Last Updated on April 18, 2026
If you are trying to connect to a Windows Server and encounter the error: “The remote session was disconnected because there are no Remote Desktop License Servers available,” it usually points to a configuration issue with Remote Desktop Services (RDS) or a corrupt local license cache.
In modern versions of Windows Server, what used to be called “Terminal Services” is now Remote Desktop Services. This feature allows multiple users to access a server simultaneously. However, if the licensing grace period has expired or the server can’t find your Client Access Licenses (CALs), it will block your connection entirely.
Most administrators only need to manage the server remotely and don’t actually require a full RDS deployment. By default, Windows Server allows two concurrent connections for administrative purposes without needing any extra licenses. If you installed the full “Remote Desktop Session Host” role by mistake, the server will expect professional CALs and block you once the 120-day grace period ends.
To remove the licensing requirement and revert to standard Administrative Remote Desktop:
- Open Server Manager and click Manage in the top right corner.
- Select Remove Roles and Features.
- Navigate to Server Roles and uncheck Remote Desktop Services.
- Complete the wizard and reboot the server. (Note: Ensure you have physical or console access to the server before doing this, just in case).
Once the RDS roles are removed, ensure standard Remote Desktop is still active:
- Open Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
- Toggle the Enable Remote Desktop switch to On.
- For more advanced settings, you can still use the classic method: Search for “Allow remote access to your computer” in the Start menu to open the System Properties window and ensure “Allow remote connections to this computer” is selected.
Fixing a Corrupt Local License Cache Sometimes the error occurs because your local computer has a corrupt temporary license stored in the registry. To fix this:
- Close your Remote Desktop client.
- Search for Regedit in the Start menu and Run as Administrator.
- Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\MSLicensing
- Right-click the MSLicensing folder and select Delete.
- Restart your Remote Desktop client (Run as Administrator) and try connecting again. Windows will recreate the folder and pull a fresh temporary license.
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