Windows Server 2019 RDS Setup Single Server

Windows Server 2019 RDS Setup Single Server: Step-by-Step Guide

/ Knowledgebase, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

If you want to set up Remote Desktop Services (RDS) on a single Windows Server 2019 machine. The process involves installing the Remote Desktop Services role. Configuring session-based desktops and setting up licensing to allow multiple users to connect remotely. In short, you can install all RDS roles, such as Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH), Connection Broker, Web Access, and Licensing, on a single server to simplify deployment for small businesses or testing environments.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the complete process of configuring Windows Server 2019 RDS on a single server, covering everything from installation to licensing, so you can provide remote desktop access to users efficiently.

What is Remote Desktop Services (RDS)?

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a role in Windows Server that permits users to connect to computers & applications hosted on a centralized server. With RDS, multiple users can log into a server simultaneously, running applications as if they were installed on their local computers. This is especially useful for organizations that need centralized management, enhanced security, & easier application deployment.

A single-server RDS setup is ideal for:

  • Small businesses that don’t require a multi-server farm
  • Testing environments or labs
  • Remote access for a limited number of users

Prerequisites for Setting Up RDS on Windows Server 2019

Before starting the installation, confirm the seeing requirements are met:

  1. Windows Server 2019 configuration – Standard or Datacenter edition.
  2. Domain Environment – The server should be joined to an Active Directory domain (though workgroup setups are possible for very small setups, AD is recommended).
  3. Static IP Address – Avoid dynamic IPs to prevent connectivity issues.
  4. Administrator Privileges – You’ll need full admin access to install and configure roles.
  5. Valid Licenses – A Remote Desktop Services User Access License (RDS CAL) is required for each customer or device.

Windows Server 2019 RDS Setup Single Server: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install the RDS Role

  1. Open Server Manager from the Start menu.
  2. Click Manage > Add Roles and Features.
  3. In the wizard, select Role-based or feature-based installation & select your server.
  4. Under Server Roles, select Remote Desktop Services.
  5. Within RDS, add the following role services:
    • Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH)
    • Remote Desktop Licensing
    • Remote Desktop Web Access
    • Remote Desktop Connection Broker
  6. Click Next and complete the installation. Restart the server if prompted.

With these roles installed, you now have the foundation for a single-server RDS deployment.

Step 2: Configure the RDS Deployment

After installing the roles, you need to configure them properly.

  1. Open Server Manager again.
  2. From the left pane, select Remote Desktop Services.
  3. You’ll see the RDS deployment overview. Since you’re using a single server, all roles should point to the same server.
  4. Verify that the Remote Desktop Session Host, RD Web Access, & RD Connection Broker are configured on your server.

Step 3: Add Users to the Remote Desktop Users Group

By default, only administrators can connect via RDP. To allow non-admin users:

  1. Open Server Manager > Tools > Computer Management.
  2. Expand Local Users and Groups > Groups.
  3. Double-click Remote Desktop Users.
  4. Click Add, then enter the usernames or groups you want to grant RDP access.
  5. Click OK and close the window.

Step 4: Configure Licensing

Windows Server 2019 allows a 120-day graces period for RDS use without licenses. After that, you must configure licenses.

  1. Open Server Manager > RDP Services > Overview.
  2. In the Deployment Overview, click the RD Licensing icon.
  3. Right-click the server and select Activate Server.
  4. The RD Licensing Manager wizard opens. You can activate via:
    • Automatic connection (requires internet access)
    • Web browser
    • Telephone
  5. After activation, install your purchased RDS CALs (per-user or per-device).

Step 5: Configure Session Collections

Session Collections allow you to group users and publish applications or desktops.

  1. In Server Manager, go to Remote Desktop Services.
  2. Under Collections, click Tasks > Create Session Collection.
  3. Provide a name (e.g., “Company RDS Collection”).
  4. Select the server as the Session Host.
  5. Add the users or groups who will access the collection.
  6. Finish the wizard.

Now, users will be able to log in and access either a full desktop session or specific RemoteApps you publish.

Step 6: Test the RDS Setup

  1. On a client PC, open Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc).
  2. Enter the server’s IP address or FQDN.
  3. Log in using the user credentials you added earlier.
  4. You should see either the full desktop or published apps, depending on your configuration.

If everything is configured correctly, multiple users should be able to log in simultaneously without issues.

Best Practices for a Single-Server RDS Setup

While a single-server setup is convenient, there are limitations compared to many-server deployments. Follow these best practices to ensure stability and performance:

  1. Use a powerful server – Since all roles run on one machine, ensure sufficient CPU, RAM, and SSD storage.
  2. Enable backups – Regularly back up the server and RDS configuration.
  3. Secure connections – Use SSL certificates for RD Web Access and secure RDP connections.
  4. Monitor performance – Use tools like Performance Monitor or Resource Manager to avoid bottlenecks.
  5. Plan for scaling – If your business grows, consider moving to a multi-server RDS farm.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Cannot connect to RDS server – Ensure RDP is allowed in Windows Firewall and the server has a static IP.
  • Licensing errors – Verify RDS Licensing Manager is activated and CALs are installed.
  • User denied access – Check if the user is in the RDP Users group.
  • Slow performance – Consider enabling compression, increasing server hardware, or optimizing group policies.

Conclusion

Setting up Windows Server 2019 RDS on a single server is a practical solution for small businesses, testing environments, or organizations with limited IT resources. By installing all required RDS roles on one server, configuring licensing, and creating session collections, you can provide secure, centralized remote desktop access for multiple users.

While this setup is not as scalable as a multi-server deployment, it’s cost-effective, easier to manage, and ideal for smaller environments. With proper planning, licensing, and security, your RDS single-server environment will run smoothly and support your users effectively.

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