How to Install and Convert Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs)

Windows Remote Desktop client access licenses (RD CALs) are available in two types: Per User and Per Device. This article shows how to install RD CALs on a license server and convert them from one type to the other.

Hi, my name is David. I'm a Senior Principal Engineer with the GSU Team for Dell Technologies. Today I'd like to talk about licensing for Remote Desktop Services. The first we want to talk about is going to be the per user connections.

This is going to be for each individual person that logs in. The other type is going to be the per device connection. This is going to be for each device that connects, doesn't matter what user is logged in, it's for that device. Also I would like to show you how to install a per user license.

When you first install Remote Desktop Services you get a 120 day trial license. To install a permanent license you need to verify that you have a licensing server configured. To do so open Server Manager, on the left side you'll see 'Remote Desktop Services'.

If you click on 'Remote Desktop Services' and then 'Overview' you'll see your deployment servers. Under 'Deployment Servers' you should see an 'RD Licensing' role.

I have one here. If there's not one 'RD Licensing' will be green. You can click it and add a licensing server. To add the actual licenses click on 'Tools', 'Remote Desktop Services Licensing Manager'. This will make the actual connection to the licensing manager you have configured.

If you do a right click on the licensing server and click on 'Install Licenses' it'll give you an overview. Click 'Next', this will tell you, it will let you know what kind of licenses you can install. Today I'll use the retail purchase. Type in the product key that we have, add it, click 'Next'.

It'll actually go out and install the licenses. Once done click 'Finish'. Now I have 50 total licenses. If for some reason you installed the wrong type of license, a device license versus a user license, you can right click on the license itself and 'Convert Licenses'.

You can do a full conversion or a partial conversion. In this case we'll do a full conversion which will convert to our user licenses to device licenses. And if you need to revert it back, same process, just convert it back. Thank you, have a good day.