Install Remote Desktop Services Server 2022 Step by Step

Install Remote Desktop Services Server 2022 Step by Step

/ Knowledgebase, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

If you want to install Remote Desktop Server 2022 step by step process involves adding the Remote Desktop Services role, choosing the deployment model, configuring licensing, and setting up collections for users. In short, you can install RDS by opening Server Manager → Add Roles and Features → Remote Desktop Services installation → Standard deployment → Session-based desktop deployment, and then configure licensing and session settings. Now, let’s walk through this process step by step in detail so you can successfully deploy RDS in your Windows Server 2022 environment.

What is Remote Desktop Services (RDS)?

Remote Desktop Services (formerly known as Terminal Services) is a feature in Windows Server that allows users to merger to a server and run applications or even a full desktop environment remotely. This is useful in organizations that want to centralize applications, provide secure access to remote workers, or run a multi-user environment without distributing software on individual machines.

With Windows Server 2022, RDS continues to be a powerful tool for creating scalable, cost-effective virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and application publishing.

Prerequisites for Installing RDS on Server 2022

Before starting the installation, make confirm the following requirements are in place:

  1. Windows Server 2022 installed – Either Datacenter or Standard edition.
  2. Domain environment – RDS works best when your server is joined to an Active Directory domain.
  3. Administrator account – You need administrative privileges to install roles and features.
  4. Static IP Address – Assign a static IP to the server.
  5. Updated system – Install the latest updates and patches.
  6. Licenses – Have Remote Desktop CALs (Client Access Licenses) available for production deployment.

Install Remote Desktop Services Server 2022 Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Open Server Manager

After logging in to your Windows Server 2022 system:

  • Click on Start → Server Manager.
  • Server Manager will launch automatically on startup if not already open.

This is where you’ll add the Remote Desktop Services role.

Step 2: Add Roles and Features

  1. In Server Managers, press Manage in the top-right corners.
  2. Select Add Roles and Features.
  3. On the Before you begin screen, click Next.
  4. On the Installation Type screen, select Remote Desktop Services installation instead of the default role-based option.

This ensures you’re setting up RDS instead of just adding a single role.

Step 3: Choose Deployment Type

You’ll see two deployment options:

  • Standard Deployment – Recommended for production use, allows full customization.
  • Quick Start – Installs RDS with default settings for testing purposes.

Choose Standard Deployment for a step-by-step setup.

Step 4: Select Deployment Scenario

Next, you’ll be prompted to choose between:

  • Virtual Machine-based Desktop Deployment – For VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure).
  • Session-based Desktop Deployment – For multiple users connecting to a shared desktop session.

Choose Session-based Desktop Deployment for most small to medium-sized environments.

Step 5: Select Servers

  1. The wizard will display the server pool.
  2. Choose the local server (or another available server in your domain).
  3. Click Next to continue.

Step 6: Install the RD Connection Broker

The RD Connection Broker role is essential for managing sessions and load balancing.

Step 7: Install the RD Web Access

The RD Web Access role allows users to access RDS via a web portal.

  • Select the same server (or a different one if desired).
  • Click Next.

Step 8: Install the RD Session Host

The RD Session Host is the server role that users actually connect to for running desktops and applications.

  • Select your server.
  • Click Next.
  • Confirm the selections and start the installation.

The server will need to restart during installation.

Step 9: Configure Licensing

After installation, you must configure RDS licensing to avoid a 120-day grace period expiration.

  1. Open Server Manager.
  2. Go to Remote Desktop Services → Overview.
  3. Click RD Licensing.
  4. Add the Remote Desktop Licensing role.
  5. Once the configuration, open RD Licensing Manager from the Start menu.
  6. Activate your license server and install available CALs.

Step 10: Create a Session Collection

A session collection group includes Remote Desktop Protocol Session Host servers & published apps.

  1. In Server Manager, run to Remote Desktop (RDP) Services → Collections.
  2. Click Tasks → Create Session Collection.
  3. Name the collection (e.g., “OfficeAppsCollection”).
  4. Select the RD Session Host server.
  5. Add users or groups that will access the recruitment.
  6. Finish the wizard.

This allows you to define what desktops or applications users can access.

Step 11: Publish RemoteApps (Optional)

If you don’t want to give users a full desktop, you can publish individual applications.

  1. In your created collection, click Publish RemoteApp programs.
  2. Select installed applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Notepad, etc.).
  3. Users will only see these applications when they connect.

Step 12: Test the RDS Deployment

Finally, verify that RDS is working:

  1. From a customer PC, open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe).
  2. Enter the server’s FQDN or IP.
  3. Log in with a user account that’s allowed access.
  4. If configured, test access via RD Web Access by opening a browser and going to:
    https://yourserver/rdweb
  5. Ensure apps or full desktops launch successfully.

Best Practices for RDS on Server 2022

  • Security: Use SSL certificates for encrypted connections.
  • Load balancing: Deploy multiple RD Session Hosts for scalability.
  • User profiles: Configure User Profile Disks or FSLogix for better profile management.
  • Monitoring: Use performance counters to monitor CPU/RAM usage.
  • Backups: Regularly back up licensing and configuration.

Common Issues and Fixes

  • Licensing not detected → Ensure RD Licensing is installed and activated.
  • User can’t connect → Check firewall rules and RDS security group memberships.
  • Slow performance → Optimize session host resources and enable compression settings.

Conclusion

Installing Remote Desktop Services on Windows Server 2022 may seem complex, but by following this step-by-step guide, you can set up a secure and scalable remote access environment. From adding the roles in Server Manager to configuring licensing and publishing applications, each step ensures your users can remotely access desktops and applications reliably. Whether you’re setting up RDS for a small office or preparing for enterprise-scale deployment, Server 2022 provides the flexibility and performance needed for modern remote access solutions.

Related Posts

Scroll to Top