By default, Windows Server supports remote desktop connections based on Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), which allows a maximum of two users to connect to a server simultaneously for simple remote management tasks. To support multiple concurrent remote connections, you must install Remote Desktop Services. This topic uses a Windows Server 2016 operating system as an example to describe how to configure multiple concurrent remote connections to a Windows Elastic Compute Service (ECS) instance.
After you install Remote Desktop Services, you can use it for a 120 day free trial. During this period, an unlimited number of remote desktop sessions are supported. After the free trial expires, you must configure the licensing service and install Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses (RDS CALs). Otherwise, you cannot make remote connections.
Install Remote Desktop Services
Log on to the Windows ECS instance. For more information, see Choose an ECS remote connection method.
Right-click the
icon in the lower-left corner, and then click Run. In the dialog box, enter servermanagerand click OK.On the Dashboard page, click Add roles and features.
On the Before you begin page, read the instructions and click Next.
On the Select installation type page, keep the default parameters and click Next. On the Select destination server page, keep the default parameters and click Next.
On the Select server roles page, select Remote Desktop Services and click Next.
On the Select features page, keep the default parameters and click Next. On the Remote Desktop Services page, click Next.
On the Select role services page, select Remote Desktop Session Host and Remote Desktop Licensing. In the dialog box that appears, click Add Features, and then click Next.
Select the Restart the destination server automatically if required option, click Install, and wait for the Remote Desktop Services installation to complete.
Create a new user and add the user to the Remote Desktop Users group
To allow new users to log on to the ECS instance, create the users and add them to the Remote Desktop Users group.
Create a new user:
Log on to the Windows ECS instance. For more information, see Choose an ECS remote connection method.
Right-click the
icon in the lower-left corner, and then click Run. In the dialog box, enter lusrmgr.msc and click OK.Click Users. In a blank area, right-click and select New User.
Enter the new user information and click Create.
Add the user to the Remote Desktop Users group:
Click Groups, double-click Remote Desktop Users, and then click Add.
In the Select Users dialog box, click Advanced.
Click Find Now, select the correct account, and then click OK.
Confirm the account to add and click OK.
Re-authenticating after Remote Desktop authorization expires
After the 120 day free trial expires, you must configure the licensing service and install RDS CALs. Otherwise, you cannot make remote connections. For information about how to purchase and activate licenses, see Activate Remote Desktop Services (RDS) licenses for a Windows Server instance.