Adjusting parameters within this subkey can force the client side to use updated remote desktop protocol extensions, changing how the client presents its hardware IDs to the licensing database. Troubleshooting Best Practices
New-Item -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\Computers" -Name "LicenseServers" -Force New-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\Computers\LicenseServers" -Name "SpecifiedLicenseServers" -PropertyType MultiString -Value "licsrvr.yourdomain.local" Use code with caution. Summary Configuration Reference Table Target Path Recommended Value ...\RCM\Licensing Core LicensingMode REG_DWORD 2 (Device) or 4 (User) Target License Server ...\Computers\LicenseServers SpecifiedLicenseServers REG_MULTI_SZ FQDN of License Server Reset Grace Clock ...\RCM\GracePeriod
By default, the GracePeriod key is protected by restricted permissions. Right-click the key, select , click Advanced , and change the Owner to Administrators . Grant full control to the Administrators group.
(right-click > Delete).
: Configures the server to Per Device licensing mode. Value 4 : Configures the server to Per User licensing mode.
This guide details the specific registry keys responsible for RDS CAL storage, verification, and modification, providing actionable steps to resolve common Remote Desktop licensing issues. 1. The Core RDS CAL Registry Paths
Note: Changes to this key require a restart of the Remote Desktop Services service ( TermService ) to take effect. Best Practices and Safety Warnings rds cal license registry key
: Useful in environments where you want to prevent a client from automatically upgrading to a higher version CAL.
Search for "Remote Desktop Connection" in the Windows Start menu.
Restart-Service -Name TermService
Configures the server to use Per-Device licensing.
This command retrieves the LicensingType value directly from the system state.
One of the most frequent reasons administrators look for the RDS CAL registry key is to address an expired grace period error, such as: "The remote session was disconnected because there are no Remote Desktop License Servers available to provide a license." Adjusting parameters within this subkey can force the
Within the core RDS registry paths, several specific values dictate how terminal servers handle client connections and license verification. LicensingMode