User licensing for Remote Desktop Connections on Azure VMs

Question

I have one VM on Azure running Windows Server 2016 that will act as a Terminal Server. I can make a Remote Desktop Connection to the box but when one more user tries, it kicks off the first connection. I have read conflicting articles and posts on an initial limit of users with licensing. I have also read conflicting articles on which licensing is needed. Some of the articles are dated. In 2021, what do I need for several users to connect to this VM? And where do I purchase licenses if I need them?

Thank you very much, Phillip

You need RDS CAL's to access a RDSH server in Azure or on premises. This requirement has not changed. — joeqwerty, Jan 22 '21 at 03:12

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 22 '21 at 11:22

1

Windows Server supports the use of remote desktop without a licence for Remote Administration only. If you are using it as a terminal server you will need to purchase RDS CAL's. These can be purchased from any Microsoft reseller.

answered Jan 22 '21 at 11:22

Sam Cogan

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Sam, thanks as always for your reply. Being this is a TS on Azure, do I need SALs or CALs? – pankers22 Jan 26 '21 at 14:35
If it is just internal users then it may just be CAL's but you probably need to get MS licencing to confirm – Sam Cogan Jan 26 '21 at 17:24
OK thanks I'm checking with the reseller. – pankers22 Jan 26 '21 at 19:57
I'm being told Azure requires Software Assurance also. Is this true? – pankers22 Feb 05 '21 at 13:56
You would need to check with your licencing rep or Microsoft – Sam Cogan Feb 05 '21 at 13:57

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 03 '21 at 11:23

There is no license to allow multiple sessions. For that you need Server and RDS licenses. For multiple users to connect to the same system, you will need to run a server OS with RDS enabled (requires additional licensing). Otherwise, you should run a separate PC per user to remote.

User licensing for Remote Desktop Connections on Azure VMs

2 Answers2