Windows Server: Remote Desktop Error When Establishing a Remote Desktop Connection

Summary: The following error message may appear when users attempt to establish a Remote Desktop connection to a server: "The remote session was disconnected because there are no Remote Desktop License Servers available to provide a license." ...

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

The following error message may appear when users attempt to establish a Remote Desktop connection to a server:

"The remote session was disconnected because there are no Remote Desktop License Servers available to provide a license."

 

  • Remote Desktop Licensing Manager shows that Remote Desktop (RD) client access licenses (CAL) are installed on the licensing server.
  • The Remote Desktop License Diagnoser shows that the correct licensing server is in use.
  • Most notably, the RD CALs listed in Remote Desktop Licensing Manager do not list an operating system version, as shown in this image:
    Screenshot of Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, showing CALs with no operating system version Figure 1: Screenshot of Remote Desktop Licensing Manager showing installed CALs with no operating system version

 

Note: This article addresses one specific situation, though the same error can occur in other situations. Review the information in the Symptoms section to confirm that this article applies.

Cause

This occurs if the installed RD CALs are for a newer version of the operating system than the operating system running on the RD Licensing server. For example, if the licensing server is running Windows Server 2019 and has Windows Server 2022 RD CALs installed, this error occurs.

Resolution

There are three ways to resolve this issue:
  • Upgrade the operating system on the licensing server to match the version of the installed RD CALs. This requires a valid, unused Windows Server license and product key.
  • Install the RD Licensing role service on an existing server that is running the newer operating system. Migrate the RD CALs to it and configure the Remote Desktop Services deployment to use it as a licensing server.
  • Contact the Microsoft Clearinghouse and have the RD CALs downgraded to the version running on the licensing server. Dell Support can assist with contacting the Microsoft Clearinghouse.

Affected Products

Microsoft Windows Server 2016, Microsoft Windows Server 2019, Microsoft Windows Server 2022

Products

C Series, HS Series, Modular Infrastructure, Rack Servers, Tower Servers, XE Servers, XR Servers, OEM Server Solutions
Article Properties
Article Number: 000218177
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2024
Version:  6
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