Windows Server supports up to two RDP sessions by default, or unlimited sessions with RDS configured.
Connection modes
Default mode
By default, Windows Server allows up to two concurrent RDP users without RDS Client Access Licenses (CALs). Each user can have only one active session. Starting a new session disconnects the existing one. To add remote users, see Add logon users to a Windows instance.
Multi-user mode with RDS
Install and configure RDS on the instance to support unlimited concurrent remote desktop users.
After RDS installation, a 120-day free trial supports unlimited remote desktop sessions. When the trial expires, you must purchase and configure RDS CALs. Otherwise, remote connections are blocked with the error: "The remote session was disconnected because there are no Remote Desktop License Servers available to provide a license."
ECS does not supply RDS CALs. Purchase them from Microsoft and configure them separately. See Activate RDS licenses. RDS CALs offer two licensing modes:
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Per Device licensing mode: Each device accessing the server requires a separate CAL. Ideal for environments with few or shared devices, such as fixed offices or workstations.
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Per User licensing mode: Each user needs one CAL regardless of how many devices they use. Suitable for a stable user count with multiple devices, such as remote work or frequent device switching.
Use cases
A development team runs internal design software on a Windows Server ECS instance. Multiple employees need simultaneous remote access for collaborative work.
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Default mode
The default mode limited the team to two concurrent connections, which was insufficient for daily operations.
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Configure RDS
After an engineer configured RDS, all employees connected simultaneously. See Configure a Windows instance to support multiple concurrent remote desktop connections.
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Session interruption after trial expiry
After the 120-day free trial expired, employees received the error: "The remote session was disconnected because there are no Remote Desktop License Servers available to provide a license."
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Resolve the issue
The team purchased 20 Per User RDS CALs and completed activation, restoring Remote Desktop access. See Activate RDS licenses.
If two sessions suffice, remove the RDS role to revert to the default mode at no cost.
References
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To try multi-user remote desktop with a free trial, see Configure a Windows instance to support multiple concurrent remote desktop connections.
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For permanent multi-user access beyond the trial, see Activate RDS licenses.
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Resolve the "No Remote Desktop License Servers available to provide a license" error