How to activate a license server and install CALs

This is the 3rd article in a series of articles on RDS (Remote Desktop Services)  In this installment I will cover how to activate a license server and installing RDS CALs (Client Access Licenses)

To activate the license server:

1. Open the RD Licensing Manager.  (Right-click Stat button, Run, licmgr.exe)
2. Expand All servers.
3. Right-click the server name and choose Activate Server.
   
4. Click Next on the Welcome screen.
5. Click Next on the Connection Method screen.
6. Enter the company information.  This should match the information given when the RDS CALs were purchased.  Click Next when complete.
7. This screen is optional.  You can enter the information if you choose.  Click Next when complete.
8. The Completing the Activate Server Wizard screen should come up and indicate the server was activated successfully.  If the CALs are available to install, Click Next.  Otherwise uncheck the “Start Install Licenses Wizard now” option and click Finish.

 

To Install RDS CALs:

1. Open the RD Licensing Manager.  (Right-click Stat button, Run, licmgr.exe)
2. Expand All servers.
3. Right-click the server name and choose Install Licenses.  See the picture above.
4. Click Next on the Welcome screen.
5. Choose the licensing program that is applicable.  The two most common programs are retail, using a product key, and Open License.  With the Open License program you should receive an email from the re-seller with the authorization and license number.  Click Next.
6. Enter the license information and click Next.
7. If prompted, enter the type and quantity of CALs.
8. Click Finish to complete the install.

 

To verify that the above process worked correctly:

1. Launch Server Manager.
2. From the top right, choose Tools, Terminal Services, RD Licensing Diagnoser.

If all worked there should be no errors and the licensing mode and number of CALs should match what was installed.