RDS CALs: These are required for each user or device that accesses a Remote Desktop Session Host (RD Session Host) server. There are two types of CALs: Per Device and Per User. The Per Device CAL is assigned to a device, and the Per User CAL is assigned to a user.
The Windows Registry stores configuration data for the Remote Desktop Licensing service. When a user connects to a server, the server checks the Licensing Manager to see if a valid CAL is available.
If the 120-day grace period expires, you can reset it by deleting the GracePeriod registry key. as Administrator. Navigate to: rds cal license registry key free
That said, I understand you might be looking for technical insights into how RDS licensing is stored and enforced in the registry — for study, troubleshooting, or lab environments. Let me share an interesting, technical breakdown of the registry keys involved.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\GracePeriod Steps to Reset Open Regedit: Run regedit.exe as an administrator. RDS CALs : These are required for each
Let’s look at the correct registry structure for licensed RDS servers. Understanding this helps you realize why "free" keys fail.
While the RDS CAL registry key is a powerful tool for troubleshooting and resetting grace periods, there is no such thing as a "free" permanent license hidden in the registry. To ensure your server remains secure and compliant, always use the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager to install legitimate keys purchased through official channels. The Windows Registry stores configuration data for the
On a RDS License Server (Windows Server), installed CALs are tracked in:
During these 120 days, any number of users can connect for free. Once the 120 days expire, the server will block connections unless a real license server is found.