Rds Cal License Registry Key [updated] Jun 2026
Windows Server stores Remote Desktop licensing data, grace period parameters, and client-side hardware IDs in distinct areas of the registry.
Registry edits are usually a "last resort" for troubleshooting RDS licensing . Use them if:
The grace period is a 120-day window during which an RDS host accepts connections without a valid license server. The registry holds a binary value named GracePeriod (or sometimes MSLicensing in older builds). Deleting or modifying this key can reset the grace period, but this is in production except as a last resort. rds cal license registry key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM Use code with caution. Key subkeys within this path include:
: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\MSLicensing Function : Contains issued licenses for RDP clients. Macintosh RDP clients store licenses locally at /users/Shared/Microsoft/RDC Crucial Server Information/ . Windows Server stores Remote Desktop licensing data, grace
Enter the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) or IP address of your RDS License Server(s), with each server listed on a new line. 3. Managing the 120-Day Grace Period Reset
HardwareID : Contains unique hardware identification data used to bind the CAL to that specific physical or virtual machine. The registry holds a binary value named GracePeriod
Before deleting or altering any key within the RCM or MSLicensing hives, right-click the parent key and export it to a safe location.
management handle three main functions: defining the licensing mode, identifying the license server, and managing the 120-day grace period. 1. Licensing Mode and Server Configuration
: Right-click any key and select Export to create a .reg recovery file before deleting or modifying entries.
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\Licensing Core Modify or create the DWORD value named : Set to 2 for Per Device mode. Set to 4 for Per User mode.