RDS Session Host License Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Greetings, Dev! Are you struggling to manage your Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) license server? Do you want to ensure that your organization is compliant with Microsoft’s licensing policies? Look no further, because this article is here to provide you with a comprehensive guide to managing your RDSH license server.

What is an RDS Session Host License Server?

Before diving into the specifics of managing an RDSH license server, let’s first understand the basics. An RDS session host license server is a Windows Server that manages the Remote Desktop Services client access licenses (RDS CALs) for an RDS deployment.

If you are unfamiliar with RDS, it is a feature in Windows Server that allows multiple users to access a desktop or application from a remote location. RDSH license servers are required to ensure that each user accessing the RDS deployment has the necessary licenses to do so.

How Does an RDS Session Host License Server Work?

The RDSH license server works by issuing RDS CALs to users or devices that request them. The server keeps a record of all RDS CALs issued and ensures that only authorized users or devices can access the RDS deployment.

When a user or device attempts to connect to an RDS deployment, the RDSH license server checks if the user or device has an RDS CAL. If it does, the user or device is granted access. If it does not, the RDSH license server will deny access.

What are the Different Types of RDS CALs?

There are two types of RDS CALs: user CALs and device CALs. User CALs allow a single user to access an RDS deployment from any device. Device CALs allow multiple users to access an RDS deployment from a single device.

It is essential to purchase the correct type of RDS CALs for your organization to ensure compliance with Microsoft’s licensing policies.

How to Install an RDS Session Host License Server

Step 1: Install the RDSH Role

The first step in installing an RDSH license server is to install the Remote Desktop Session Host role on a Windows Server. To do this, follow these steps:

Step
Action
Step 1
Open Server Manager on the Windows Server.
Step 2
Click on Add Roles and Features.
Step 3
Select Remote Desktop Services Installation and click Next.
Step 4
Select Standard Deployment and click Next.
Step 5
Select Remote Desktop Session Host and click Next.
Step 6
Click Install to start the installation.

Step 2: Install the RDS CALs

Once the RDSH role is installed, the next step is to install the RDS CALs on the RDSH license server. Follow these steps to install the CALs:

Step
Action
Step 1
Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager on the RDSH license server.
Step 2
Click on Install Licenses.
Step 3
Select the type of CALs you purchased (user or device) and click Next.
Step 4
Enter the product key provided with the CALs and click Next.
Step 5
Enter the number of CALs you purchased and click Next.
Step 6
Complete the installation process.

How to Manage an RDS Session Host License Server

Viewing License Usage

It is essential to monitor the usage of RDS CALs to ensure that your organization is compliant with Microsoft’s licensing policies. You can view license usage on an RDSH license server by following these steps:

Step
Action
Step 1
Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager on the RDSH license server.
Step 2
Click on the Remote Desktop Services client access licenses node.
Step 3
Click on the appropriate licensing mode (per user or per device).
Step 4
View the license usage on the right-hand side of the window.
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Adding License Servers

If your organization has multiple RDSH license servers, you can add them to the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager to manage all licenses in one place. Follow these steps to add a license server:

Step
Action
Step 1
Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager on the RDSH license server you want to add a license server to.
Step 2
Right-click on the Remote Desktop Services client access licenses node and select Manage licenses for this deployment.
Step 3
Click on the Add button to add a license server.
Step 4
Enter the name of the license server you want to add and click OK.

Removing License Servers

If you no longer need to manage licenses on a specific license server, you can remove it from the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager. Follow these steps to remove a license server:

Step
Action
Step 1
Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager on the RDSH license server you want to remove a license server from.
Step 2
Right-click on the license server you want to remove and select Remove server.

Backing up and Restoring License Servers

It is crucial to back up your RDSH license server to ensure that you do not lose your CALs in the event of a failure. Follow these steps to back up your license server:

Step
Action
Step 1
Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager on the RDSH license server you want to back up.
Step 2
Right-click on the license server and select Backup.
Step 3
Specify a location to save the backup and click OK.

If you need to restore your license server from a backup, follow these steps:

Step
Action
Step 1
Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager on the RDSH license server you want to restore.
Step 2
Right-click on the license server and select Restore.
Step 3
Select the backup you want to restore from and click OK.

FAQ

Q: What happens if I exceed the number of CALs I purchased?

If you exceed the number of CALs you purchased, users or devices attempting to access the RDS deployment will be denied access. It is essential to monitor license usage regularly to ensure that your organization is compliant with Microsoft’s licensing policies.

Q: Can I transfer RDS CALs from one license server to another?

Yes, you can transfer RDS CALs from one license server to another. However, you must remove the CALs from the original license server before installing them on the new license server.

Q: Can I use RDS CALs on multiple RDS deployments?

No, RDS CALs are tied to a specific RDS deployment. You must purchase separate CALs for each RDS deployment.

Conclusion

Managing an RDS session host license server can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can be a breeze. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can confidently install and manage your RDSH license server while ensuring compliance with Microsoft’s licensing policies. Regularly monitoring license usage and backing up your license server will help keep your organization running smoothly.

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