RDS License Manager Reports expiration even with licenses installed.

Question

Would anyone be willing to direct me to troubleshooting steps for the following?

I'm using an AWS Windows Server 2016 Standard.

I've installed RDS License Manager

I've installed a 50 device CAL, it shows in the License Manager

I'm able to connect, but continue to receive expiration warnings

Please let me know additional information and any troubleshooting tips you recommend.

When I review configuration it provides an empty body to the window

Answer 1

Hi Ben,

Sorry for the confusion. If you would like to deploy RDS in workgroup without AD, you shall choose role-based installation instead of RDS installation.

You could refer to the steps shared by TP in below link:
Need to install RDS in a new Windows Server 2016 without domain
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/c1e4c4e5-3933-442f-85a4-34684d09824c/need-to-install-rds-in-a-new-windows-server-2016-without-domain?forum=winserverTS

---

Hope this helps and please help to accept as Answer if the response is useful.

Thanks,
Jenny

Answer 2

Hi,
To utilize the RDS CAL well, you shall also check the licensing diagnoser in RD session host server and verify if you have already specified the licensing mode and licensing server for RDSH.

Steps to check licensing diagnoser:
Log on to RDSH and navigate to Administrative tool---> Remote desktop service---> RD licensing diagnoser.
Verify if any error message in the GUI.

Steps to configure licensing mode and specify licensing server:
Option 1 : GPO in RDSH
Local Computer Policy -> Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Remote Desktop Services -> Remote Desktop Session Host -> Licensing
"Use the specified RD license servers" = FQDN of RD licensing server.

"Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode" = Per Device

Option 2: server manager in RDCB
In Server Manager -- Remote Desktop Services -- Overview -- Deployment Overview -- Tasks -- Edit Deployment Properties.

 ----------
Hope this helps and please help to accept as Answer if the response is useful.

Thanks,
Jenny

Answer 3

Hi Ben,

Thanks for the update.

1.Could you please confirm if you have installed RD session host role?

In MS remote desktop service deployment, RDSH role shall be installed in server that holds the session-based apps and desktops you share with users.

Users utilize the RDS CAL (installed on RD licensing server) to remote to the RDSH at the same time.

And you should find RD licensing diagnoser in RDSH while RD licensing manager in RD Licensing server.

2.Is there something else I should put in "Use the specified RD license server"?
Yes, you can use the IP address of RD licensing server.

3.Furthermore, please kindly confirm if you are using MS remote desktop service or other remote tools?

For the former one, you could check the quick deployment in below link if you don't have many servers.
https://nedimmehic.org/2017/01/21/deploying-remote-desktop-services-2016-step-by-step/
Please note: Information posted in the given link is hosted by a third party. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy and effectiveness of information.

If other remote tools, you could turn to their support as well. ( Appreciated if you could attach the screenshot of deployment for me to check further)

Thanks,
Jenny

Answer 4

After following the steps you outlined I was able to get RD Licensing to issue licenses and the expiration error disappeared.

I found instructions on completing this without activating active directory and a domain, but this seemed much easier.