• Remote Desktop Service (RDS) CALs require Windows Server 2016 or above. Server 2016 CALs will work on both a Windows Server 2016 and 2019 install but Server 2019 CALs will only work on a Windows Server 2019 install. Once installed the RDS license server must be activated against *Clearing House. Once activated follow the steps below to install the 5x5 RDS CAL.
• Once a 5x5 code is used it cannot be used again on any other license server including the same license server.
*Clearing House Phone number: 1-888-571-2048 Site: clearinghouse.one.microsoft.com
Step1: Launch Licmgr.exe from the Server where RDLS role is installed.
Step 2: Select the machine name from left tree view control. Right click on the server name then select Install Licenses.
Step 3: Click Next.
Step 4: From the License Program drop down list, select the option for Retail CAL installation denoted as License Pack (Retail Purchase). Click Next.
Step 5: Enter the 5x5 Retail code in the License Code input boxes and then click Add. Repeat this for all retail codes that need to be installed on the box. Once all retails codes are added click Next.
Note: The retail CALs are first partially validated before sending the request to Clearing House, failure to pass validation will result in an error message.
Step 6: After clicking Next in the above step the retail codes are sent to Clearing House where they are validated further, this should only take a few seconds when in “automatic internet connection” mode. If the retail codes are valid, customer will see a message for successful installation and can click Finish to complete the process. If not, the user will see a message with errors listed. Examples of both types are listed below.
Example of successful installation message:
Example of an error message where a 5x5 code was entered that has already been used.
-Graphical User Interface (GUI) for Windows Server Standard and Datacenter
Windows Server 2022 (both Standard and Datacenter) includes Graphical User Interface in the CSP Program. The same Windows Server .iso file is used for both full and core installations. It's during the set-up and install procedure that the customer chooses full GUI or core install. More information on install options is available Here