Install Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses Automatically

Updated: February 16, 2011

Applies To: Windows Server 2008 R2

The automatic method for installing RDS CALs on a Remote Desktop license server requires Internet connectivity from the computer running the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager tool. Internet connectivity is not required from the license server itself.

To install Remote Desktop Services client access licenses automatically

  1. On the license server, open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager. To open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, click Start, point to Administrative Tools, point to Remote Desktop Services, and then click Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

  2. Verify that the connection method for the Remote Desktop license server is set to Automatic connection (recommended) by right-clicking the license server on which you want to install Remote Desktop Services client access licenses (RDS CALs), and then clicking Properties. On the Connection Method tab, change the connection method if necessary, and then click OK.

  3. Right-click the license server on which you want to install the RDS CALs, and then click Install Licenses.

  4. In the Install Licenses Wizard, on the Welcome to the Install Licenses Wizard page, click Next.

  5. On the License Program page, select the appropriate program through which you purchased your RDS CALs, and then click Next.

  6. The License Program that you selected on the previous page in the wizard determines what information you need to provide on this page. In most cases, you must provide either a license code or an agreement number. Consult the documentation provided when you purchased your RDS CALs.

  7. After you enter the required information, click Next.

  8. On the Product Version and License Type page, select the appropriate product version, license type, and quantity of RDS CALs for your environment based on your RDS CAL purchase agreement, and then click Next.

    The Microsoft Clearinghouse is automatically contacted and processes your request. The RDS CALs are then automatically installed onto the license server.

  9. To complete the process, click Finish. The license server can now issue RDS CALs to clients that connect to an RD Session Host server.