How do I allow more users to connect with Remote Desktop?

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Edge100x
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How do I allow more users to connect with Remote Desktop?

Post by Edge100x »

Each Windows license allows for two users to connect in order to perform system administrative tasks. Beyond this number, you will need to install the "Remote Desktop Services" role, including the "Remote Desktop Session Host" service and the "Remote Desktop Licensing" service. When activating the Remote Desktop Licensing service, you should use "Per user" licensing mode.

There is a cost associated with each added user. Microsoft requires that each user beyond the first two administrators have both a corresponding "Windows Server 2012 CAL" (the "base" CAL) and a "Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop Services CAL" (the "additive" CAL). These have Windows Server 2012 in the name, but they also apply to earlier versions of Windows. Currently Microsoft charges $199 for a 5-user pack of the base CAL and $149 per user of the additive CAL when purchased through the Microsoft store. Microsoft relies on self-reporting when it comes to these licenses; the OS itself does not enforce the limits.

CAL licensing can be confusing to understand. Microsoft has more information on CALs in a number of places:
http://spur.microsoft.com
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/abou ... nsing.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/abou ... cense.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/abou ... l-add.aspx

When looking for more information on CALs, note that we use the latest (Windows 2012) licensing, on a per-processor basis, with Windows Server 2012 Standard.
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