The automatic activation 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 http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=83477.

To activate a Remote Desktop license server automatically

  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. Right-click the license server that you want to activate, and then click Activate Server. The Activate Server Wizard starts.

  3. Click Next.

  4. On the Connection Method page, in the Connection method list, select Automatic connection (recommended), and then click Next.

  5. On the Company Information page, type your name and company, select your country or region, and then click Next.

  6. Specify any other information that you want to provide, such as e-mail and company address. This information is optional.

  7. Click Next. Your license server is activated.

  8. On the Completing the Activate Server Wizard page, do one of the following:

    • To install Remote Desktop Services client access licenses (RDS CALs) onto your license server, ensure that the Start Install Licenses Wizard now check box is selected, click Next, and then follow the instructions.

    • To install RDS CALs later, clear the Start Install Licenses Wizard now check box, and then click Finish.

Additional references

  • Activate a Remote Desktop License Server
  • Activate a Remote Desktop License Server by Using a Web Browser