Important Note

Before proceeding, please be aware that this method is a temporary workaround and should not replace proper license management practices. Always ensure that you comply with Microsoft’s licensing terms and conditions.

Prerequisites

Administrator access to the RDS server.A backup of the registry (to revert any changes if needed).Familiarity with Windows Registry Editor.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Backup the Registry

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.In the Registry Editor, click on File and then Export.Choose a location to save the backup and provide a name for the backup file.Click Save to create the backup.

Step 2: Stop the Remote Desktop Licensing Service

Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter to open the Services Manager.Scroll down to find Remote Desktop Licensing or Remote Desktop Services.Right-click on the service and select Stop.

Step 3: Grant your ID access to GracePeriod and delete the Key from your registry editor:

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlTerminal ServerRCMGracePeriod

Step 4: Restart the Remote Desktop Licensing Service

Go back to the Services Manager.Right-click on Remote Desktop Licensing or Remote Desktop Services.Select Start to restart the service.

Step 5: Reboot the Server

Save any open files and close all applications.Reboot the server to apply the changes.

Step 6: Verify the Renewal

After the server restarts, open a command prompt as an administrator.Type the following command and press Enter:

wmic /namespace:\rootCIMV2TerminalServices PATH Win32_TerminalServiceSetting WHERE (__CLASS !=””) CALL GetGracePeriodDays

Conclusion

Renewing RDS CAL licences by deleting registry entries is a temporary solution that can help extend your licencing period for 120 days. Remember, this is not a permanent fix, and you should plan to acquire proper licenses to ensure compliance with Microsoft’s licensing policies. Regularly check your licensing status and renew your CALs accordingly to avoid any disruptions in your Remote Desktop Services.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out.

Stay compliant and ensure your business operations continue smoothly!

— Santosh Patkar

​Important NoteBefore proceeding, please be aware that this method is a temporary workaround and should not replace proper license management practices. Always ensure that you comply with Microsoft’s licensing terms and conditions. PrerequisitesAdministrator access to the RDS server.A backup of the registry (to revert any changes if needed).Familiarity with Windows Registry Editor.Step-by-Step GuideStep 1: Backup the RegistryPress Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.In the Registry Editor, click on File and then Export.Choose a location to save the backup and provide a name for the backup file.Click Save to create the backup.Step 2: Stop the Remote Desktop Licensing ServicePress Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter to open the Services Manager.Scroll down to find Remote Desktop Licensing or Remote Desktop Services.Right-click on the service and select Stop. Step 3: Grant your ID access to GracePeriod and delete the Key from your registry editor:  ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlTerminal ServerRCMGracePeriod   Step 4: Restart the Remote Desktop Licensing ServiceGo back to the Services Manager.Right-click on Remote Desktop Licensing or Remote Desktop Services.Select Start to restart the service.Step 5: Reboot the ServerSave any open files and close all applications.Reboot the server to apply the changes.Step 6: Verify the RenewalAfter the server restarts, open a command prompt as an administrator.Type the following command and press Enter:   wmic /namespace:\rootCIMV2TerminalServices PATH Win32_TerminalServiceSetting WHERE (__CLASS !=””) CALL GetGracePeriodDays  ConclusionRenewing RDS CAL licences by deleting registry entries is a temporary solution that can help extend your licencing period for 120 days. Remember, this is not a permanent fix, and you should plan to acquire proper licenses to ensure compliance with Microsoft’s licensing policies. Regularly check your licensing status and renew your CALs accordingly to avoid any disruptions in your Remote Desktop Services. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out. Stay compliant and ensure your business operations continue smoothly! — Santosh Patkar  Read More

​