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RDS licensing error: no CALs available despite valid licenses

HieX Support 0 Reputation points
2025-12-18T14:16:56.37+00:00

We are receiving the error “No Remote Desktop License Servers available to provide a license” when users attempt to connect via RDP, even though valid RDS CALs are already owned and installed. The Remote Desktop Licensing role is present, but the Session Host is still unable to obtain a license.

Guidance on verifying license server activation, CAL configuration, and licensing mode (Per User vs Per Device) would be appreciated.

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Licensing and activation
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  1. Quinnie Quoc 10,730 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-18T15:06:44.17+00:00

    Dear HieX Support,

    Thank you for reaching out regarding the error message “No Remote Desktop License Servers available to provide a license” when users attempt to connect via Remote Desktop Services. According to Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance, this issue typically occurs when the Session Host cannot locate or communicate with an activated license server, even if CALs are already installed. I recommend first opening RD License Diagnoser on the Session Host to confirm that the license server is detected and properly activated. Next, verify that the licensing mode—Per User or Per Device—matches the type of CALs you have installed, as a mismatch will prevent license issuance. It is also important to ensure that required network ports between the Session Host and the Licensing Server are not blocked, as connectivity issues can trigger this exact error.

    If these steps help resolve the issue, I would greatly appreciate it if you could mark the response as “Accept the answer”, as this helps other administrators quickly find the correct guidance.

    Thank you so much!!

    Please feel free to reach out again if you need further assistance.

    Kind regards,

    QQ.

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  2. AI answer

    2025-12-18T14:17:16.0633333+00:00

    To address the issue of receiving the error "No Remote Desktop License Servers available to provide a license" despite having valid RDS CALs, you can follow these steps to verify the license server activation, CAL configuration, and licensing mode:

    1. Verify License Server Activation:
      • Ensure that the RD Licensing role is installed and that the license server is activated. You can check this using Server Manager and RD Licensing Manager.
    2. Check CAL Configuration:
      • Confirm that the license server has a Client Access License (CAL) for each user and device that can connect to RDS. In the RD Licensing Manager, there should be a green check mark beside the license server name, indicating that it is correctly configured.
      • The numbers in the columns should reflect the total and available licenses. If the available licenses are zero, you may need to install additional CALs.
    3. Verify Licensing Mode:
      • Check the licensing mode configured for your RDS deployment. You can do this by opening Server Manager, selecting Remote Desktop Services > Overview > Edit Deployment Properties > RD Licensing. Ensure that the mode is set to either Per User or Per Device, as appropriate for your deployment.
      • If you are using domain-joined servers, both Per User and Per Device CALs can be used. However, if you are using workgroup servers, you must use Per Device CALs.
    4. Use RD Licensing Diagnoser:
      • Open the RD Licensing Diagnoser from Server Manager under Tools > Terminal Services > RD Licensing Diagnoser. This tool can help identify any issues with the licensing configuration and provide more information about the problem.
    5. Check for Compatibility:
      • Ensure that the versions of your RDS CALs, RD Session Hosts, and RD License Servers are compatible. Incompatible versions can prevent the license server from issuing licenses.

    By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the licensing error you're encountering with RDP connections.

    References:

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