Microsoft Clearinghouse

Applies To: Windows Server 2008 R2

The Microsoft Clearinghouse is the facility that Microsoft maintains to activate Remote Desktop license servers, issue Remote Desktop Services client access licenses (RDS CALs) to license servers, recover RDS CALs, and deactivate or reactivate license servers. The Microsoft Clearinghouse stores information about all activated license servers and RDS CALs that have been issued.

The Microsoft Clearinghouse is accessed directly when you choose the Automatic connection method for the Activate Server Wizard, the Install Licenses Wizard, or the Manage RDS CALs Wizard in the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager (RD Licensing Manager) tool.

If you do not have Internet connectivity, you can also contact the Microsoft Clearinghouse by telephone. For more information, see Locate the Microsoft Clearinghouse Telephone Number for Your Country or Region.

You cannot purchase RDS CALs through the Microsoft Clearinghouse. For information about purchasing RDS CALs, see Purchase Client Access Licenses (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=81077).

Important

After you purchase RDS CALs, make sure that you retain the License Purchase Agreement information. Having this information with you facilitates communication with the Microsoft Clearinghouse should you need assistance with recovering RDS CALs or with other RD Licensing tasks that are supported by the Microsoft Clearinghouse.

Additional references