How to Activate a Remote Desktop License Server in Windows Server 2012 R2

For organizations that rely on Remote Desktop Services (RDS), ensuring that your Remote Desktop License Server (RDSHS) is activated correctly is crucial for smooth operation. This guide outlines the steps to activate and configure your RDSHS on Windows Server 2012 R2.

Step 1: Install the Remote Desktop Licensing Role

The first step in activating a Remote Desktop License Server is to install the Remote Desktop Licensing role on your Windows Server 2012 R2.

Open Server Manager.You can access this by clicking the Start button and then selecting Server Manager.

Click on Add Roles and Features.

Select Role-based or feature-based installation.Click Next.

Select the server you want to install the role on and click Next.

Expand Roles and select Remote Desktop Services.Click Next.

Select the Remote Desktop Licensing role and click Next.

Review your selection and click Install.

Follow the prompts to complete the installation and then click Install.

Step 2: Activate the License Server

Once the Remote Desktop Licensing role is installed, the next step is to activate the License Server.

Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.This can be found in the Server Manager under Tools Remote Desktop Services Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

Right-click on the server name and select Activate Server.Follow the Activation Wizard.

Choose the method of activation. Typically, you will select Automatic if your server has internet access.

Step 3: Install Licenses

After the server is activated, the next step is to install the necessary licenses.

Right-click on the Server in the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

Select License Installation Wizard.

Follow the prompts in the wizard.

Select the license program you are using, e.g., Open License Select License.

Enter your license keys when prompted.

Step 4: Configure License Settings

After installing the licenses, you need to configure the license settings to ensure everything is set up correctly.

Go back to Server Manager and click on Remote Desktop Services.

Choose the Collection you want to configure.

Click on it and then click on Edit Properties.

Under the Licensing settings, configure the necessary options to reflect your licensing requirements.

Step 5: Restart Remote Desktop Services

To ensure all changes take effect, restart the Remote Desktop Services.

Open Services.Use the Run dialog (Windows R) and type .

Locate the Remote Desktop Services service and right-click it.

Select Restart.

Final Notes

Ensure that the server has internet access if using automatic activation. After completing these steps, your Remote Desktop License Server should be activated and ready to issue licenses.

Note: If you encounter any issues, check the Event Viewer for any error messages related to Remote Desktop Licensing.