Setting Up and Activating RDS CALs on Windows Server 2012 R2

Begin by deploying the Remote Desktop Licensing role service along with Remote Desktop Session Host with these instructions:

Remote Desktop Licensing Role Setup.

1. Launch the Server Manager. Do so by clicking on Windows and selecting Server Manager.

2. Opt for Manage and then select Add Roles and Features.

3. Proceed in the Add Roles and Features Wizard by clicking Next.

4. Select Role-based or feature-based installation and press Next.

5. Choose the appropriate server for role installation and hit Next.

6. At the Select server roles screen, check the Remote Desktop Services option and proceed with Next.

7. On the Select Features screen, ensure to mark the Remote Server Administration Tools box.

8. Upon selecting, hit Add Features.

9. Continue by clicking Next.

10. Click on Next.

11. In the subsequent box, tick for Remote Desktop Licensing and Remote Desktop Session Host, then press Next.

12. Next, for the web server role, select Next.

13. In the Select role services option, select Next.

14. In the following image, mark the box for Automatically restart and proceed with Install. Await the completion of role installation.

15. Following the installation, move forward to utilize your remote desktop service.

Licensing Server Activation

1. In the upper right corner, click on Tools, then select Terminal Services and opt for Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

2. Subsequently, right-click on the server and choose Activate Server.

3. The server activation wizard will launch. Proceed by selecting Next.

4. Choose the automatic connection method and click on Next.

5. Input the required details including first name, last name, region, and company name. Hit Next.

6. Fill in your company information and advance by clicking Next.

7. You have successfully activated the licensing server. You may now begin license installation. Proceed with Next.

8. You will be reminded of your server's current setup. Click Next.

9. In the License Program, opt for License Pack (Retail Purchase) and select Next.

10. Next, enter your RDS CALs product key and opt to Add.

11. Following recognition of the license, press Next.

12. The license installation wizard will validate that the setup has been successfully completed. Click on Finish.

13. Now, your licensing server is primed for issuing and managing licenses. To confirm, select your server name, where you will observe the licenses available and those issued. Initially, this should be zero.