By default, Windows Server 2019 allows only two concurrent Remote Desktop sessions for administrative purposes, which can be limiting if multiple users need to connect simultaneously. To enable more than 2 RDP sessions, you need to install and configure Remote Desktop Services (RDS). This involves setting up the Remote Desktop Session Host role, licensing the server with RDS CALs (Client Access Licenses), and configuring session limits. With RDS properly configured, you can allow multiple users to log in at the same time, making it ideal for businesses or teams that rely on shared server access.
Step-by-Step Guide How to Allow More Than 2 RDP Sessions to a Windows Server 2019
1. Install Remote Desktop Services (RDS)
To support multiple RDP sessions, you need to install and configure Remote Desktop Services. Follow these steps:
a. Open Server Manager
- Click on the Start menu.
- Open Server Manager.
b. Add Roles and Features
- In the Server Manager dashboard, press on Manage in the top-right corner.
- Select Add Roles and Features.
c. Select Installation Type
- In the Add Roles & Features Wizard, select Role-based or feature-based installation & click Next.
d. Select Server
- Choose the server where you want to install RDS and click Next.
e. Select Server Roles
- In the Select server roles window, scroll down and check Remote Desktop Services.
- Click Next through the following prompts to proceed with the installation.
2. Configure Remote Desktop Services
After installing RDS, configure the necessary settings to allow multiple RDP sessions.
a. Open Remote Desktop Services Configuration
- In Server Manager, click on Remote Desktop Services on the left-hand side.
- Select Overview.
b. Configure the Deployment
- Press on Tasks & select Edit Deployment Properties.
- Configure the various settings such as RD Licensing, RD Gateway, and RD Session Host as required.
c. Install the Licensing Role
- In the Remote Desktop Services deployment properties, navigate to RD Licensing.
- Add the Remote Desktop Licensing role if not already installed.
- Configure the licensing mode (per user or per device) and specify the license server.
3. Activate the License Server
To comply with Microsoft’s licensing requirements and enable multiple RDP sessions, you must activate the license server and install RDS CALs.
a. Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager
- Open the Start menu.
- Search for and open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
b. Activate the License Server
- Right-click on the license server name and select Activate Server.
- See the wizard to complete the activation process.
c. Install RDS CALs
- After activation, right-click on the license server name again and select Install Licenses.
- Follow the wizard to install your RDS CALs.
4. Configure RD Session Host
To allow more than two RDP sessions, configure the RD Session Host to handle multiple connections.
a. Open RD Session Host Configuration
- Open the Start menu and search for Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration.
- Open the configuration tool.
b. Set Session Limits
- In the RD Session Host Configuration window, right-click on RDP-Tcp under Connections and select Properties.
- Go to the Network Adapter tab.
- Select the network adapter and configure the maximum number of connections. Set this to a higher number based on your requirements and available licenses.
5. Group Policy Configuration (Optional)
You can also use Group Policy to configure RDP session limits.
a. Open Group Policy Editor
- Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
b. Navigate to RDP Settings
- Go to PC Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
c. Configure Settings
- Double-click on Limit number of connections.
- Enable the policy and set the desired number of connections.
- Apply the changes.
6. Verify Configuration
After completing the above steps, verify that your configuration allows more than two RDP sessions.
a. Open Task Manager
- On your server, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Users tab to see the list of active RDP sessions.
b. Test Multiple Connections
- From different client machines, attempt to establish multiple RDP sessions to the server.
- Ensure that all sessions are successfully connected without encountering the default two-session limit.
Conclusion
Allowing more than two RDP sessions on a Windows Server 2019 involves installing and configuring Remote Desktop Services, setting up a license server, and configuring session limits through RD Session Host or Group Policy. By following these steps, you can effectively manage multiple remote connections, enhancing productivity and providing greater access to server resources. Ensure that you comply with Microsoft’s licensing requirements to avoid any legal issues. With the proper setup, your Windows Server 2019 can handle multiple RDP sessions efficiently, supporting your organization’s needs.
