Users are told there is a problem with their Remote Desktop license, but no problems are reported in diagnoser

Colin Kern 41 Reputation points
2020-08-28T21:41:27.083+00:00

We have a single Windows Server machine that we have purchased User CALs for. This machine is acting as the licensing server and the remote desktop sessions host server. When users log into the machine via Windows Remote Desktop, they see this message:
21287-img-7263.jpg

However, no problems are reported in the RD Licensing Diagnoser:

21288-diagnoser.png

Here are the licenses showing in the licensing manager:

21341-licensemanager.png

I'm confused as to why the windows server version is showing in the Diagnoser as Windows Server 2016. We purchased licenses for Windows Server 2019 because that's what version we have, as shown in System:

21351-system.png

What could be the problem?

Remote Desktop
Remote Desktop
A Microsoft app that connects remotely to computers and to virtual apps and desktops.
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  1. Jenny Yan-MSFT 9,321 Reputation points
    2020-09-01T06:12:04.873+00:00

    Hi,
    1.Log on to the servers with RDS role, right click this PC and check the properties---->computer name, domain and workgroup settings.
    21882-image.png

    2.If the servers with RDS roles are not domain joint, you could manually add them into domain and verify if the error message persists when remoting.

    Or you may consider to transfer the per user CAL to per device CAL, which can be used in workgroup environment.
    Kindly note the cost difference when you choosing type of RDS CAL:
    When users' amount is larger than devices', it is suggested to use per device CAL to lower cost.
    When devices' amount is larger than users', it is suggested to use per user CAL.

    Details could be checked with VLSC via phone:
    VLSC contact:
    https://www.microsoft.com/Licensing/servicecenter/Help/Contact.aspxRemote
    Desktop Licensing Demystified (differences between per user vs per device CAL)
    https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/21180.remote-desktop-licensing-demystified.aspx

    -----Please "Accept as answer" if the reply is helpful-----
    Thanks,
    Jenny

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  1. Jenny Yan-MSFT 9,321 Reputation points
    2020-08-31T06:59:56.333+00:00

    Hi,
    1.May I confirm with you that whether the RDS deployment is domain joint?
    From the screenshot of RD licensing diagnoser, it showed AD domain was not applicable.

    Please note "Only RDS Device CAL License is supported in WorkGroup Environment" and if you deploy per user CAL, then domain is required.
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2473823/best-practices-for-setting-up-remote-desktop-licensing-terminal-server

    2.Per checking my test lab of RDS 2019, it should be a common typo of 2016 when open RDS licensing diagnoser, which would not impact licensing server issuing CAL.

    ----Please "Accept as answer" if the reply is helpful-----
    Thanks,
    Jenny