RDS Per User cals from Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2019 Conversion issue

Sarvesh H 6 Reputation points
2020-09-18T16:21:16.863+00:00

Hello Team,

I understand that we will need WS2019 Licensing Server in the environment but wondering is there any simple way to convert already purchased WS2016 Per user CALS on existing infrastructure.

I am not able to find a simple answer other than buying new CAL's for WS2019 RDS Per User CALS.

is there any another way to resolve this issue?

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  1. Evgenij Smirnov 541 Reputation points
    2020-09-19T15:40:50.867+00:00

    Hi,

    you can't 'upgrade' RDS CALs just by moving them to a higher version Licensing server. There are two possibilities here:

    1. you have Software Assurance on RDS CALs or some kind of Enterprise or School Agreement that entitles you to always use the latest version as long as you pay. In this case, you don't need to move any CALs - just enter your Agreement number into thje new LS like you did with the previous one.
    2. You have bought your RDS CALs retail or via Volume Licensing, but without Software Assurance. In this case, you'll have to buy 2019 RDS CALs. Talk to your licensing supplier if you can get an upgrade.

    All that said, you can move 2016 CALs from the old LS to the new one using the wizard in the RD Licensing console.

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  2. Karlie Weng 14,411 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2020-09-21T02:28:50.477+00:00

    hi,

    You can only upgrade CAL if they are covered by active Software Assurance.

    you could contact RDS CAL vendor or Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers for double confirm.

    Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers worldwide telephone numbers
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/existing-customer/activation-centers

    WS 2019 license server can host RDS 2016 CALS
    Any RDS license server can host licenses from all previous versions of Remote Desktop Services and the current version of Remote Desktop Services. See here RDS CAL version compatibility
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    Best Regards
    Karlie