No Remote Desktop License Servers Available

Understanding the "No Remote Desktop License Servers Available" Error

Encountering the "No Remote Desktop License Servers Available" error can be a distressing experience for IT administrators. It can be primarily because it directly impedes the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environment's operational capability. This error signifies that the RDS system cannot find a license server to allocate Client Access Licenses (CALs). These CALs are essential for authorizing users and devices to connect to the server. Understanding the nuances of this error is the first step toward resolving it and ensuring continuous remote access .

Symptoms of the Error

Recognizing the symptoms associated with this error is crucial for timely diagnosis and resolution.

Inaccessibility of Remote Desktop Services

When clients attempt to initiate a remote session, they may be confronted with error messages indicating that no license servers are available. This symptom is the most direct indication that the RDS environment is unable to allocate necessary CALs for the session. This often results in the inability of users to connect to their intended remote systems. Messages might specifically state, "The remote session was disconnected because there are no Remote Desktop License Servers available to provide a license", or variations thereof. This message will pinpoint the lack of available license servers as the issue.

RD License Diagnoser Warnings

The RD License Diagnoser is a tool used by administrators to check the health and configuration of the RDS licensing system. It can reveal critical insights into the licensing setup, including the presence of any errors or misconfigurations. Common warnings include notifications about the expiration of the RDS grace period without a license server being configured. They can also include alerts that the license server is not available due to network issues, service interruptions, or incorrect setup. These diagnostics are vital for pinpointing the root cause of licensing failures.

Diagnosing the Issue

To effectively diagnose the "No Remote Desktop License Servers Available" error, IT professionals must delve into both the network infrastructure and the configuration settings of the RDS environment. Checking the network connectivity between the RDS hosts and the license server is a primary step, as disruptions here can lead to the error.

Additionally, verifying that the Remote Desktop Licensing service is running on the server and that the server is correctly identified in the RDS deployment properties are critical checks. These steps help ensure that the issue is not stemming from simple configuration oversights or network connectivity problems.

Understanding and identifying the symptoms of the "No Remote Desktop License Servers Available" error early can lead to more prompt and effective resolutions. By ensuring that network connections are stable, and configurations are correctly set, IT professionals can avert potential operational disruptions. This will maintain seamless access for users relying on remote desktop connections .

Strategic Solutions to Troubleshoot the Error

Addressing the "No Remote Desktop License Servers Available" error requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on verifying licensing configurations and managing grace periods effectively.

1. Verify and Configure RD Licensing Settings

Ensuring the Remote Desktop Services environment is correctly configured with a functional license server is paramount. This involves several steps detailed below.

A. Check RD Licensing Configuration

Objective: Confirm the Remote Desktop role's proper installation, license server activation, and appropriate CAL allocation for users and devices.

Activation and Configuration Checks: Utilize Server Manager and RD Licensing Manager tools to verify the activation status of the license server and the allocation of CALs.

B. Configure Licensing with the RD Connection Broker Role

In setups involving the RD Connection Broker, precise configuration ensures seamless CAL distribution.

Deployment Properties Adjustment: Through the Server Manager on the RD Connection Broker computer, navigate to "Remote Desktop Services" > "Overview" > "Edit Deployment Properties" > "RD Licensing" to specify the licensing mode and designate a license server.

C. Configure Licensing for RD Session Host Role Only

For configurations lacking the RD Connection Broker role, direct adjustments in Group Policy settings are necessary.

Local Group Policy Editor Usage: Access this tool on the RDSH computer to adjust settings under "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "Remote Desktop Services" > "Remote Desktop Session Host" > "Licensing", setting the licensing mode and specifying license servers.

2. Addressing Grace Period Expiration

The RDS grace period's expiration without proper license server configuration leads to connectivity issues, necessitating registry adjustments.

Deleting the Grace Period Registry Key

Objective: Remove the `GracePeriod` registry key to reset the RDS environment's licensing state.

Registry Editor Access: With administrator rights, navigate to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlTerminal ServerRCMGracePeriod`, taking ownership and granting full control to delete the key.

Implementing a Proactive Approach

Adopting a proactive strategy in managing your Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environment can significantly enhance its resilience and reliability. This approach entails routine checks and verifications to prevent common issues like the "No Remote Desktop License Servers Available" error before they impact your operations. By regularly auditing network connectivity, IT professionals can ensure a robust RDS infrastructure capable of supporting seamless remote acces s . They can also do it by auditing the operational status of the RD Licensing service, and the accuracy of license server configurations.

Regular Network Connectivity Checks

Importance of Network Health

A stable and reliable network connection between the RDS hosts and the license server is foundational to preventing licensing errors. Disruptions or bottlenecks in network connectivity can prevent RDS sessions from initializing. In this case, the host servers might be unable to communicate with the license server to allocate necessary CALs.

Conducting Network Diagnostics

Implementing regular diagnostics tests, such as ping tests, traceroutes, and network speed tests, can help identify and rectify network issues before they escalate. Monitoring tools that provide real-time analytics and alerts for network performance can also be invaluable in maintaining a healthy RDS environment.

Verifying RD Licensing Service Status

Ensuring Service Availability

The RD Licensing service plays a crucial role in the distribution of CALs to users and devices. Ensuring that this service is always running on the license server is critical. A service interruption can lead to the inability of the RDS system to allocate licenses, resulting in connectivity failures.

Routine Service Checks

Scheduling regular checks on the RD Licensing service's status through services.msc or PowerShell scripts can help quickly identify any issues. Automated monitoring solutions that can alert administrators to service disruptions can also be beneficial. This will allow rapid responses to any potential problems.

Accurate License Server Configuration

Configuration Validation

Incorrect or outdated license server configurations can cause RDS environments to malfunction. It is essential to routinely validate the configuration settings. It will ensure that the license server is correctly specified within the RDS deployment properties and that CALs are accurately allocated and activated.

Deployment Property Reviews

Regular reviews of the RDS deployment settings via the Server Manager or PowerShell, focusing on the licensing mode and the specified license server, can help prevent configuration mismatches. Keeping documentation of these settings updated can also aid in troubleshooting and ensuring consistency across the RDS environment.

By embedding these proactive measures into your regular IT maintenance routines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering licensing errors and other disruptions in your RDS setup. This not only ensures uninterrupted remote access for users but also enhances the overall resilience and efficiency of your IT infrastructure.

Embracing TSplus as a Strategic Solution

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the "No Remote Desktop License Servers Available" error, while daunting, can be effectively managed with a comprehensive understanding and strategic application of the solutions provided. Empowering IT professionals with these insights ensures a robust, uninterrupted RDS environment, pivotal for the seamless operation of remote access services.