Windows Server Remote Desktop Session Host: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Dear Dev, if you are looking for a reliable solution for accessing Windows applications and desktops remotely, then Windows Server Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) is an ideal choice. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about RDSH, from its definition, features, and configuration to troubleshooting common issues. So, let’s get started!

What is Remote Desktop Session Host?

Remote Desktop Session Host, also known as RDSH, is a role service in Windows Server that allows multiple users to access Windows applications and desktops remotely. RDSH enables users to run desktop applications in a centralized and secure environment, making it easier for administrators to manage user access and control.

There are different scenarios where RDSH is useful, such as:

• Businesses that require their employees to work remotely or from home.
• Organizations with multiple branch offices that need to access centralized applications and data.
• Companies that use legacy or custom applications that can only run on Windows operating systems.

How Does Remote Desktop Session Host Work?

Before we dive deep into the configuration and setup of RDSH, let’s discuss how it works. Here’s a step-by-step process of how RDSH works:

1. A user connects to the RDSH server via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
2. The RDSH server authenticates the user’s credentials and grants access.
3. The user’s session runs in a virtual environment on the RDSH server.
4. The user can access all the applications and desktops available on the RDSH server.

With RDSH, users can run multiple applications simultaneously and switch between them easily. Administrators can manage and monitor user sessions, set policies and security settings, and restrict users’ access to certain applications and resources.

Features of Remote Desktop Session Host

RDSH offers several features that make it an ideal choice for remote access to Windows applications and desktops:

1. Centralized Management

RDSH allows administrators to manage user access, application deployment, and security settings from a central location. This makes it easier to deploy and manage Windows applications across multiple users and devices.

2. Support for Multiple Users

RDSH can support multiple users simultaneously, which means multiple users can access the same server at the same time. This is useful for businesses with multiple users who need to access the same applications and desktops.

3. RemoteApp

RemoteApp is a feature of RDSH that allows users to launch individual applications from the RDSH server without having to access the full desktop environment. RemoteApp enables users to access applications remotely as if they were running on their local device.

4. Scalability

RDSH is scalable, which means it can handle large numbers of users and applications without compromising performance. This is useful for businesses that need to grow their user base or add new applications without having to change their infrastructure.

5. Resource Sharing

RDSH allows multiple users to share resources such as hardware, software, and storage. This makes it easier for businesses to manage and optimize their resources more efficiently.

How to Configure Remote Desktop Session Host

Configuring RDSH can be a complex process, but Microsoft provides several tools and services to make it easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Install the Remote Desktop Session Host Role

The first step is to install the RDSH role on a Windows Server machine. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Server Manager and select “Add Roles and Features”.
2. Select “Remote Desktop Services” and click “Next”.
3. Select “Remote Desktop Session Host” and follow the wizard to install the role.

Step 2: Configure Remote Desktop Licensing

Next, you need to configure the licensing server to activate RDSH licenses. Follow these steps:

1. Install the Remote Desktop Licensing role on a separate machine.
2. Activate the licensing server using the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).
3. Install the RDSH client access licenses (CALs) on the licensing server.

Step 3: Configure Remote Desktop Session Host Settings

Now you need to configure the RDSH settings to enable remote access. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration tool.
2. Select “Connections” and click “RDP-Tcp”.
3. Select the “General” tab and configure the settings, such as user authentication and encryption.
4. Select the “Sessions” tab and configure the settings, such as session timeout and reconnection options.
5. Select the “RemoteApp Programs” tab and configure the settings, such as application deployment and user access.
6. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Step 4: Configure Remote Desktop Gateway

If you want to enable remote access from outside the corporate network, you need to configure Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway). Follow these steps:

1. Install the RD Gateway role on a separate machine.
2. Configure the RD Gateway settings, such as user authentication and SSL certificate.
3. Configure the RDSH settings to use the RD Gateway.

Step 5: Test Remote Desktop Session Host

After configuring RDSH, you need to test the remote access to make sure it works properly. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection tool on a client device.
2. Enter the RDSH server address and select the user account to connect.
3. Enter the password and select the option to save the credentials.
4. Click “Connect” to access the RDSH server.

FAQ

Q1. What is the difference between Remote Desktop Services and Remote Desktop Session Host?

A1. Remote Desktop Services is a collection of role services in Windows Server, including Remote Desktop Session Host, Remote Desktop Gateway, and Remote Desktop Web Access. Remote Desktop Session Host is a role service in Remote Desktop Services that allows multiple users to access Windows applications and desktops remotely.

Q2. How many users can connect to Remote Desktop Session Host?

A2. The number of users that can connect to RDSH depends on the server hardware, the amount of RAM and CPU, and the workload of the applications. Microsoft recommends a maximum of 250 users per RDSH server.

Q3. Can I use Remote Desktop Session Host to access Linux or Mac applications?

A3. No, RDSH is designed to support Windows applications and desktops only. If you need to access Linux or Mac applications, you can use third-party solutions such as Citrix or VMware.

Q4. How can I troubleshoot common issues with Remote Desktop Session Host?

A4. Some common issues with RDSH include connection problems, licensing errors, and performance issues. You can use Windows Event Viewer to diagnose the problems and check the RDSH logs for error messages. Microsoft also provides several diagnostic tools and services, such as Remote Desktop Services Diagnostic Tool and Remote Desktop Services PowerShell cmdlets.

Conclusion

Remote Desktop Session Host is a powerful and flexible solution for remote access to Windows applications and desktops. With its centralized management, support for multiple users, and scalability, RDSH is an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can configure and enable RDSH in your organization, and troubleshoot any common issues that may arise.