Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) does not have a "free version," but it does include a built-in 120-day licensing grace period. During this time, the server functions with full RDS capabilities without requiring Client Access Licenses (CALs), making it ideal for testing or temporary development environments. 1. The 120-Day RDS Grace Period
When you first install the Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) role, Windows starts a countdown.
What it does: Allows unlimited concurrent connections (within hardware limits) for initial configuration and testing.
When it ends: Once the 120 days expire, users will be blocked from connecting unless a valid RDS License Server is active and loaded with purchased RDS CALs. 2. Legal "Free" Alternatives for Administration
If you only need remote access for server management rather than hosting multiple users for applications, you don’t need RDS CALs at all.
Administrative RDP: By default, Windows Server allows up to two simultaneous connections for administrative purposes without any additional RDS licensing. This is part of the base OS license.
Windows Admin Center: This is a free, browser-based management tool that provides a modern way to manage your server remotely without using RDP. 3. How to "Reset" the Trial (Lab Environments Only) Reset 120 day RDS Grace period on 2016 and 2019
While there is no permanent "free" version of Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services (RDS), there are ways to access it without immediate payment for testing or administrative purposes. 1. The 120-Day Licensing Grace Period
When you first install the Remote Desktop Services role on Windows Server 2019, Microsoft provides a 120-day grace period Functionality
: During this window, the server operates with full RDS functionality without requiring a license server or Client Access Licenses (CALs). Connection Limits
: There is effectively no limit on simultaneous connections during this period, provided your hardware can support the load.
: This is intended for organizations to configure and test their environment before committing to a purchase. 2. Built-in Administrative Connections (Always Free)
If you only need remote access for server management rather than hosting multiple users, you do not need RDS CALs at all. : Windows Server 2019 allows up to two concurrent remote connections specifically for administrative purposes. How to use
: Simply enable Remote Desktop in the System settings without installing the "Remote Desktop Services" role. 3. Testing and Lab Environments (Grace Period Reset)
For non-production lab environments, some administrators use a registry "hack" to reset the 120-day clock. Note that this is not supported for production : Create a snapshot or backup of your server. Registry Edit : Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\GracePeriod Take Ownership : You must change the owner of the GracePeriod key to "Administrators" to gain delete permissions. Delete Key
: Remove the "Timebomb" registry entry and reboot the server to reset the 120-day counter. 4. Transitioning to Paid Licensing
Once the grace period ends, you must install and activate a license server to continue using RDS. Reset 120 day RDS Grace period on 2016 and 2019 windows server 2019 remote desktop services license free
While there is no permanent "free" license for Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services (RDS), there are legitimate ways to use the service without immediate cost for specific durations or use cases. 1. 120-Day Licensing Grace Period
When you first install the RDS role on Windows Server 2019, Microsoft provides a 120-day grace period.
Functionality: During this time, an unlimited number of concurrent users can connect to the server without needing a Client Access License (RDS CAL).
Purpose: This period is intended for organizations to configure and test their RDS environment before purchasing permanent licenses.
Post-Grace Period: Once the 120 days expire, users will be blocked from connecting until a valid license server is configured and CALs are installed. 2. Free Administrative Connections
Windows Server includes a built-in allowance for administrative tasks that does not require additional RDS licenses.
Limit: Up to two concurrent connections are allowed for server management.
Requirement: These sessions are only for administrative purposes. If you plan to use the server as a primary workstation for multiple users, you must purchase RDS CALs. 3. Trial and Evaluation Versions
You can download a Windows Server 2019 Evaluation version from the Microsoft Evaluation Center.
Duration: The OS itself runs for 180 days before requiring activation.
RDS Compatibility: You can still enable the 120-day RDS grace period within this 180-day OS evaluation window to test remote desktop features. Summary of Options Concurrent Users Administrative Mode Server maintenance RDS Grace Period Unlimited* Short-term projects/testing Evaluation OS Unlimited* Full OS and RDS feature testing *Note: Hardware capacity may limit actual user numbers. How To Reset 120 Day Grace Period on Windows Server RDS
There is no legitimate “license-free” path to full Remote Desktop Services on Windows Server 2019. For multi-user Remote Desktop functionality, purchase and deploy RDS CALs and a licensed Windows Server, or use supported alternatives (Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, or third-party remote access products) depending on scale, budget, and feature needs.
