Second RDS Server

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When building a second RDS server how would I point it to the first RDS server for licensing?

@Dan-Wages,

Not the exact steps probably since it does depend on the version of RDS Server you're using. So you may have to adjust to what version you're using to find the right exact steps

1. to configure this, you must be in the local administrators group on the Second RDS Server.

2. Open the RD Session Host Configuration

3. Look for licensing and edit settings, look for the RD LIcensing Server.

4. Click Add, select the Licensing server you want to point to.

5. click ok

This can also be done through group policy:

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

its for windows 2012 r2.

I have added the RDS license server form the second RDS server but The license is still not activated in Licensing Manager.. any thoughts?

@Dan-Wages,

Verify that the RD License Server is activated before you you install the RDS CALs on the license server.

You can use the Activate Server Wizard in the RD Licensing Manager tool

Once activated then you can install the RDS CALs onto the licensing server, Check the box for Start Install LIcenses Wizard now

So just to clarify even though Im pointing the second RDS server to the first one I still need to activate this server and install the CALs, then why point it to the first RDS? just curious..

@Dan-Wages,

You will need to activate the RD LIcensing Server BEFORE you can install the the RDS CALs on that server. If you want your Second RDS Server to be able to get the CALs from a centralized LIcensing Server this is what you will have to do. Can you install RDS CALs on your Second RDS, you can but if you install let's say a 3rd server, then you'll also have to install another set of CALs on the 3rd, etc.

I believe whatever server you want to install the CALs, you'll need to activate that and make it the LIcensing Server too.