RDP more than two Simultaneous Access Limitations to Windows 2016 Server

Question

I have stood up a VM Windows 2016 server which hosts an application multiple users need to access simultaneous. Currently RDP only allows 2 simultaneous connections at a time.

I really need to know can I install an RDP license on this server which will allow anyone to access without them needing a license on their end. These users are RDPing from Mac's, Linux, and a few Windows PCs. These users are not always the same and change all the time.

I ran across a configuration to allow more than two but that did not work. After researching I see that an RDP license is needed. So as I mentioned above I am hoping all I need is a license on my server to expand the number of simultaneous users.

Thank you for any answers.

Bob

Answer 1

Hello @Bob Ford ,

Thanks for your query.

1.If you want to allow more than 2 simultaneously sessions, RDS deployment with appropriate RDS CALs installed is necessary.
(1) RD Connection Broker
(2) RD Session Host
(3) RD Licensing server – there is 120-day licensing grace period, appropriate RDS CALs should be purchased and installed before it has expired.
How to Install and Activate the RDS Licensing Role on Windows Server 2019/2016?: http://woshub.com/install-activate-rds-licensing-role-windows-server/
Deploying Remote Desktop Services 2016 Step-By-Step: https://nedimmehic.org/2017/01/21/deploying-remote-desktop-services-2016-step-by-step/
License your RDS deployment with client access licenses (CALs): https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/rds-client-access-license

RDS cals can be purchased from Microsoft volume licensing service center:
https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/servicecenter/default.aspx

2.You could either do it with Group Policy:
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Remote Desktop Services\ Remote Desktop Session Host\Connections\
Restrict Remote Desktop Services users to a single Remote Desktop Services session value: Disabled
Next, double-click on Limit number of connections and then set the RD Maximum Connections allowed to 999999.

Or you could edit the registry as follows:
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server
fSingleSessionPerUser value: 0
fdenyTSConnections value: 0

Easiest way to enable more than 2 concurrent RDP sessions on Windows Server 2016: https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/c52b6da7-cdf2-4e1f-95d1-6471c6f2f6b0/easiest-way-to-enable-more-than-2-concurrent-rdp-sessions-on-windows-server-2016?forum=winserverTS
How do I allow more than 2 RDP sessions to a Windows Server 2012: https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/lync/en-US/deae11b0-8572-4d92-8d77-23f9e169941d/how-do-i-allow-more-than-2-rdp-sessions-to-a-windows-server-2012?forum=winserverTS

Best regards,
Leila

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Answer 2

Hello @Bob Ford ,

Just checking in to see if the information provided was helpful.
Please let us know if you would like further assistance.