How to Configure a Server as a Remote Desktop Services Host?
We have a server with a limitation of two simultaneous connections. I saw that this limitation can be removed if the server is configured as a Remote Desktop Services (RDS) host.
How can I set up the server as an RDS host? Is this done during the server installation phase, or does it require configuration after deploying the operating system?
Answers
Pierre Moreau
Thank you.
Pierre Moreau
Thank you for the clear and understandable answer!
David Johnson
To remove the two-connection limitation, you need to:
1. Add the Remote Desktop Services Role: Use the Server Manager to add the Remote Desktop Services role to your server.
2. Install and Activate the RDS Licensing Server: Through Server Manager, install the Remote Desktop Licensing role and activate the licensing server.
3. Purchase and Add CALs (Client Access Licenses): Acquire the necessary CALs for users or devices and add them to the licensing server to support the required number of connections.
This process ensures that your server can handle more simultaneous Remote Desktop sessions beyond the default administrative limit.
Ella Karlsson
The two-connection limitation is set for administrative purposes and applies to all Windows Servers. To allow more connections, you need to configure the server as an RDS host (also known as a terminal server). This involves installing the Remote Desktop Services role and configuring licensing, typically done after system installation.
For example, on platforms like Azure, this setup is not performed automatically and requires additional steps after creating the virtual machine.