Fix: No Remote Desktop License Servers Available

The error "No Remote Desktop License Servers Available" means your Remote Desktop Session Host cannot get RDS CALs from a license server. Remote connections keep working during a grace period of 120 days, according to Microsoft. When that period ends without a license server, users can no longer sign in to a remote session. Below are the steps to find the cause and fix it, with screenshots from our own Windows Server 2022 test server and the video of the whole process.

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IMPORTANT: fix the problem in this order. First set the licensing mode, then activate the license server, and last install your CALs. The licensing mode (Per Device or Per User) must match the type of CALs you bought, or the session host will still refuse connections.

1. Find the warning in Windows

Windows shows a warning in the notifications when the licensing mode is not set. In our example it says Remote Desktop licensing mode is not configured, and that Remote Desktop Services will stop working in 119 days.

2. Open RD Licensing Diagnoser

2.1 Open Server Manager, click Tools, Remote Desktop Services and RD Licensing Diagnoser.

2.2 The diagnoser shows the problem. The Licensing mode says Not configured, and there are two warnings: the licensing mode is not configured, and the session host is within its grace period without any license server.

2.3 Select the grace period warning. The Problem and Suggested Resolution boxes at the bottom explain what to do: configure a license server for the session host.

3. Point the session host to a license server and set the licensing mode

Do this on the Remote Desktop Session Host. If the license server is on the same server, type its name.

3.1 Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.

3.2 Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing. Two settings are not configured yet: Use the specified Remote Desktop license servers and Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode.

3.3 Open Use the specified Remote Desktop license servers. Select Enabled, type the name of your license server and click OK.

3.4 Open Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode. Select Enabled, choose Per Device or Per User to match the CALs you bought, and click OK.

3.5 Apply the changes: press Windows + R, type gpupdate /force and press Enter.

Not sure which mode to choose? Read our comparison Windows Server RDS CALs: User CALs vs Device CALs.

4. Check the diagnoser again

Click Refresh in RD Licensing Diagnoser. The problem changes: now it says the license server is not activated. That is expected. The next step is to activate the license server and install your CALs on it.

5. Activate the license server and install your CALs

5.1 Open Server Manager, click Tools, Remote Desktop Services and Remote Desktop Licensing Manager. Your license server appears as Not activated.

5.2 Right-click your server, choose Activate Server and follow the wizard. It needs an internet connection and your company details, as in our guide.

5.3 When the server is activated, install your CALs with the Install Licenses Wizard. Enter your license code, and the CALs appear in Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, with the number of licenses available.

Step by step, with every screen, read our guide How to Install RDS CALs on Windows Server 2022 and 2025.

6. Check that the problem is gone

Open RD Licensing Diagnoser and click Refresh. When the license server is activated, the CALs are installed and the licensing mode matches them, the diagnoser says that it did not identify any licensing problems. The number of licenses available for clients shows your CALs, and users can connect again.

7. If the error comes back

• The license server won't activate: check your internet connection, or try another network, for example your phone's hotspot, and try again.
• The diagnoser still says the licensing mode is not configured: run gpupdate /force again and check that Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode is Enabled.
• The CALs don't install: check that they are for the same Windows Server version as your license server, or an earlier one. For example, Windows Server 2025 CALs can't be installed on a Windows Server 2022 license server.

8. Reveal your license code only when you are ready

At Licendeals, your license code stays hidden until you click Get my license. Reveal it when your license server is ready and you can install the CALs right away. If a license doesn't work, tell us within 24 hours of revealing it and we will replace it right away.

9. Frequently asked questions