How to Allow More Than Two RDP Sessions to a Windows Server 2022

Windows Server 2022, the latest iteration of Microsoft's server operating system, comes with various improvements in terms of performance, security, and management. One common administrative task for Windows Server users is managing Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions. By default, Windows Server 2022 allows only two concurrent Remote Desktop Sessions, which may not be sufficient for organizations that require more users to access the server simultaneously.

In this article, we will explore how to configure your Windows Server 2022 to allow more than two RDP sessions, discuss the different methods available, and ensure that you meet licensing requirements.

What Are Remote Desktop Sessions?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft, allowing users to connect to a remote computer or server over a network. RDP allows users to remotely control a Windows computer or server as if they were physically present at the machine. In a business environment, RDP is frequently used by system administrators, support staff, or employees working remotely to manage servers or access resources without being physically on-site.

Windows Server 2022 is typically configured to allow two simultaneous RDP sessions by default. However, this limitation can be restrictive for organizations that need to allow multiple remote users to log in at the same time.

Default RDP Limitations in Windows Server 2022

Out of the box, Windows Server 2022 allows two concurrent RDP sessions for administrative purposes. These sessions are typically used for managing and troubleshooting the server. When the second user connects, the first user’s session will be disconnected unless the user is an administrator.

This limitation is put in place to reduce the server load and enforce the correct licensing models for RDP access. However, the default limit may not be suitable for all use cases. Thankfully, there are ways to allow more than two RDP sessions.

Methods to Enable More Than Two RDP Sessions on Windows Server 2022

There are several ways to enable additional RDP sessions in Windows Server 2022. The most common approaches involve either changing group policies or modifying the licensing configuration of the server.

Method 1: Modify Group Policy Settings (Non-licensed Users)

For non-production or testing environments where you don’t mind bypassing licensing requirements, you can modify the Group Policy settings to allow more than two simultaneous RDP sessions.

1. Open Group Policy Editor:

   • Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.

2. Navigate to Remote Desktop Session Limits:

   • In the Group Policy Editor, go to the following path:

     pgsql
     Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections
     

3. Change the Limit Setting:

   • Look for the setting called Limit number of connections and double-click on it.

   • Select Enabled, and then set the number of connections to the desired limit (for example, 5, 10, or more).

4. Apply the Changes:

   • Click OK to apply the setting.

   • You can then exit the Group Policy Editor.

5. Restart the Server:

   • To ensure that the new settings take effect, restart the server or run the following command in an elevated Command Prompt:

     bash
     gpupdate /force
     

Method 2: Modify the Windows Registry (Non-licensed Users)

If you’re comfortable with editing the Windows Registry, you can manually increase the number of allowed RDP sessions. This approach should be used with caution because incorrect changes to the registry can cause system instability.

1. Open the Registry Editor:

   • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

2. Navigate to the RDP Key:

   • In the Registry Editor, go to:

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     HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
     

3. Modify the Sessions Limit:

   • Right-click on the System key and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

   • Name the new value MaxInstanceCount.

   • Double-click on MaxInstanceCount and set the value to the number of RDP sessions you wish to allow (e.g., 5).

4. Exit the Registry Editor:

   • Close the Registry Editor and restart the server for the changes to take effect.

Method 3: Enable RDS (Remote Desktop Services) for Multiple Users (Licensed Users)

For organizations that need to allow more than two simultaneous users in a production environment, it is necessary to implement Remote Desktop Services (RDS) and acquire the appropriate RDS CALs (Client Access Licenses). This method ensures that the server remains in compliance with Microsoft licensing rules.

1. Install Remote Desktop Services:

   • Open the Server Manager and navigate to Add roles and features.

   • Choose Remote Desktop Services and select Session-based desktop deployment.

2. Select the RDS Role:

   • Choose the appropriate RDS role, such as Remote Desktop Session Host, Remote Desktop Licensing, and Remote Desktop Connection Broker.

3. Configure RDS Licensing:

   • After installing RDS, you’ll need to configure RDS licensing. This involves installing the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager and adding the necessary RDS CALs.

   • To do this, open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, right-click on the server, and select Install Licenses. Follow the prompts to input your licensing details.

4. Set License Mode:

   • Ensure that you have set the appropriate license mode (Per User or Per Device) and installed the correct number of licenses.

5. Allow Multiple Sessions:

   • Once the RDS roles are configured and licensing is in place, you can configure the server to support the required number of concurrent RDP sessions.

Method 4: Use Third-Party Software (Non-licensed or Testing Environments)

There are third-party tools available that claim to bypass RDP limitations. These tools may help you unlock additional sessions without needing to modify system settings or licensing.

However, these tools are not supported by Microsoft, and their use may violate Microsoft’s licensing terms. They are best suited for test environments or non-production purposes. Using such tools in a production environment can result in security and legal risks.

Best Practices and Considerations

1. Licensing Compliance:

   • Always ensure you have the proper licenses to allow more than two RDP sessions. Using RDS and obtaining RDS CALs is the recommended way to ensure compliance.

2. Security:

   • Allowing multiple concurrent RDP sessions can increase the attack surface of your server. Consider implementing additional security measures such as Network Level Authentication (NLA), firewalls, and strong password policies.

3. Performance:

   • More RDP sessions mean more resources are being used on the server. Ensure your server hardware has enough CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth to handle the increased load.

4. Monitoring:

   • Regularly monitor RDP sessions and server performance. Tools like Task Manager, Performance Monitor, or Remote Desktop Session Host Manager can help track active sessions and manage user access.

Conclusion

Allowing more than two RDP sessions on Windows Server 2022 is crucial for businesses that need multiple users to access the server simultaneously. While modifying Group Policy and the Windows Registry can unlock additional sessions, using Remote Desktop Services with proper licensing is the most reliable and compliant method for production environments.

As always, ensure you have the correct licensing, take steps to secure your server, and monitor its performance to maintain optimal operation as your user base grows.