How to Install RDS License Server 2019? A Comprehensive Guide

How to install RDS license server 2019. Installing a Remote Desktop Services (RDS) License Server on Windows Server 2019 is essential for organizations that need to manage and distribute client access licenses (CALs) for Remote Desktop connections. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you can effectively set up your RDS License Server 2019.

What is an RDS License Server?

An RDS License Server manages the distribution of licenses to users and devices that connect to a Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) server. Without proper licensing, users will not be able to access the remote desktop environment beyond the grace period.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make certain you have the following prerequisites in place:

1. Windows Server 2019: Ensure you have a server running Windows Server 2019.
2. Administrative Access: You need administrative privileges on the server to install and configure the RDS License Server.
3. Network Configuration: Ensure the server is properly configured and connected to the network.
4. License Information: Have your RDS CALs ready to be installed and activated.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install RDS License Server 2019

Step 1: Install Remote Desktop Services

First, you need to install the Remote Desktop Services role on your server.

1. Open Server Manager:

• Click on the Start menu, then select Server Manager.

2. Add Roles and Features:

• In the Server Manager dashboard, click on Add roles and features to open the wizard.

3. Begin the Installation:

• Click Next on the Before You Begin page.

4. Select Installation Type:

• Choose Role-based or feature-based installation & click Next.

5. Select Destination Server:

• Select the server you want to install the role on & click Next.

6. Select Server Roles:

• In the Select server roles page, scroll down and check Remote Desktop Services. Click Next.

7. Add Features:

• Click Next on the Select features page.

8. Select Role Services:

• On the Select role services page, check Remote Desktop Licensing and Remote Desktop Session Host. Click Next.

9. Confirm and Install:

• Click Install to begin the installation process. This might take a few minutes.

Step 2: Configure Remote Desktop Licensing

After the role has been installed, you need to configure the RDS License Server.

1. Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager:

• Go to Start > Windows Administrative Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

2. Activate the Server:

• In the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, right-click the server node in the left-hand pane and select Activate Server.

3. Activation Wizard:

• The Activate Server Wizard will open. Click Next.

4. Connection Method:

• Choose a connection method for activation. The default method, Automatic connection (recommended), requires an internet connection. Click Next.

5. Enter Company Information:

• Fill in your company information and click Next. See the prompts to complete the activation process.

Step 3: Install RDS CALs

Once the server is activated, you need to install your RDS CALs.

1. Open RD Licensing Manager:

• With the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager open, right-click the server node and select Install Licenses.

2. Install Licenses Wizard:

• The Install Licenses Wizard will open. Click Next.

3. License Program:

• Select the license program from the dropdown menu. For example, if you purchased licenses through a Microsoft Volume Licensing agreement, select License Pack (Retail).

4. Enter License Information:

• Enter the required information based on your license program, such as the license code or agreement number. Click Next.

5. Finish Installation:

• Follow the remaining prompts to complete the installation of your RDS CALs.

Step 4: Configure the Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) to Use the License Server

Now that your license server is set up and your licenses are installed, you need to configure your RDSH server to use the license server.

1. Open Server Manager:

• In Server Manager, go to Remote Desktop Services > Overview.

2. Configure Deployment:

• Click on Tasks and select Edit Deployment Properties.

3. Licensing:

• In the Deployment Properties window, select the RD Licensing tab.
• Click Add, enter the name of your license server, and click Check Names.
• Select your license server from the list and click OK.

4. Specify License Mode:

• Still in the Deployment Properties window, specify the license mode. You can choose Per User or Per Device, depending on the type of RDS CALs you have installed.

5. Apply Changes:

• Click OK to apply the changes.

Step 5: Verify Licensing Configuration

To ensure that the licensing configuration is correct, follow these steps:

1. Open RD Licensing Diagnoser:

• Go to Start > Windows Administrative Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Diagnoser.

2. Check for Issues:

• The Licensing Diagnoser will run and display any issues with your RDS licensing configuration. Resolve any issues that are identified.

3. Verify License Availability:

• In the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, ensure that your installed licenses are available and not showing any errors.

Best Practices for Managing RDS License Server

1. Regular Backups:

• Regularly back up your RDS license server to ensure you can recover your licenses in case of a system failure.

2. Monitor License Usage:

• Regularly monitor license usage to ensure compliance and to determine if additional licenses are needed.

3. Keep the System Updated:

• Ensure your server is up to date with the latest security patches and updates from Microsoft.

4. Document Configuration:

• Keep detailed documentation of your RDS licensing setup, including the license server name, license types, and activation details.

Conclusion
Installing and configuring an RDS License Server on Windows Server 2019 is a critical task for managing Remote Desktop Services in an organization. By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your RDS environment is properly licensed, providing uninterrupted access to remote desktop sessions for your users. Proper setup and management of your RDS License Server will help you avoid licensing issues and ensure compliance with Microsoft’s licensing requirements.