Windows Server 2025 RDS 50 Users – Installation, Activation, and Licence Management

Before You Begin

Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) User Client Access Licenses (CALs) are a crucial element that enables users to access applications and remote desktops hosted on a Windows Server 2025. A package of 50 RDS User CALs allows simultaneous access to remote desktop services for 50 individual users, regardless of the number of devices they use.

RDS User CALs are assigned to specific users, which is particularly beneficial in environments where employees use multiple devices (e.g., desktop computer, laptop, tablet). These licenses are required to ensure compliance with Microsoft's licensing policy and to enable legal access to remote services.

What You Get with KluczeSoft?

• Original RDS User CAL license key (50 users)
• Step-by-step activation and installation instructions
• Technical support in Polish
• Guarantee of legality and security of purchase

Product Support Table

Note: RDS CALs must match or be newer than the version of the server they are accessing. For example, RDS CALs 2025 can be used with Windows Server 2025 or earlier versions.

System Requirements

Before proceeding with the installation and configuration of RDS User CALs, ensure that your server meets the minimum hardware and software requirements compatible with Microsoft documentation.

Important: When using RDS User CALs, an Active Directory environment is required for proper user license management.

Step 1: Installing the Remote Desktop Licensing Role

1. Log in to the Windows Server 2025 as an administrator.
2. Open Server Manager. You can do this by clicking the icon on the taskbar or typing Server Manager in the Start menu.
3. Select Manage in the top right corner, then click Add Roles and Features.
4. In the wizard, select Role-based or feature-based installation and click Next.
5. Select the server from the list of servers and click Next.
6. In the list of server roles, check Remote Desktop Services. Expand this section and check Remote Desktop Licensing.
7. Click Next until you reach the summary, then click Install.
8. After the installation is complete, click Close.

Tip: You can also install the role using PowerShell:

Install-WindowsFeature -Name RDS-Licensing -IncludeManagementTools

Step 2: Activating the License Server

1. In Server Manager, go to Tools > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
2. In the left part of the window, find the name of your server. Right-click and select Activate Server.
3. The activation wizard will start. Click Next.
4. Select the connection method to Microsoft (usually Automatic connection (recommended)). Click Next.
5. Enter the required contact information (company name, email address, phone number). Click Next.
6. After activation is complete, click Finish.

Note: If the server does not have internet access, select Telephone activation and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Installing RDS User CALs Licenses

1. In Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, right-click the server name and select Install Licenses.
2. In the wizard, select the licensing program type (e.g. Open License, Retail Purchase or Other – choose the one corresponding to your purchase from KluczeSoft).
3. Enter the product key received from KluczeSoft (50 User CALs). Click Next.
4. After verification and installation of the licenses, click Finish.

Hint: The installed licenses will be visible in the left panel under the server name.

Step 4: Configuring Licensing Mode and Specifying the License Server

To enable Remote Desktop Services to use the installed licenses, you need to configure the licensing mode and specify the license server.

Graphical Method (GUI)

1. In Server Manager, go to Remote Desktop Services.
2. Select RD Session Host, then click Properties.
3. Go to the Licensing tab.
4. Select Licensing Mode: check Per User.
5. In the License Server field, enter the name of your license server.
6. Confirm the changes and close the window.

PowerShell Method (Recommended for Administrators)

Open PowerShell as an administrator and run the following commands (replace YourLicenseServerName with the actual name of your license server):

$obj = Get-WmiObject -Namespace "Root/CIMV2/TerminalServices" -Class Win32_TerminalServiceSetting
$obj.SetSpecifiedLicenseServerList("YourLicenseServerName")
$obj.ChangeMode(4) # 4 = Per User mode
Restart-Service TermService -Force
Restart-Service LicenseService -Force

Note: After changing the settings, it is recommended to restart the server or services.

Step 5: Verifying Activation and Licensing Correctness

To ensure that the licenses have been installed correctly and the server is using the correct licensing mode, perform the following steps:

1. Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager and check if the number of available and issued licenses matches the purchased pool.
2. On the RD Session Host server, run PowerShell as an administrator and enter:

Get-WmiObject -Namespace "Root/CIMV2/TerminalServices" -Class Win32_TerminalServiceSetting | Select-Object -Property LicensingName, LicensingMode

1. Check the Event Viewer log in the Applications and Services > Remote Desktop Services section for any licensing warnings.
2. Test the remote connection from a domain user account to ensure that no license-related messages appear.

Step 6: Post-Installation Configuration – First Steps

After a successful installation and activation of RDS User CALs, we recommend performing several basic configuration steps:

1. Add users to the appropriate domain groups – e.g., Remote Desktop Users.
2. Configure security policies (e.g., login time restrictions, password policies, MFA).
3. Install required applications on the RD Session Host server.
4. Configure user profiles (e.g., redirected folders, network drives).
5. Enable and configure Remote Desktop for selected users.
6. Create configuration backups and regularly monitor license usage.

Tip: In production environments, it is recommended to implement monitoring (e.g., Windows Admin Center, Zabbix) and regularly test the data recovery process.

If you need help or have questions, please contact us at [email protected] or call 00 800 121 1654.

Troubleshooting

Below, we describe the most common issues and their solutions related to the installation and activation of RDS User CALs for Windows Server 2025:

1. Message: “No Remote Desktop License Servers available”

• Cause: RD Session Host cannot find the license server.
• Solution: Check if the license server is correctly specified in the RD Session Host settings. Use the PowerShell command:

$obj = Get-WmiObject -Namespace "Root/CIMV2/TerminalServices" -Class Win32_TerminalServiceSetting
$obj.SetSpecifiedLicenseServerList("YourLicenseServerName")

2. Message: “The Remote Desktop Session Host server is in Per Device licensing mode”

• Cause: Licensing mode set to Per Device instead of Per User.
• Solution: Change the licensing mode to Per User in the GUI or PowerShell:

$obj.ChangeMode(4)

3. Licenses are not issued to users

• Cause: Lack of integration with Active Directory or users are not part of the appropriate groups.
• Solution: Ensure that the server is a domain member and users are in the Remote Desktop Users group.

4. License server activation error

• Cause: No internet connection or incorrect contact details.
• Solution: Use phone activation or check the correctness of the data.

5. Message: “Grace period expiration”

• Cause: The 120-day grace period has expired, and licenses have not been installed.
• Solution: Install and activate RDS User CALs licenses according to the above instructions.

6. Licenses do not appear after installation

• Cause: Incorrect product key or synchronization issue.
• Solution: Check the correctness of the key, restart the LicenseService:

Restart-Service LicenseService -Force

Comparison of versions and prices at KluczeSoft

More information and purchase: Windows Server 2025 at KluczeSoft

Summary

Installing and managing Windows Server 2025 RDS 50 User CALs licenses is a process that requires precision and knowledge of the Windows Server environment. With this guide, you can step by step install, activate, and configure licenses, ensuring your organization has legal and secure access to remote desktop services.

If you have any questions or technical issues, please contact our support at 00 800 121 1654 or visit our knowledge base at pomoc.kluczesoft.pl.

Remember: Always ensure licensing compliance and regularly monitor license usage in your organization. You can also contact us at [email protected] for more information.