Within this subkey, the LicensingMode value can also be set, though it is typically configured at the parent RCM level. This redundancy ensures that licensing mode settings persist across different configuration methods.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\Licensing Core
Managing RDS licensing effectively requires direct access to several specific registry locations that control everything from grace periods to licensing modes. Each key serves a distinct purpose in the licensing ecosystem.
When replacing an existing license server (due to hardware failure, ransomware, or planned upgrades), you must migrate your RDS CALs to the new server.
The most common interaction with an RDS CAL license registry key happens on the client side. When a device connects to a Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) for the first time, it receives a license. . rds cal license registry key
There is a strict hierarchy: > Direct Registry Editing . If you configure the licensing mode via gpedit.msc (Computer Config > Admin Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Licensing), those settings are written to the Policy Store key ( HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies ). Once that policy is set, any changes you make to the Licensing Core key will be overwritten or ignored.
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TermServLicensing\Parameters Value Name: DisableWorkgroupAuthEnforcement Type: REG_DWORD Data: 1 Resetting the Grace Period
If you need to find where the actual licensing server stores its database configuration and activated license packs, navigate to:
When a client device connects to an RDS Session Host, the server issues a temporary or permanent CAL. This license is stored directly on the client machine's registry. The MSLicensing Key Within this subkey, the LicensingMode value can also
If a valid CAL exists in the registry, the client presents it. Access is granted.
and restarting the Remote Desktop Licensing service forces the system to regenerate them. Forcing Licensing Mode:
The Licensing Server issues the token, and the client writes this new data directly into the MSLicensing registry key. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TermService\Parameters\LicenseServers Each key serves a distinct purpose in the
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\LicenseServers
These keys are used on the to specify how it finds and communicates with the license server. Group Policy-Defined Settings:
Right-click the RDP client icon and select .
On the client workstation (Windows 10, Windows 11, or a thin client), the RDS CAL tokens are stored in the subkey. Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MSLicensing