Activating your Remote Desktop Services (RDS) License Server on Windows Server 2012 is a straightforward process essential for allowing users to connect to your Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) servers beyond the initial grace period. This activation ensures your licensing server can issue Client Access Licenses (CALs) to users or devices accessing your RDS environment.
Prerequisites for Activation
Before you begin the activation process, ensure you have the following in place:
- RDS Licensing Role Installed: The Remote Desktop Licensing role must already be installed on your Windows Server 2012 machine.
- Administrative Privileges: You must be logged in with an account that has administrative rights on the server.
- Internet Connection: For the recommended "Automatic" activation method, your server needs an active internet connection.
- Client Access Licenses (CALs): While not strictly required for server activation, you'll need purchased RDS CALs (Per User or Per Device) to install immediately after activation.
Step-by-Step Activation Process for RDS License Server 2012
Follow these steps to activate your Remote Desktop Services License Server:
- Launch Server Manager: From your Windows Server 2012 desktop, click on the Server Manager icon in the taskbar or search for it in the Start screen.
- Access Remote Desktop Licensing Manager: In Server Manager, navigate to Tools > Terminal Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
- Initiate Server Activation: In the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager console, locate your server name. If it's not yet activated, it might display a red 'X' next to it. Right-click on your server name and select Activate Server.
- Welcome Screen: Click Next on the Welcome screen of the Activate Server Wizard.
- Connection Method Selection: On the Connection Method page, ensure that Automatic connection (recommended) is selected. This method uses a direct internet connection to Microsoft. Click Next.
- Alternative Methods: If your server lacks internet access, you can choose "Web Browser" or "Telephone" for offline activation, which will provide instructions for generating activation codes.
- Company Information (Optional but Recommended): Fill in the requested company information. While some fields are optional, providing accurate details can be helpful for licensing records. Click Next.
- Complete the Wizard: Review your selections and click Finish to complete the server activation process.
Once activated, the red 'X' next to your server name in the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager should turn into a green checkmark, indicating successful activation.
Installing Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses (CALs)
After successfully activating your RDS License Server, the next crucial step is to install your purchased RDS Client Access Licenses (CALs). These CALs are what permit users or devices to connect to your RDS environment.
- Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager: If not already open, launch it via Server Manager > Tools > Terminal Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
- Initiate License Installation: In the console, right-click on your activated server name and select Install Licenses.
- Welcome Screen: Click Next on the welcome screen of the Install Licenses Wizard.
- License Program Selection: Choose the appropriate license program through which you purchased your CALs (e.g., "Retail Purchase," "Open License," "Select Agreement," "Enterprise Agreement," "Services Provider License Agreement"). Click Next.
- License Key Information: Enter the required license key information, which varies based on the license program you selected. For "Open License," this usually involves an Authorization Number and Agreement Number. Click Next.
- License Type and Quantity: Select the type of RDS CALs you are installing (e.g., Per User CAL or Per Device CAL) and specify the quantity.
- Per User CAL: Allows a specific user to access RDS from any device.
- Per Device CAL: Allows a specific device to access RDS, regardless of the user.
- Complete Installation: Review the details and click Finish to install the CALs.
Understanding Connection Methods and License Types
| Connection Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Automatic | The recommended method, requiring direct internet access from the license server to Microsoft's licensing clearhouse. It's the fastest and most convenient. |
| Web Browser | Suitable for servers without direct internet access. You'll be provided with a unique ID that you'll enter on a Microsoft licensing website from another internet-connected device. The website will then generate a license server ID, which you'll input back into the wizard on your license server. |
| Telephone | Used for completely isolated networks or when web activation is not feasible. You'll call a Microsoft licensing representative, provide your license server ID, and they will give you an activation code to enter into the wizard. |
When choosing your RDS CALs, consider your environment:
- RDS Per Device CALs: Best for scenarios where multiple users share a single device (e.g., shift workers, public kiosks).
- RDS Per User CALs: Ideal for scenarios where a single user accesses RDS from multiple devices (e.g., employees using a desktop at work and a laptop at home).
Verifying Your RDS Licensing Setup
To confirm that your license server is active and CALs are installed correctly:
- Check Remote Desktop Licensing Manager: Look for a green checkmark next to your server name. Expand the server to view the installed CALs and their availability.
- Use RD Licensing Diagnoser: In Server Manager, go to Tools > Terminal Services > RD Licensing Diagnoser. This tool provides a report on the licensing configuration and any identified issues.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
- Firewall Blocks: Ensure that the firewall on the license server allows outbound connections to Microsoft's licensing servers (ports 443/HTTPS).
- Network Connectivity: Verify the server has stable internet access for automatic activation.
- Incorrect CALs: Ensure you are installing the correct type and version of CALs for your RDS deployment and Windows Server version.
- Grace Period Expired: If you haven't activated or installed CALs, your RDS environment will stop accepting new connections after the initial 120-day grace period. Activate and install licenses promptly.
- RDS Licensing Mode: Confirm that your Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) server is configured to use the correct licensing mode (Per User or Per Device) and points to the activated license server. This is configured in the RD Session Host configuration or Group Policy.
By following these steps, you can successfully activate your Remote Desktop Services License Server 2012 and ensure your users have uninterrupted access to your RDS applications and desktops.
