Enabling Multiple RDP Sessions on Windows Server

Overview

In IT environments, multiple users must access a Windows server simultaneously via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). However, Windows enforces a limitation, restricting users to a single RDP session by default. This limitation can be problematic for administrators managing remote teams, support personnel troubleshooting systems, and organizations requiring multiple concurrent remote connections.

Fortunately, you can increase the number of concurrent RDP sessions by modifying certain Group Policy settings and enabling Remote Desktop Services. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to configuring your Windows server to support multiple remote users effectively.

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Introduction

Multiple concurrent RDP sessions allow several users to connect to the same Windows server at once, improving efficiency and collaboration. However, Windows enforces licensing constraints through Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs), which must be considered.

Benefits of Increasing Windows Concurrent Sessions

Enhanced Productivity – Multiple team members can work simultaneously without disrupting each other.
Efficient IT Management – System administrators can troubleshoot and maintain systems remotely without forcing user logouts.
Cost-Effective Solution – Reduces the need for additional physical servers by maximizing the use of existing hardware.
Improved Collaboration – Developers, analysts, and other professionals can share resources and work on a single server in real-time.
Scalability – Organizations can scale up their operations without the immediate need for additional infrastructure investments.

This guide will walk you through:

Modifying Group Policy settings to allow multiple sessions
Enabling Remote Desktop Services
Installing necessary roles and features
Ensuring compliance with Microsoft licensing requirements

Follow these steps carefully to increase the allowed remote connections on your Windows server.

Steps to Increase Windows Concurrent Sessions

Step 1: Modify Group Policy Settings

Use the shortcut Win + R to bring up the Run command window.
To launch the Local Group Policy Editor, type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.

step1

3. Navigate to Group Policy Editor -> Expand Administrative Templates -> Open Windows Components -> Locate Remote Desktop Services -> Select Remote Desktop Session Host -> Click on Connections.

step1b

step1c

4. Locate and modify the following settings:

- Restrict Remote Desktop Services users to a single Remote Desktop session: Set this to Disabled.

step1d

- Limit number of connections: Set this to Enabled, and specify a high value (e.g., 999999).

step1e

These changes ensure that multiple users can log in concurrently without being restricted to a single session.

Step 2: Enable Remote Desktop Services

Open Server Manager.

step2

2. Click on Add Roles and Features.

step2b

3. Click Next until you reach the Server Roles section.

step2c

4. Select Remote Desktop Services.

5. A window will appear, prompting you to select Role Services. Choose:

- Remote Desktop Session Host
- Remote Desktop Licensing (if applicable)

step2d

Your server will support multiple remote desktop connections with proper licensing by enabling these services.

Step 3: Install and Restart the Server

Click Install to apply the selected features.
Wait for the installation to complete.
Restart the server to ensure the changes take effect.

step3

Once the server restarts, users can log in concurrently without session restrictions.

Conclusion

Following these steps, you can successfully enable multiple concurrent RDP sessions on your Windows server, allowing multiple users to work simultaneously. This configuration is beneficial in collaborative environments, and IT support scenarios, and business operations requiring multiple remote sessions.

However, always ensure compliance with Microsoft’s licensing requirements, as using multiple RDP sessions without the necessary Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses (RDS CALs) may violate licensing agreements. Proper licensing ensures smooth operations and avoids legal or financial penalties.

Increasing concurrent RDP sessions gives businesses and IT teams the flexibility to efficiently manage remote connections while optimizing server performance.

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

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FAQs

1. Do I need additional licenses for multiple RDP sessions?

ANS: – Yes, Windows Server requires Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs for each user or device connecting via RDP. Ensure you have the correct licensing to avoid compliance issues.

2. What if the Group Policy changes do not take effect?

ANS: – If the modifications do not apply immediately, try running gpupdate /force in Command Prompt and restart your server.

WRITTEN BY Noopur Shrivastava

Noopur Shrivastava works as a Research Associate at CloudThat. She is focused on gaining knowledge of the Cloud environment. Noopur loves learning about new technology and trying out different approaches to problem-solving.