This key contains parameters governing how the licensing database operates, including database file paths and backup intervals. Hardware ID (HWID) and Certification Paths
: Determines if the server looks for user-based or device-based CALs.
Enter the authorization codes provided with your license purchase to add the CALs to your pool. Troubleshooting Licensing Errors via Group Policy
Windows Server allows two free concurrent connections for administrative maintenance without requiring any RDS CALs. Key RDS Registry Locations rds cal license registry key free
Many people mistake the grace period for a registry hack. When you install the RDS role, Windows Server grants a period. During this time, the registry key LicensingMode is often set to 5 (Not configured).
Change the key's permissions to allow for Administrators.
Once the grace period officially expires, the server will reject all non-admin connections. This key contains parameters governing how the licensing
The method commonly shared online to obtain "free" RDS access involves tricking the server into resetting this 120‑day grace period countdown by deleting the GracePeriod key. It is essential to emphasize that Microsoft explicitly states: and that the grace period should not be reset as a substitute for licensing. The steps typically involve modifying the permissions of the GracePeriod key, deleting its contents, and restarting the server. Here is the detailed process:
After following these steps, the system will revert to a fresh 120-day grace period, effectively resetting the countdown. Microsoft official documentation notes that while the grace period can be reset to 120 days, ; instead, you should implement a license server with a license pack.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\LicenseServers : Create a new Key (folder) named after the Computer Name IP Address of your license server. Summary Table Registry Path Reset Trial ...\Terminal Server\RCM\GracePeriod Delete binary entry ...\Terminal Server\RCM\Licensing Core LicensingMode Specify Server ...\Terminal Server\RCM\LicenseServers Add server name as a Key Workgroup Fix ...\TermServLicensing\Parameters DisableWorkgroupAuthEnforcement Are you trying to troubleshoot an expired grace period configure a newly purchased license License Remote Desktop session hosts | Microsoft Learn During this time, the registry key LicensingMode is
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\GracePeriod
RDS CALs are not standard product keys entered into a single box. Instead, they are activated through a Microsoft Licensing server using agreement details like an Authorization Number or Agreement Number.
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs) are essential for allowing users or devices to connect to a Windows Server via Remote Desktop Session Host. While Microsoft requires legitimate licensing for production environments, administrators sometimes need to reset the 120-day "grace period" for testing, lab environments, or troubleshooting licensing bottlenecks.