: Back in the Permissions window, select "Administrators" and check the Full Control box.
You can also use a registry value to specify one or more license servers. This is particularly useful when configuring multiple RDSH servers. The configuration is stored under the same RCM key.
This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Modifying registry keys to bypass Microsoft licensing (RDS CALs) is a violation of the Microsoft Software License Terms. This guide explains where these keys are located, how they function, and the risks associated with attempting to unlock them for free. Always purchase legitimate RDS CALs through an authorized reseller.
Use the Remote Desktop Licensing Diagnostics tool regularly to identify missing paths, credential issues, or impending certificate expirations before they cause user downtime.
For 64-bit systems, the path remains largely the same, but the key may be located under the WOW64 node for compatibility. rds cal license registry key free
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\LicensingCore
The core configuration for the RD Licensing service is located at: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TermServLicensing\Parameters
By default, the local Administrators group does not have write permissions for this key. Administrators must manually take ownership of the key and grant themselves full control permissions.
Press Win + R , type regedit , and press Enter . : Back in the Permissions window, select "Administrators"
| Registry Path | Key Value | Purpose | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM | LicensingMode | = Per User, 2 = Per Device | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TermService\Parameters | Certificate | Stores the SSL cert for RDS connections | | HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Terminal Server\Licensing Core | LSERVER_ACTIVE | Tracks if a licensing server is designated | | HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters | Users | Required SMB tweak for legacy RDS |
When an RDS Session Host is configured without a license server, Windows grants a temporary grace period (typically 120 days). The countdown configuration for this grace period is stored on the Session Host at: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\GracePeriod
Enable and input your server's network address.
The RDS CAL license registry key is a unique identifier required to activate and use RDS CALs on a Windows server. The registry key is used to validate the license and ensure that the organization has a valid license to use RDS. The configuration is stored under the same RCM key
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This article explains how the RDS grace period works, examines the risks associated with unauthorized registry modifications, and outlines the legitimate methods for managing and resetting RDS CALs within Microsoft's licensing framework. Understanding the RDS Licensing Grace Period
For testing, you can reset the "timebomb" registry key to renew the 120-day period. ( regedit ) as Administrator.
Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\GracePeriod
Is it possible to use RDS CALs for free? Technically, Windows provides a . Once this expires, users will be unable to log in remotely.