Remote Desktop User CAL licenses on server not connected to a domain

It is possible, but it is extremely difficult to manage. Yams in addition to RDS CALs, you'll still need windows CALs, whether domain or workgroup. I see folks try to RDS on a workgroup thinking itnl is the domain that triggers the need for windows CALs so a workgroup would be cheaper. And that's not correct.

Anyways, you'll have to manually install the Session host role and a licensing role on a server somewhere. And then use group policy to set the license type and server name so the session host can request CALs. There is no GUI without a domain. All group policy/registry.

Thank you.

I've installed the Remote Desktop Licensing and Remote Desktop Session Host roles on the workgroup server.

Then used Group Policy Editor to navigate to Licensing in Remote Desktop Session Host.

Computer Configuration\ Administrative Templates\ Windows Components\ Remote Desktop Services\ Remote Desktop Session Host\ Licensing\

Use the specified Remote Desktop licensing servers - Enabled - localhost

Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode - Enabled - User Cal

I have installed the license in the RD Licensing Manager but still not able to have more than two RDP connections.

Is the fact that it is Windows Server 2016 Essentials an issue?

Yes, remote desktop licensing will work in a workgroup.

Check the following registry location.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services

Verify 2 entries.

LicensingMode   Value Type REG_DWORD    Should be 2 for per device licenses and 4 for per user licenses.

LicenseServers   Value Type REG_SZ    Should have the name of the server listed here.

If these entries don't exist create them.

If this alone doesn't work I have had to delete GracePeriod key located at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\GracePeriod  

Need to right click on GracePeriod go to permissions and give Administrators full control of the key to delete it.

So my only solution is to upgrade to Server 2016 Standard?

Aye

Upgraded to Standard, all sorted. Thanks for the help.

No comment has been added to this question in more than 21 days, so it is now classified as abandoned.

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Accept: 'Cliff Galiher' (https:#a42829711)

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