Migrate Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses by Using the Automatic Connection Method

Applies To: Windows Server 2008 R2

To migrate RDS CALs by using the Automatic connection method requires Internet connectivity from the computer running the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager tool. Internet connectivity is not required from the license server itself. This method uses TCP/IP (TCP port 443) to connect directly to the Microsoft Clearinghouse.

Membership in the local Administrators group, or equivalent, on the RD Licensing server that you plan to configure, is the minimum required to complete this procedure. Review details about using the appropriate accounts and group memberships at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=83477.

To migrate RDS CALS by using the Automatic connection method

  1. On the license server, open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager. To open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, click Start, point to Administrative Tools, point to Remote Desktop Services, and then click Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

  2. Verify that the connection method for the Remote Desktop license server is set to Automatic connection (recommended) by right-clicking the license server onto which you want to migrate the RDS CALs, and then clicking Properties. On the Connection Method tab, change the connection method if necessary, and then click OK.

  3. Select the license server onto which you want to migrate the RDS CALs, and then on the Action menu, click Manage RDS CALs.

  4. On the Welcome to the Manage RDS CALs Wizard page, click Next.

  5. On the Action Selection page, click Migrate RDS CALs from another license server to this license server.

  6. Select the reason for migrating the RDS CALs. You can select either of the following:

    • The source license server is being replaced by this license server.

    • The source license server is no longer functioning.

  7. Click Next.

  8. The page that appears in the wizard depends on the reason that you selected on the previous page.

    • If you selected The source license server is being replaced by this license server as the reason for migrating the RDS CALs, the Source License Server Information page appears.

      On the Source License Server Information page, enter the name or IP address of the source license server.

      • If the source license server is available on the network, click Next. The wizard contacts the source license server. If the source license server is running an operating system earlier than Windows Server 2008 R2 or the source license server is deactivated, you are reminded that you must remove the RDS CALs manually from the source license server after the wizard has completed. After you confirm that you understand this requirement, the License Program page appears.

      • If the source license server is not available on the network, select the The specified source license server is not available on the network check box. If the source license server is not available on the network, you need to specify the operating system that the source license server is running and provide the license server ID for the source license server. After you click Next, you are reminded that you must remove the RDS CALs manually from the source license server after the wizard has completed. After you confirm that you understand this requirement, the License Program page appears.

    • If you selected The source license server is no longer functioning as the reason for migrating the RDS CALs, you are reminded that you must remove the RDS CALs manually from the source license server after the wizard has completed. After you confirm that you understand this requirement, the License Program page appears.

  9. On the License Program page, select the appropriate program through which you purchased your RDS CALs, and then click Next.

  10. The License Program that you selected on the previous page in the wizard will determine what information you will need to provide on this page. In most cases, you must provide either a license code or an agreement number. Consult the documentation provided when you purchased your RDS CALs.

  11. After you have entered the required information, click Next.

  12. On the Product Version and License Type page, select the appropriate product version, license type, and quantity of RDS CALs for your environment based on your RDS CAL purchase agreement, and then click Next.

  13. The Microsoft Clearinghouse is automatically contacted and processes your request. The RDS CALs are then migrated onto the license server.

  14. On the Completing the Manage RDS CALs Wizard page, click Finish.

Additional references