How to Enable RDS on Windows Server 2019? Step-by-Step Guide

How to enable RDS on Windows Server 2019 in today’s remote-centric world, being able to access your servers from anywhere is a necessity. Whether you’re an IT admin looking to manage your infrastructure remotely or a business owner providing remote desktop access to employees, how to enable RDS on Windows Server 2019 is a powerful tool. This article walks you through enabling & configuring RDS on Windows Server 2019.

What is Remote Desktop Services (RDS)?

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a role in Windows Server that enables users to remotely access full desktop environments or individual applications hosted on a server. It allows multiple users to log in & work simultaneously using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). RDS is a scalable and flexible solution commonly used in organizations to support remote workers, software testing environments, and centralized application deployment.

Prerequisites

Earlier on you get started, ensure the following prerequisites are in place:

• Windows Server 2019 is installed and updated
• Administrator privileges on the server
• Network connectivity between client and server
• Static IP address assigned to the server
• Proper licensing for RDS (you can start with a trial period, but you’ll eventually need CALs—Client Access Licenses)

How to Enable RDS on Windows Server 2019? A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install the RDS Role

To enable RDS, the first step is to install the required server roles.

Using Server Manager

1. Open Server Manager from the Start menu.
2. Press “Manage” in the top right nook, then choose “Add Roles & Characteristic”.
3. In the Add Roles & Features Wizard, press Next until you touch the Installation Type screen.
4. Choose “Role-based or feature-based installation” and click Next.
5. On the Server Selection page, choose your server & press Next.
6. On the Server Roles page, scroll down & select RDS.
7. Expand RDS, & check the following roles:
   • Remote Desktop Session Host
   • (Optional but common) Remote Desktop Licensing
8. Click Next, confirm the selections, and click Install.

Note: The server may need to be recommence after installation.

Step 2: Configure the RDS Role

Once the role is installed, you’ll need to configure it to allow remote connections and assign permissions.

Enable Remote Desktop

1. Go to System Properties:
   • Right-tick on it personal computer (PC), selecting Properties, then press Remote settings on the left sidebar.
2. Under the RD session, choose “Allow remote connections to this desktop.”
3. Click Apply and OK.

Note: You might receive a warning about Network Level Authentication (NLA). It’s recommended to leave this option enabled for security.

Step 3: Add Users to the RD Group

By default, only administrators can connect via RDP. To allow other users:

1. Go to (PC) Management → Local Using & Groups → Groups.
2. Double-click the Remote Desktop Users group.
3. Press Add, type the user-names or groups you want to add, & press OK.

These users will now be able to access the server using Remote Desktop.

Step 4: Configure Firewall Rules

Windows Firewall should automatically allow RDP traffic, but you can confirm this:

1. Go to Control Panel → System & Security → (WDF) → Allow an app or feature through WDF.
2. Assure that Remote Desktop is checked for both Personal & Public networks.

Alternatively, use PowerShell:

powershell  Copy Edit
Enable-NetFirewallRule -DisplayGroup “Remote Desktop”

Step 5: Configure Licensing (Optional but Recommended)

By default, Windows Server 2019 allows a grace period of 120 days for RDS. For long-term use, licensing is required.

1. In Server Manager, go to RDS → Overview.
2. Press Remote Desktop (RD) Licensing, then pick Add RD Licensing server.
3. Follow wizard to install & configure the RD Licensing role.
4. After installation, use the RD Licensing Manager to:
   • Activate the license server
   • Install Client Access Licenses (CALs)

Step 6: Test Remote Access

You can now test your configuration:

1. From a remote computer, open the Remote Desktop Connection app (mstsc.exe).
2. Enter the server’s IP address or hostname.
3. Enter valid credentials and click Connect.

If everything is configured accurately, you should see the WS 2019 desktop.

Advanced Configuration (Optional)

Here are some optional configurations you might find helpful:

Session Timeout and Limits

To prevent idle users from consuming resources:

1. Open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
2. Navigate to:
   

   pgsql  Copy Edit
   PC Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components (WC) → RDS → RD Session Host → Session Time limitation

3. Set policies for idle session timeout, disconnect, or logoff behavior.

Custom RDP Port

For added security, you can change the default Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) port (3389):

1. Open Registry Editor (regedit).
2. Navigate to:
   

   pgsql  Copy Edit
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp

3. Changing the standard of Port-Number (Decimal) to your desired port (example, 3390).
4. Update firewall rules accordingly.
5. Restart the server.

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Can’t connect? Check firewall settings and ensure the RDS role is properly installed.
2. Black screen on login? This can be due to GPU driver issues or Group Policy limitation.
3. License errors? Ensure your license server is activated & that CALs are installed and properly assigned.

Conclusion

How to enable RDS on Windows Server 2019 is a manageable process with the right guidance. Whether you’re setting it up for administrative access or enabling full desktop experiences for remote users, RDS offers a robust and secure solution.

By following the steps outlined above, you’ll have a fully functioning how to enable RDS on Windows Server 2019 environment ready for production use or further customization.