Rds Cal License - Registry Key

Title

RDS CAL License Registry Key — Detailed Review and Guidance

1. Technical Overview

The Windows Registry does not typically store the actual RDS CAL (Remote Desktop Services Client Access License) in a plain-text format that can be easily copied or transferred. Instead, the registry stores the digital certificate and licensing identifiers that verify the license's validity with the Microsoft Clearinghouse. rds cal license registry key

The specific registry key location for RDS licensing information depends on the version of Windows Server you are running. Title RDS CAL License Registry Key — Detailed

Common Registry Paths:

• Windows Server 2012 R2 and older: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TermService\Parameters\LicenseServers
• Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters (Note: In modern versions, the license database is stored in C:\Windows\System32\lserver, and the registry primarily holds configuration data, not the license itself.)

1. Main Registry Path for RDS Licensing

The primary key for RDS CAL information is: not the license itself.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TermService\Parameters\LicenseKeyStore

6. Troubleshooting Example

Symptom: RDS session host shows “Per User” mode, but users get a temporary license expiration warning.
Check:

• Registry LicensingMode = 4 (Per User).
• License server list is correct.
• But RD Licensing Manager shows 0 Per User CALs issued.

Cause: Per User CALs are not auto-applied — they require tracking in AD or manual installation. Registry only stores the mode preference.
Fix: Ensure Per User CALs are actually installed on the license server (RD Licensing Manager → Install Licenses).