Methods for Resetting Windows Server’s 120-Day Remote Desktop Services Grace Period

Overview

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) provides a framework for managing remote desktop connections in Windows Server environments. As part of this system, Microsoft allows a grace period of 120 days for organizations to deploy the necessary Client Access Licenses (CALs).

Fortunately, administrators can reset this 120-day grace period using the Windows Registry. This process involves a series of steps that require careful execution, as the Windows Registry is a critical operating system component. By following these steps, you can regain access to your RDP without immediately needing to install licenses. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the detailed steps to reset the grace period, enabling you to maintain your remote desktop services smoothly.

Steps to Reset the 120-Day RDP Grace Period

Step 1: Open the Run Dialog

The Run dialog box can be opened by pressing Windows Key + R.

Step 2: Access the Registry Editor

To launch the Windows Registry Editor, type regedit into the Run box and click OK.

Step 3: Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the following path:

Navigate to the following path in the Registry Editor:

Step 4: Modify Permissions on the GracePeriod Key

To access Permissions, right-click on the GracePeriod key and choose it.

By default, this key has no permissions set, even for administrators. You will need to take ownership in the next step.

Step 5: Take Ownership of the GracePeriod Key

In the Permissions dialog, click Advanced.

In the text field labeled Owner, click Modify.

Choose the local administrator’s group or the relevant user/group that should manage the key.

Check the options to Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and Replace all child object permissions.

Step 6: Grant Full Control to Administrators

After changing ownership, adjust the permissions by granting the Administrators group full control over the GracePeriod key. Select Full Control in the permissions dialog.

Step 7: Delete the TimeBomb Value or the Entire GracePeriod Key

With the correct permissions set, right-click on the TimeBomb value under the GracePeriod key and select Delete. Alternatively, you can remove the entire GracePeriod key from the Registry.

Step 8: Confirm Deletion

Confirm that you want to delete the registry entry.

Step 9: Restart the Server

Restart your server. After rebooting, the full 120-day grace period for your RDP server will be reset, allowing continued use in your lab environment.

Step 10: Adjust Group Policy Settings

Type gpedit.msc in the Run dialogue box once more after restarting.

Go to Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Connections to open the Remote Desktop Session Host.

Enable Limit number of connections and set it to 999999.

Conclusion

Resetting the 120-day RDP grace period on a Windows Server is a simple process involving changes to the Windows Registry and group policy settings. Following the steps outlined above, you can maintain access to your Remote Desktop Session Hosts without the immediate requirement for client access licenses.

Drop a query if you have any questions regarding RDP and we will get back to you quickly.

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