By default, Windows Server allows up to 2 concurrent administrative sessions. This means two administrators can log in at the same time for maintenance purposes.
If you need more users to work on the server simultaneously (Terminal Server), you must install the Remote Desktop Session Host role and purchase licenses.
Scenario 1: Troubleshooting the 2-User Limit
If you cannot connect with a second user (getting disconnected when someone else logs in), a Group Policy might be restricting you to a single session.
- Press Win+R and type
gpedit.msc. - Navigate to:
- Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
- Double-click on Restrict Remote Desktop Services users to a single Remote Desktop Services session.
- Set this to Disabled.
- Click OK.
You should now be able to have 2 concurrent sessions.
Scenario 2: Enabling Unlimited Connections (Session Host)
To allow more than 2 users (e.g., for an office environment), you must install the RDS role.
Licensing Warning:
Installing this role starts a 120-day grace period. After this period, you must have a valid RDS License Server activated with purchased SALs (Subscriber Access Licenses), or no one will be able to log in via RDP anymore.
Read about RDS Licensing here.
Installing this role starts a 120-day grace period. After this period, you must have a valid RDS License Server activated with purchased SALs (Subscriber Access Licenses), or no one will be able to log in via RDP anymore.
Read about RDS Licensing here.
Installation Steps
- Open Server Manager.
- Click Manage > Add Roles and Features.
- Select Role-based or feature-based installation.
- Select your server.
- Check the box Remote Desktop Services.
- Click Next until you reach "Role Services".
- Select Remote Desktop Session Host (and optionally 'Licensing' if this server will also hold the licenses).
- Confirm and Install. The server will reboot automatically.
After the reboot, the server is ready to accept multiple connections, provided you configure the licensing within the grace period.