
3. In the wizard, select the licensing program:
   • Retail Purchase
4. Enter the product key received from KluczeSoft (50 User CAL).
5. Click Next and wait for the license installation to complete.
6. After completion, check if the licenses appear on the list of available licenses.

Tip: Licenses can also be installed remotely if you have the necessary permissions.

Step 4: Configuring RDS Licensing Mode

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Go to Remote Desktop Services > Overview.
3. Right-click the server hosting the remote desktop sessions and select Properties.
4. In the Licensing tab, select the Per User mode.
5. Specify the license server name (you can type it in manually or select it from the list).
6. Confirm the changes and close the window.

You can also set the licensing mode using PowerShell:

Set-RDLicenseConfiguration -LicenseServer "SERVER_LICENSE_NAME" -Mode PerUser

Replace SERVER_LICENSE_NAME with the actual name of your license server.

Step 5: Activating the Product Key – Alternative Methods

Activation via GUI

1. Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
2. Right-click on the license server and select Properties.
3. Check if the licenses are visible and active.

Activation via Command Line (cmd)

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Enter the product key activation command:

slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
slmgr.vbs /ato

Replace XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX with your product key.

Verification of Activation

To check the activation status, use the command:

slmgr.vbs /xpr

This will display information about the system's activation status.

Step 6: Verifying Activation and License Correctness

After completing the installation and activation of the RDS license, it's essential to ensure that everything is working correctly:

1. Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
2. Check if the number of available and issued licenses matches the purchased ones (50 User CAL).
3. Ensure that users can log in to remote desktop sessions without any licensing errors.
4. In case of doubts, use the command:

slmgr.vbs /dli

This will display license details and activation status.

Step 7: Post-Installation Configuration

After a successful installation and activation of the RDS license, it is recommended to perform several configuration steps:

1. Creating an RDS User Group:
   • Create a group in Active Directory, e.g., RDS_Users, and add users who should have access to the remote desktop.
2. Configuring Security Policies:
   • Configure GPO policies to restrict access to the server only to authorized users.
3. Enabling Network-Level Authentication (NLA):
   • Increases the security of remote login sessions.
4. Monitoring License Usage:
   • Regularly check the Licensing Manager to ensure that the number of issued licenses does not exceed the purchased ones.
5. System Updates:
   • Ensure that Windows Server 2019 is up-to-date.

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

Step 8: Troubleshooting

Below, you will find the most common issues related to installing and activating RDS CAL, along with their solutions.

1. Error: "RDS licenses are not available"

Solution:

• Check if the license server is activated and if licenses have been correctly installed.
• Ensure that the licensing mode is set to "Per User".
• Restart the Remote Desktop Licensing service (services.msc).

2. Error: "License server is not available"

Solution:

• Check the network connection between the RDS server and the license server.
• Ensure that TCP port 135 is open on the firewall.
• Verify that the Remote Desktop Licensing service is running correctly.

3. Error: "Grace period expiration"

Solution:

• After 120 days from RDS deployment, you must have installed and activated licenses.
• Install missing licenses according to the steps above.

4. Error: "Cannot activate license server over the Internet"

Solution:

• Choose phone activation in the activation wizard.
• Contact Microsoft support to obtain an activation code.

5. Error: "Users cannot log in despite active license"

Solution:

• Check if users are members of the appropriate permissions group (e.g., Remote Desktop Users).
• Verify that the number of available licenses has not been exceeded.
• Check the Group Policy (GPO) settings for RDS.

6. Error: "No visible licenses in the Licensing Manager"

Solution:

• Refresh the view in the Licensing Manager.
• Restart the Remote Desktop Licensing service.
• Check if licenses have been installed on the correct server.

Step 9: Comparing versions and prices at KluczeSoft

Below, you will find a comparison of the most popular RDS CAL packages available at KluczeSoft:

More information and detailed offers can be found on the page: /windows-server-cals

Summary

Installing and activating 50 RDS User CAL licenses on Windows Server 2019 is a process that requires attention at every stage: from meeting system requirements, through correct role installation, license server activation, to user management and troubleshooting potential issues. With this guide, you can be sure that your RDS environment will run stably, securely, and in compliance with Microsoft licensing requirements.

In case of questions or problems, please contact our technical support department at 00 800 121 1654 or visit our knowledge base at pomoc.kluczesoft.pl. You can also email us at [email protected].