Microsoft Windows Server 2022 RDS 50 Device CAL — Installation, Activation, and Management

Before You Begin

Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) 50 Device Client Access Licenses (CALs) are a key element of IT infrastructure in organisations that need to enable remote access to the server for multiple devices. Device CAL licenses allow access to remote desktop services from specific devices, regardless of the number of users using the given hardware. This is particularly beneficial in environments where multiple people use one computer, such as in shift systems, laboratories, or public workstations.

As part of your purchase at KluczeSoft, you will receive:

• The original licence key for 50 Device CALs for Windows Server 2022 RDS
• Access to the KluczeSoft panel with purchase history and keys
• A VAT invoice and technical support
• Installation and activation instructions

Price at KluczeSoft: 1399 zł brutto for a package of 50 Device CALs (details).

Technical Support and Product Lifecycle

Note: RDS 2022 Device CAL licenses are backwards compatible — you can also use them to support Windows Server 2019, 2016, and 2012 servers.

System Requirements

To deploy and manage Windows Server 2022 RDS Device CAL licenses, your server and client devices must meet specific hardware and software requirements. Below is a detailed table consistent with Microsoft documentation:

Tip: We recommend regularly updating the Windows Server system and RDS clients to ensure security and compatibility.

For any questions or concerns, please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 00 800 121 1654.

Step 1: Installing the Remote Desktop Licensing Role

1. Log in to the Windows Server 2022 as an administrator.
2. Open Server Manager.
3. Click Manage in the top right corner and select 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 list of roles, check Remote Desktop Services. Click Next.
7. In the Features section, you do not need to make any changes — click Next.
8. Select Remote Desktop Licensing and click Next.
9. Confirm your selection and click Install.
10. After the installation is complete, click Close.

Note: Installing this role is required for the server to accept and manage RDS CAL licenses.

Step 2: Activating the RDS License Server

1. In Server Manager, go to Tools > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
2. In the left part of the window, right-click on the server name and select Activate Server.
3. The activation wizard will start. Click Next.
4. Select the connection method to Microsoft (recommended: Automatically via the Internet). Click Next.
5. Enter the required contact information (company name, country, email). Click Next.
6. After activation is complete, click Finish.

If the server does not have internet access, select phone activation and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Installing RDS 50 Device CAL Licenses

1. In Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, right-click on the server and select Install Licenses.
2. In the wizard, select Remote Desktop Services – Device CAL and click Next.
3. Select Microsoft Open License or the appropriate licensing program, according to your purchase from KluczeSoft. Click Next.
4. Enter the product key received from KluczeSoft (50 Device CAL). Click Add, then Next.
5. After the process is complete, click Finish.

Tip: Licenses will be immediately assigned to the license server. You can verify them at any time.

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 and select Properties.
3. In the Licenses tab, check if the information about the installed 50 Device CAL is visible.
4. If not, repeat the license installation process.

Activating via Command Line

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Enter the following command to display installed license packages:

   wmic /namespace:\\root\cimv2 path Win32_TSLicenseKeyPack
   

3. To check the license server configuration, use PowerShell:

   Get-RDLicenseConfiguration
   

Note: In case of activation errors, check the correctness of the key and internet connection. If you need help, please contact us at [email protected] or call 00 800 121 1654.

Step 5: Activation Verification

After installing and activating the licence, it's worth verifying their status:

1. In Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, check if the number of available and issued licences matches the purchased package.

2. In the Command Line, run:

   wmic /namespace:\\root\cimv2 path Win32_TSLicenseKeyPack
   

   A list of installed licence packages, their type, and number will be displayed.

3. In PowerShell, run:

   Get-RDLicenseConfiguration
   

   Check if the licence server is properly configured for RDS.

Tip: Regularly monitor the licence status to avoid user access issues.

Step 6: Post-Installation Configuration

After activating the licence, it is recommended to perform a few additional configuration steps:

1. Configure RDS licensing mode:

   • Open Server Manager > Remote Desktop Services > Collections.
   • Right-click on the collection and select Properties.
   • In the Licensing section, set the mode to Per Device.
   • Specify the licence server.

2. Configure security policies:

   • Enable network-level authentication (NLA).
   • Configure group policies (GPO) for remote users.

3. Test connections from client devices:

   • Ensure each device can obtain a licence and connect to the server.

4. Secure the server:

   • Install the latest updates.
   • Configure the network firewall and monitor security logs.

Step 7: Troubleshooting

Below, you will find the most common errors and ways to resolve them:

1. Error: “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 Remote Desktop Licensing role is installed.
• Verify that the license server is specified in the RDS collection settings.
• Run the command:

  Get-RDLicenseConfiguration
  

• If the server is not visible, add it with the command:

  Set-RDLicenseConfiguration -LicenseServer <server-name> -Mode PerDevice
  

2. Error: “Licenses are not available for this Remote Desktop Session Host server”

Description: No available licenses for the RDS session host.

Solution:

• Check if the licenses have been installed correctly.
• Verify the license status in the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
• Ensure that the number of licenses matches the number of devices.

3. Error: “The Remote Desktop license server cannot update the license attributes for user”

Description: Problem with updating user license attributes.

Solution:

• Check the computer account permissions in Active Directory.
• Ensure that the license server has access to the domain controller.
• Restart the Remote Desktop Licensing service:

  net stop termservlicensing
  net start termservlicensing
  

4. Error: “Remote Desktop Session Host server is within its grace period”

Description: The server is operating within its 120-day grace period, after which license activation is required.

Solution:

• Install and activate the RDS Device CAL licenses according to the instructions above.
• After activation, restart the server.

5. Error: “Cannot connect to the license server”

Description: No connection to the license server.

Solution:

• Check the network connection between the RDS host and the license server.
• Ensure that TCP ports 135, 139, 445, and dynamic RPC ports are open.
• Check the logs in the Event Viewer — section Application and Services Logs > RemoteDesktopServices-Rdlm.

6. Error: “Invalid license key”

Description: The entered license key is invalid or has already been used.

Solution:

• Check the correctness of the entered key.
• Contact KluczeSoft to verify the key. You can reach us at [email protected] or by phone at 00 800 121 1654.

Step 8: Comparing versions and prices in KluczeSoft

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

More information and purchase: Go to RDS CAL offer

Summary

Microsoft Windows Server 2022 RDS 50 Device CAL licences are an essential element of any organisation that enables remote access to server resources for multiple devices. With a detailed installation, activation, and licence management guide, you can be sure that your infrastructure is compliant with Microsoft requirements and secure for users. If you have any questions or problems, please contact our technical support at 00 800 121 1654 or visit the KluczeSoft knowledge base.

Remember: Regularly monitor the status of your licences and update your system to ensure the continuity of remote desktop services. You can also contact us at [email protected] for more information.