RDS activation in 3 steps

The server is not yet activated

1. Open the Server Manager.
2. Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
   • Option 1: In the column left under “All servers”, right-click to select the desired server and start the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
   • Option 2: On the top right, click “Tools” – “Remote Desktop Services” – “Remote Desktop Licensing Manager”
3. A new window will open. In the overview, right-click to select the server and click “Activate server”.
4. The activation wizard will open. Click Next. For the connection method select “Automatic connection (recommended)” and in the next step enter the company information requested. The optional information in the following step is not mandatory. Your server will then be activated.
5. Before closing the wizard, deactivate the “Start Install Licenses Wizard now” checkbox and then click “Finish”.
6. Right-click the server again and then select “Properties”. You will find the license server ID at the very bottom under “Connection method”. Please also change the connection method there to “Telephone” to be able to successfully install the RDS CALs in a later step.

The server is already activated

1. Open the Server Manager.
2. Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
   • Option 1: In the column left under “All servers”, right-click to select the desired server and start the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
   • Option 2: On the top right, click “Tools” – “Remote Desktop Services” – “Remote Desktop Licensing Manager”
3. A new window will open. In the overview, right-click to select the server and click “Properties”. You will find the license server ID at the very bottom under “Connection method”. Please also change the connection method there to “Telephone” to be able to successfully install the RDS CALs in a later step.