Activating Windows Server 2025 RDS 50 Devices

Licensing Remote Desktop Services in Windows Server 2025 requires not only the installation of the RDS role, but also the correct activation of the license server and the addition of the appropriate access licenses. In the case of the RDS 50 Device CAL variant, permissions are assigned to devices, not to specific users. This solution works particularly well in companies, schools, warehouses, and shift environments, where multiple people use one computer.

Below, you will find a practical guide on how to activate Windows Server 2025 RDS 50 Device CAL, how to check the correctness of the configuration, and what to do when typical problems appear. If you need support with implementation, write to [email protected].

Step by Step

1. Install the Licensing Role in Remote Desktop Services

On the server that will act as the RDS license server:

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Select Add Roles and Features.
3. Go to the Remote Desktop Services section.
4. Check the Remote Desktop Licensing role.
5. Install the role and restart the server if the system requires it.

It is best for the license server to be a stable element of the infrastructure and have a fixed IP address and a properly configured DNS name.

2. Launch Remote Desktop Licensing Manager

After installation, open the tool:

Server Manager > Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager

In the window, the local server should be visible. If there is no activation information next to the name, you need to activate the license server.

3. Activate the RDS License Server

1. Right-click the server name.
2. Select Activate Server.
3. The activation wizard will start.
4. Choose the connection method, usually:
   • Automatic connection - recommended if the server has internet access,
   • Web browser - when activation is done manually,
   • Telephone - when the environment is separated from the network.

In most cases, automatic activation is the fastest. After its completion, the server will gain active status and be ready to install CAL licenses.

4. Install RDS 50 Device CAL Licenses

After server activation:

1. Right-click the license server name.
2. Select Install Licenses.
3. In the wizard, indicate the appropriate licensing program compatible with the purchased package.
4. Enter the licensing data received with the purchase.
5. Choose the RDS Device CAL license type.
6. Add a pool corresponding to the purchase, i.e., 50 device licenses.

After installation, the console should display an active pool of available licenses for devices.

5. Configure Licensing Mode on the Session Server

Installing licenses alone is not enough. You still need to specify the license server and set the correct mode:

1. Open gpedit.msc or use the appropriate domain GPO policy.
2. Go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing
3. Enable the policy Use the specified Remote Desktop license servers and enter the license server name.
4. Enable the policy Set the Remote Desktop Services licensing mode.
5. Choose the Per Device mode.

After saving the settings, run gpupdate /force or restart the server.

6. Verify Device License Assignment

After the first client connections, the server will start assigning licenses to devices. In Device CAL mode, the license is assigned to a specific computer or terminal, allowing multiple users to use the same device without the need for individual user licenses.

Checking

After configuration, it's worth checking if everything is working correctly.

The most important places to check:

1. Remote Desktop Licensing Manager

   • check if the server has an activated status,
   • confirm the presence of the RDS 50 Device CAL pool,
   • see if the number of issued licenses increases after connecting devices.

2. Remote Desktop Licensing Diagnostics

   • run the diagnostic tool,
   • check if the session host sees the license server,
   • ensure that the licensing mode is Per Device.

3. Event Viewer

   • review logs related to Remote Desktop Services,
   • pay attention to errors regarding the lack of a license server, incorrect mode, or activation issues.

If users can log in, but warning messages about licenses appear, it usually means that the session host is not fully configured or the licensing mode is incorrect.

Problems

License server is not visible

The problem most often results from an incorrect server name in GPO, DNS issues, or blocked network communication. It's worth checking name resolution, server availability, and the system firewall.

Incorrect licensing mode is set

If Device CAL is installed, but the session host operates in Per User mode, the system will report an inconsistency. The mode must match the type of licenses owned.

Licenses have been added, but are not being issued

In such a situation, you should check:

• if the license server is activated,
• if the session host points to the correct license server,
• if policies have been applied,
• if RDS services are working correctly after a restart.

Online activation does not work

In environments without internet access, you need to use browser-based or phone activation. It's essential to enter license data carefully, according to the purchase documents.

The number of devices exceeds the 50 CAL pool

After using up all licenses, additional devices should not be supported in the standard licensing model. In such a situation, you need to purchase another CAL pool or analyze whether a per-user licensing model would be better.

FAQ

Does RDS 50 Device CAL mean 50 simultaneous sessions?

No. It means licenses for a maximum of 50 devices that can be assigned access to remote desktop services. The number of simultaneous sessions also depends on the server's performance and environment configuration.

When to choose Device CAL instead of User CAL?

Device CAL is a good choice where multiple workers use one computer, such as in production, reception, sales points, or school workshops.

Is RDS license activation mandatory in Windows Server 2025?

Yes. Simply running remote desktop services does not mean proper licensing. To ensure the environment works according to the rules and without system warnings, you need to activate the license server and install the appropriate CAL package.

If you need help with activating Windows Server 2025 RDS 50 Devices, configuring the license server, or verifying the correctness of the deployment, please contact us: [email protected] or call 00 800 121 1654.