VPS RDP license issue

Learn how to fix common VPS RDP license issues quickly. Follow this step-by-step guide to reset or reconfigure Remote Desktop licensing and restore smooth VPS access.



When you connect to a Windows VPS via Remote Desktop (RDP), sometimes you may encounter an RDP License Issue error. This usually happens due to misconfigured Remote Desktop Licensing settings, expired grace periods, or missing Group Policy configurations. This article explains the causes, fixes, and prevention methods for RDP license errors.


Common Symptoms


  • Message: “The remote session was disconnected because there are no Remote Desktop License Servers available.”
  • RDP disconnects after 60 minutes or a few days of use.
  • Multiple users cannot log in simultaneously.


Causes of the Issue


  • Remote Desktop Licensing not activated.
  • Grace period expired (120 days default).
  • Missing Group Policy configurations for RDS CAL (Client Access Licenses).
  • Corrupted Registry keys related to RDP licensing.


Check the License Server Configuration


  • Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager:


Navigate to Server Manager > Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.


  • Verify License Server Status


Ensure that the license server is listed and shows a valid status. If it’s not listed or not activated, you’ll need to activate or reconfigure the license server.


  1. Open Server Manager




  1. Click Tools in the menu.


  • Navigate to Remote Desktop Services.
  • Select Remote Desktop License Manager.




  1. License Server Status



Rules for fixing license service status


  1. In the left panel, right-click on your server name.


And Select Install Licenses from the menu.




  1. The Install Licenses Wizard will open


Click Next.




  1. Select your License Program


Click Next.




  1. Select agreement number


And Click Next




  1. Product version License type and quantity Select and click Next.


When the installation is complete, click Finish.





  1. Once finished, you will see your new licenses listed under your server in RD Licensing Manager


Now your RDS server is properly licensed and ready to issue CALs to clients.





Configure Licensing Settings in Group Policy


  • Open Group Policy Management Console:


Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.


  • Navigate to RDS Licensing Settings:


Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing.



  1. Open Group Policy Management Console




  1. Double click Administrative Templates




  1. Double click Windows Components





  1. Double click Remote Desktop service




  1. Double click Remote Desktop service host




  1. Double click Licensing




  1. Click “Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode”.
  • Select “Enabled”.
  • Click OK to save the changes.



Updated on: 25/09/2025

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