RDS Volume License CALS Downgraded to 2012 Want to upgrade to 2016

Question

Hi All,

We have the following setup:

1. 2012 Standard Server Running RDS Session host / Licensing server.
2. RDS Open / Volume Licenses (2019 Cals) were purchased and downgraded to 2012 by a previous supplier via phone support.
3. All Working Fine.

What we want to do:

1. Setup Server 2016 Standard as an RDS Session host / Licensing server (As Client has existing server licenses)
2. Transfer & Upgrade the RDS 2012 Open License Cals to 2016 and install on the New Server .

My Question:

What is the best approach to achieve this? I presume it is possible?

Thanks

Declan

Answer 1

Hello there,

You have three options to migrate your RDS CALs:

Automatic connection method: This recommended method communicates via internet directly to the Microsoft Clearinghouse outbound over TCP port 443.

Using a web browser: This method allows migration when the server running the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager tool does not have internet connectivity, but the administrator has internet connectivity on a separate device. The URL for the Web migration method is displayed in the Manage RDS CALs Wizard.

Using a telephone: This method allows the administrator to complete the migration process over the phone with a Microsoft representative. The appropriate telephone number is determined by the country/region that you chose in the Activate Server Wizard and is displayed in the Manage RDS CALs Wizard.

Migrate your Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses (RDS CALs) https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/migrate-rds-cals

Hope this resolves your Query !!

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Answer 2

Thanks for your reply. In the End we completed the migration and we used the online activation method. No issues were encountered and the licenses just activated. I had presumed there may be n issue with the activation as they were previously downgraded and activated on another server.

Thanks for your help!