Finding a Remote Desktop Services (RDS) "license key" typically depends on the licensing program you used for the purchase. For most modern enterprise volume licenses, a traditional 25-character product key does not exist; instead, you use an Authorization Number and a License/Agreement Number to activate the licenses on your server. Where to Find Your Licensing Information
The primary location for your licensing details depends on whether you have a Retail or Volume License.
Microsoft 365 Admin Center: (Most common for recent purchases) Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center. Navigate to Billing > Your products. Select the Volume licensing tab.
Click View downloads and keys or View contracts to locate your Agreement Number and Authorization Number.
Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC): (For older agreements) Sign in to the VLSC. Go to Licenses > Relationship Summary. how to find rds license key
Click on the specific License ID to view details, including the Authorization Number and License Number. Retail/Boxed Purchase:
The 25-character product key is usually printed on a card inside the physical packaging or provided in a confirmation email from the authorized reseller. How to Retrieve IDs from Your Server
If the RDS license server is already activated and you need to find its unique identifier:
License Server ID: Open RD Licensing Manager, right-click your server, and select Properties. The ID is listed at the bottom. Finding a Remote Desktop Services (RDS) "license key"
License Type Check: Use the command prompt as administrator and run slmgr /dli to see the current license edition and channel (e.g., Retail or Volume). How to Use the Key to Install Licenses
Once you have your numbers or key, you must add them to your RDS environment:
To find your RDS (Remote Desktop Services) license key (also called a RDS CAL key or license code), you typically need to check where your organization stores Volume Licensing information. RDS CALs are not product keys entered during Windows setup—they are licenses added to a Remote Desktop License Server.
Here’s how to locate it:
If you have a Retail or OEM RDS license from Windows Server 2008 R2 or 2012, you might need to use the Telephone Activation method to generate a key.
If you aren't looking for CALs, but rather the Windows Server OS key (to activate the server itself), and the server is currently running, you can retrieve this via PowerShell.
If you have already installed RDS CALs on a license server and need the key for another server: