Install Remote Desktop Services client access licenses automatically
Overview
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs) are required for users to connect to Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) servers. If you are an itopia CAS customer, the process is automated after you upload your RDS license in the Tasks section of the CAS portal.
For other environments, follow the steps below to manually install your RDS CALs on your license server.
Automatic Installation for itopia CAS Customers
When using itopia CAS, RDS CALs are installed automatically after you upload your license in the Tasks section of the portal. No further action is required on your part.
Manual Installation Steps
On the license server, open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
Click Start → Administrative Tools → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
Right-click the license server (SERVERNAME) and select Install Licenses.
In the Install Licenses Wizard, click Next on the welcome page.
On the License Program page, select the appropriate program through which you purchased your RDS CALs, and then click Next.
The program you select determines the information you need to provide. In most cases, you must provide either a license code or your SPLA agreement number.
Enter the required information and click Next.
The Microsoft Clearinghouse will be contacted automatically to process your request.
The RDS CALs will be installed on the license server. Click Finish to complete the process.
After Installation
Once installed, the license server can now issue RDS CALs to clients that connect to the RD Session Host server.
✅ Tip: For CAS customers, we recommend always uploading your license via the portal for automatic installation. Note: When you are itopia CAS customer, this is done automatically by the system after uploading your RDS license in the Tasks section of the portal.