How to Configure Remote Desktop Session Host Server 2016

Welcome, Dev! Are you looking to configure your Remote Desktop Session Host Server 2016? Then, you have come to the right place.

Understanding Remote Desktop Session Host Server 2016

Before we dive into the configuration process, let’s understand what Remote Desktop Session Host Server 2016 is all about.

Remote Desktop Session Host Server 2016, a component of the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) role, allows multiple users to connect to a Remote Desktop Session Host Server 2016 and access their remote desktop environments or RemoteApps published on the server. This means that users can remotely access applications and desktops running on Remote Desktop Session Host Server 2016 from any device.

Now, let’s move onto the configuration process.

1. Install Remote Desktop Services Role

The first step in configuring Remote Desktop Session Host Server 2016 is to install the Remote Desktop Services role on your server. Follow these steps to install the role:

Step
Action
Step 1
Open the Server Manager on your server.
Step 2
Click on the “Add roles and features” option.
Step 3
Select the “Remote Desktop Services installation” option.
Step 4
Select “Session-based Desktop Deployment” and click “Next”.
Step 5
Select the server where you want to install the role and click “Next”.
Step 6
Select the required role services and click “Next”.
Step 7
Click “Install” to start the installation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is Remote Desktop Services?

Remote Desktop Services allows users to remotely access applications and desktops running on Remote Desktop Session Host servers from any device. It provides a secure and efficient way for users to access their remote desktop environments or RemoteApps published on the server.

Q2. Can I install Remote Desktop Services on any Windows Server?

No, you cannot install Remote Desktop Services on any Windows Server. You can only install it on Windows Server editions that support the Remote Desktop Services role.

Q3. What is the difference between Remote Desktop Session Host and Remote Desktop Virtualization Host?

Remote Desktop Session Host allows multiple users to connect to a server and access their remote desktop environments or RemoteApps published on the server. On the other hand, Remote Desktop Virtualization Host allows users to connect to virtual machines running on a Hyper-V host.

2. Configure Remote Desktop Licensing

The next step in configuring Remote Desktop Session Host Server 2016 is to configure remote desktop licensing. Follow these steps to configure licensing:

Step
Action
Step 1
Open the Server Manager on your server.
Step 2
Click on the “Remote Desktop Services” option.
Step 3
Select the “RD Licensing” option.
Step 4
Select the licensing mode and enter the license server name or IP address.
Step 5
Activate the license server and add the required licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is Remote Desktop Licensing?

Remote Desktop Licensing is a feature that allows you to manage Remote Desktop Services client access licenses (CALs) and track license usage. It is required for Remote Desktop Session Host servers to function properly.

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Q2. What licensing modes are available for Remote Desktop Services?

The two licensing modes available for Remote Desktop Services are:

  • Per Device: The license is assigned to a specific device and can be used by any user who logs in to that device.
  • Per User: The license is assigned to a specific user and can be used by that user on any device.

Q3. How do I activate my license server?

You can activate your license server using the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager or the Activate Server Wizard. Follow the prompts to complete the activation process.

3. Configure Remote Desktop Session Host

The final step in configuring Remote Desktop Session Host Server 2016 is to configure the Remote Desktop Session Host settings. Follow these steps to configure the settings:

Step
Action
Step 1
Open the Server Manager on your server.
Step 2
Click on the “Remote Desktop Services” option.
Step 3
Select the “Collections” option.
Step 4
Create a new session collection and add the required RemoteApps.
Step 5
Select the session collection and click on the “Tasks” option.
Step 6
Select the “Edit Deployment Properties” option.
Step 7
Configure the required settings, such as session timeout and encryption level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are RemoteApps?

RemoteApps are applications that can be accessed remotely by users. They are published on a Remote Desktop Session Host server and appear as if they are running locally on the user’s device.

Q2. How do I add RemoteApps to a session collection?

You can add RemoteApps to a session collection using the RemoteApp Manager or PowerShell. Follow the prompts to add the required applications.

Q3. What is session timeout?

Session timeout is the duration of inactivity after which a user’s session will be disconnected. This helps to conserve server resources and improve performance.

That’s it! You have successfully configured your Remote Desktop Session Host Server 2016. We hope this article was helpful for you, Dev!