If you want, I can:
No legal or permanent method exists to use Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) completely for free
To use RDS legally beyond a short grace period, you must purchase RDS Client Access Licenses (CALs) for your users or devices.
Below is a complete guide on how RDS licensing works, how to use the official free trial period, and what free open-source alternatives you can use instead. ⏳ 1. The Official 120-Day Free Grace Period
Windows Server 2019 includes a built-in, legal free trial for RDS to allow administrators to set up and test the environment. How it works: Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) does
When you install the Remote Desktop Session Host role, the countdown begins automatically. Limitation:
Once the 120 days expire, users will be blocked from connecting until a valid RDS License Server is configured and loaded with purchased RDS CALs. 💳 2. Understanding RDS License Requirements
To use RDS after the 120-day grace period, you need two types of licenses: Windows Server CAL: Licenses the user/device to access the base Windows Server.
Licenses the user/device to use the Remote Desktop functionality. RDS CALs come in two types:
Tied to a user in Active Directory. Best if users log in from multiple devices. Per Device:
Tied to a physical device. Best for shift workers sharing a single computer. 🛠️ 3. How to Check the Grace Period Status
If you are currently using the free grace period and want to see how many days you have left, run this command in PowerShell as Administrator powershell
wmic /namespace:\\root\CIMV2\TerminalServices PATH Win32_TerminalServiceSetting WHERE (__CLASS!= ) GET GatewayHostname, SSLCertificateHash, LicensingType Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
(Alternatively, look for Event ID 1128 in the Windows Event Viewer under System logs). 🐧 4. Top Free & Open-Source Alternatives to RDS
If you need a multi-user remote desktop environment but do not have the budget for Windows RDS licenses, consider these powerful free alternatives: Linux with XRDP:
You can set up a free Linux server (like Ubuntu) and install
. This allows multiple users to connect simultaneously using the standard Windows Remote Desktop Connection ( Apache Guacamole:
A clientless, open-source remote desktop gateway. It supports standard protocols like VNC, RDP, and SSH, and allows users to access their desktops directly through any web browser.
An open-source, self-hosted remote desktop software designed as an alternative to TeamViewer and AnyDesk. how to set up Apache Guacamole as a free alternative, or would you prefer instructions on how to install the RDS Licensing role for your official Windows licenses?
Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services License: Is it Free?
Are you planning to deploy Remote Desktop Services (RDS) on Windows Server 2019? One of the most common questions that arise during the planning phase is about the licensing costs. In this post, we'll clarify the licensing requirements for Windows Server 2019 RDS and explore whether it's possible to use it for free.
Understanding Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Licensing Provide step-by-step instructions to install and activate RD
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a role in Windows Server that allows users to access a Windows desktop or application remotely. To use RDS, you need to obtain the necessary licenses. There are two types of licenses:
Is Windows Server 2019 RDS License Free?
The answer is no, Windows Server 2019 RDS is not entirely free. While you can install and test Windows Server 2019 without a license, using RDS in a production environment requires a valid license.
Here's what you need to know:
RDS CALs: Are They Included with Windows Server 2019?
No, RDS CALs are not included with the Windows Server 2019 license. You'll need to purchase separate RDS CALs for each user or device that will access the RDS role.
Purchasing RDS CALs
You can purchase RDS CALs from Microsoft or authorized resellers. The cost of RDS CALs varies depending on your location, organization size, and licensing agreement.
Alternatives to RDS: Free Options
If you're looking for free alternatives to RDS, consider:
Conclusion
In summary, while Windows Server 2019 can be installed and used without a license for a limited period, using RDS in a production environment requires a valid license and RDS CALs. If you're planning to deploy RDS, make sure to budget for the necessary licenses and CALs.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Bypassing licensing terms violates Microsoft’s EULA and may lead to legal and compliance risks. Always consult a licensed software advisor.
If your goal is simply to remotely manage the server and you only need a maximum of two people connected at once, you do not need the "Remote Desktop Session Host" role installed.
Steps to configure:
A quick Google search yields countless PowerShell scripts that reset the RDS grace period via slmgr /rearm. While these work for Windows client OS (Windows 10/11), they have limited success on Server 2019 RDS licensing server role. Most modern Server 2019 updates (KB500xxxx) have patched this loophole. If you find a script that works today, expect it to fail after the next cumulative update.