How to Set Up RDS CALs in Windows Server 2025

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) 2025 is an integral component for businesses seeking to provide centralized applications and desktops to their users. With the latest iteration, setting up RDS can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow this straightforward guide to install Remote Desktop Services 2025 and offer your team a seamless remote working experience.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before diving into the installation process, ensure that you have the following:

A server with the Windows Server 2025 operating system installed.
Remote Desktop Services 5 User Client Access Licenses (CALs) for your users to legally allow multiple users to access the services concurrently.

System Requirements

A server running Windows Server 2025.
Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) must be installed and operational.
Proper network connectivity and DNS setup.
Remote Desktop Services 5 User CALs available for download.

Suggested Reading: What’s New in Windows Server 2025?

Installation Steps

To begin the installation of Remote Desktop Services 2025, follow these steps:

Step 1: Server Manager

Open the Server Manager dashboard, which serves as the central point for managing your server roles and features. Click on ‘Add roles and features’ to initiate the setup wizard.

Step 2: Role-based Installation

Select ‘Role-based or feature-based installation’ and choose the server you wish to install RDS on. Proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Selecting Roles

In the roles section, scroll down and check ‘Remote Desktop Services’. You’ll be prompted to add any additional features required for RDS. Confirm by clicking ‘Add Features’.

Step 4: Role Services

Under the Role Services tab, select the components you need. For a typical installation, you will want to include:

RD Licensing
RD Session Host
RD Connection Broker
RD Gateway (if external access is required)
RD Web Access (optional, for web-based access)

Step 5: Configure Deployment

Once you’ve selected the necessary role services, configure the deployment settings according to your organization’s needs. This will include setting up the RD Connection Broker, RD Web Access, and RD Gateway.

Step 6: Confirm and Install

Review your selections and click ‘Install’. The installation will take some time, and you may need to restart the server upon completion.

Post-installation Configuration

After the installation, it’s time to configure your Remote Desktop Services environment.

Licensing Configuration

Navigate to the RD Licensing Manager to activate your server and install the Remote Desktop Services 5 User CALs that you’ve downloaded.

User Permissions

Set up user permissions in the RD Session Host to specify which users or groups can access your RDS environment. This ensures that only authorized personnel can connect.

Security Settings

For secure remote access, configure RD Gateway and Network Policy Server (NPS) settings. Implementing strong security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) is recommended to protect your environment.

Final Thoughts

With these steps, you’ve now successfully installed Remote Desktop Services 2025. Your users can enjoy a flexible and secure remote desktop experience, accessing the resources they need from virtually anywhere.

If you encounter any issues during the installation or have further questions, reach out to a professional or check the official Microsoft documentation for Remote Desktop Services 2025.

At Sysvista, we provide comprehensive solutions for Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs, ensuring that businesses have the necessary licenses for seamless remote access. Our RDS CALs are designed to cater to various user needs, allowing organizations to efficiently manage their remote desktop environments.