Activate the Remote Desktop Services license server

The Remote Desktop Services license server issues client access licenses (CALs) to users and devices when they access the RD Session Host. You can activate the license server by using the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

Install the Remote Desktop Licensing role

  1. Sign into the server you want to use as the license server using an administrator account.

  2. In Server Manager, select Manage > Add Roles and Features.

  3. On the Select installation type page, select Role-based or feature-based installation.

  4. Specify the server on which you'll install the licensing role.

  5. On the Server Roles page, check the box for Remote Desktop Services, then select Next until you see the Remote Desktop Services page.

  6. Select the roles you want to install. Make sure you include the Remote Desktop Licensing role.

  7. In the Add Roles and Features Wizard dialog box, select Add Features.

  8. Select Next until you see the Confirmation page, then select Install.

For detailed information and other installation options, see Install or uninstall roles, role services, or features

Activate the license server

  1. In Server Manager, select Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

  2. In the RD Licensing Manager, select the server, and then select Action > Activate Server.

  3. Confirm your preferred Connection method for license server activation and select Next. The three options available are:

    • Automatic connection (recommended): This recommended method communicates via internet directly to the Microsoft Clearinghouse outbound over TCP port 443.

    • Web Browser: This method requires the administrator to connect to the Microsoft Clearinghouse web site. Use this method if the license server doesn't have internet access, but you have internet access through another computer.

    • Telephone: This method allows the administrator to complete the migration process over the phone with a Microsoft Clearinghouse operator. Use this method if you don't have internet access.

Activate with automatic connection

  1. Enter your required Company information including First name, Last name, Company, and Country or Region. Select Next.

  2. Then enter your optional company information. Select Next until you complete the Activate Server Wizard.

  3. Accept the defaults for the remaining pages until the final page. Clear Start Install Licenses Wizard now, and then select Finish.

  4. Select Action > Install Licenses. Enter your license code ready to enter when prompted.

Activate using a web browser

  1. On the License Server Activation page, copy the URL for the Remote Desktop Licensing Web Site. Then open a web browser and navigate to the site.

  2. Complete the steps on the Remote Desktop Licensing Web Site.

  3. Return to the License Server Activation page and enter in the license server ID. Select Next.

Activate by telephone

  1. Select your Country or Region. Then select Next.

  2. On the License Server Activation page, call Microsoft at the number displayed. The representative will provide you with a license server ID to enter. Select Next.