Microsoft Windows Server 2022 RDS 10 User CAL – Installation, Activation and Licence Management

Before you start

Microsoft Windows Server 2022 RDS 10 User CAL is a licence package that enables access to Remote Desktop Services (RDS) on a Windows Server 2022 server. Each User CAL (Client Access License) is assigned to a specific user, who can use RDS services from any device. This is an ideal solution for organisations where employees use multiple devices (e.g. office computer, home laptop, travel tablet).

Important: RDS CAL is an additional licence required in addition to standard Windows Server CAL. Without it, users will not be able to use remote desktop services after the grace period expires.

What does KluczeSoft provide?

• Original Microsoft Windows Server 2022 RDS 10 User CAL licence key
• Electronic delivery (email)
• VAT invoice
• Technical support for installation and activation
• Guarantee of legality and compliance with Microsoft policy

Support terms and prices

Types of RDS CAL licences

• User CAL – assigned to a user, allows access from any device
• Device CAL – assigned to a device, allows access to any user from that device

Before making a purchase, ensure which type of CAL best suits your needs.

System requirements

To properly deploy and manage RDS CAL licences for Windows Server 2022, your server and environment must meet specific hardware and software requirements. Below, you will find a detailed table consistent with Microsoft documentation.

Note: The RDS licence server can be installed on the same server where the Remote Desktop Session Host role is running, or on a separate server.

Step 1: Installing the Remote Desktop Licensing Role

To start using RDS CAL, you must install the Remote Desktop Licensing server role on your Windows Server 2022.

1.1. Open Server Manager

• Log in to the server as an administrator.
• Click Start > Server Manager.

1.2. Add the Licensing Role

1. In Server Manager, click Manage > Add Roles and Features.
2. In the wizard, select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
3. Select the server from the list and click Next.
4. Check Remote Desktop Services.
5. In the Role Services section, select Remote Desktop Licensing.
6. Click Next, then Install.
7. After installation is complete, click Close.

Alternatively: You can install the role using PowerShell:

Install-WindowsFeature -Name RDS-Licensing -IncludeManagementTools

Step 2: Activating the Licensing Server

After installing the licensing role, you must activate it to issue CAL licenses.

2.1. Run Remote Desktop Licensing Manager

• Open Server Manager > Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

2.2. Activate the Licensing Server

1. In the Licensing Manager, right-click the server name and select Activate Server.
2. The activation wizard will guide you through the next steps:
   • Choose the connection method to Microsoft (Internet, phone, fax).
   • Provide the required contact information.
   • After completion, click Finish.

Tip: The fastest method is Internet activation. If the server does not have internet access, choose phone activation.

Step 3: Installing RDS CAL Licenses

After activating the licensing server, you can install the purchased RDS CAL licenses.

3.1. Installing Licenses through Licensing Manager

1. In the Licensing Manager, right-click the server name and select Install Licenses.
2. In the wizard, select the licensing program type (e.g., Retail Purchase or Open License).
3. Enter the license number or product key received from KluczeSoft.
4. Follow the wizard's instructions until installation is complete.
5. After completion, click Finish.

3.2. Installing Licenses through PowerShell (Advanced)

Microsoft does not provide direct PowerShell commands to install RDS CAL, but it is possible to manage the role and services using WMI or PowerShell Remoting tools. We recommend using the Licensing Manager.

Step 4: Assigning the RDS Licensing Mode

After installing the licenses, you must configure the Remote Desktop Session Host server to use the correct licensing mode.

1. Open Server Manager > Remote Desktop Services > Collections.
2. Select the appropriate collection or server.
3. Click Tasks > Edit Deployment Properties.
4. Go to the Licensing section.
5. Select the licensing mode: Per User (User CAL) or Per Device (Device CAL).
6. Enter the licensing server name.
7. Confirm the changes.

Note: If you do not set the correct licensing mode, users may encounter errors during login.

Step 5: Verifying Activation and Licence Availability

After completing the installation and configuration, it's worth checking if the licences have been installed correctly and are available to users.

5.1. Checking Licence Status in the Licence Manager

• Open the Remote Desktop Licence Manager.
• Check if the number of available and issued licences matches the purchased CAL.
• Ensure the server status is Active.

5.2. Checking via PowerShell

You can use the command:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_TSLicenseKeyPack

It will display the installed RDS licence packages.

5.3. Testing User Access

• Log in remotely as a user covered by the licence.
• Ensure that no licence error message appears.

Step 6: Post-Installation Configuration

After deploying RDS CAL licences, it's a good idea to take care of a few key settings that will increase the security and stability of the environment.

6.1. Creating an RDS User Group

• Create an Active Directory group (e.g., RDS Users).
• Add users who should have access to the remote desktop to this group.
• In the Permissions to log on through Remote Desktop settings, specify this group.

6.2. Configuring Session Limits

• In the Server Manager, go to Remote Desktop Services > Collections.
• Set session duration limits and automatic disconnection of inactive users.

6.3. Implementing Security Policies

• Configure GPO policies regarding authentication, account lockout, and strong password enforcement.
• Consider implementing two-factor authentication.

6.4. Regular Backups

• Perform regular backups of the licence server configuration and licence database.

Step 7: Troubleshooting

Below, you'll find the most common issues related to RDS CAL installation and activation, along with solutions.

7.1. Error: "RDS Licences are not available for this user or device"

Cause: Incorrect licensing mode or lack of licence server assignment.

Solution:

• Check the licensing mode configuration (see Step 4).
• Ensure the licence server is correctly specified.

7.2. Error: "Licence Server is not activated"

Cause: The licence server was not activated after installation.

Solution:

• Run the Licence Manager and activate the server (see Step 2).

7.3. Error: "No available CAL licences"

Cause: Licences were not installed or have all been issued.

Solution:

• Check the number of available licences in the Licence Manager.
• If necessary, purchase additional CAL.

7.4. Error: "Grace period has expired"

Cause: The 120-day grace period has expired, and licences have not been installed.

Solution:

• Install and activate RDS CAL licences immediately.

7.5. Error: "Cannot connect to the licence server"

Cause: Network issues or permission problems.

Solution:

• Check the network connection between the Session Host server and the licence server.
• Verify that the user account has the necessary permissions.

7.6. Error: "Licences are not visible after installation"

Cause: Synchronisation error or incorrect product key.

Solution:

• Restart the Licence Manager.
• Check the correctness of the entered key.
• Contact KluczeSoft support at [email protected] or call 00 800 121 1654.

Step 8: Comparing versions and prices in KluczeSoft

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

Tip: Always choose the CAL type that is consistent with the work model in your company. User CAL is more beneficial when users work on multiple devices.

Summary

The correct installation and activation of the Microsoft Windows Server 2022 RDS 10 User CAL licence is crucial for ensuring legal and uninterrupted access to remote desktop services. Following the steps described above will help you avoid the most common problems and ensure compliance with Microsoft's requirements. If you have any questions or difficulties, please contact our technical support department at 00 800 121 1654 or visit /windows-server-cals.

Remember: Regularly monitor the status of your licences and update your environment in accordance with Microsoft's policy to avoid interruptions in service. You can also contact us at [email protected] for more information.