RDS Licensing Server: Installed CAL Pack Agreement Identification, License Reissuance, and Windows Server 2022 CAL Upgrade

Sanjana Sakshi 5 Reputation points
2026-07-31T08:06:18.15+00:00

We have an existing Remote Desktop Licensing Server with activated Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) User per CALs installed. However, we do not have access to the original licensing information, including:

  • Enrollment Number
  • Agreement Number
  • Authorization Number
  • Licensing agreement details

We require assistance in identifying the licensing agreement associated with the installed RDS CAL packs, or guidance on the appropriate process for obtaining and installing Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs.

Additionally, please confirm whether the existing license packs can be used to obtain or reissue Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs using the current License Server ID and Key Pack IDs, and provide details of any prerequisites or required documentation.

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Licensing and activation
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  1. Daphne Huynh (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 1,305 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-03T02:16:02.9+00:00

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

    Thank you for providing the details information.

    Based on the descriptions, I would like to share some useful information.

    The installed License Server ID and Key Pack ID(s) can help Microsoft Licensing Support identify a previously issued CAL pack. However, they do not directly reveal the Enrollment Number, Agreement Number, Authorization Number, or other licensing agreement details from within the RD Licensing Manager. To recover the original licensing information, the agreement owner or licensing administrator typically needs to review the organization's Volume Licensing records or engage Microsoft Licensing Support for assistance.

    For license reinstallation or migration, the process depends on the licensing program through which the RDS CALs were originally purchased:

    • Enterprise Agreement (EA), Open License, MPSA, and other Volume Licensing programs require the corresponding agreement information during CAL installation.
    • For some Volume Licensing programs, RDS CALs can be installed using the applicable agreement identifiers (for example, Enrollment Number, Agreement Number, Authorization Number, or Purchase Account Number) rather than a product key.

    Regarding an upgrade from Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs to Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs:

    • Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs are valid for Windows Server 2016 Session Hosts, but they cannot be used to license Windows Server 2022 Session Hosts. A Windows Server 2022 Session Host requires Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs (or a later version).
    • Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs can be used to access Windows Server 2022 and earlier supported versions, but earlier-version CALs cannot be used for newer Session Host versions.
    • Existing Windows Server 2016 CAL packs do not automatically generate or convert into Windows Server 2022 CAL packs. Any upgrade entitlement depends on the customer's licensing program and whether qualifying upgrade rights (such as Software Assurance) were in effect when the newer version became available. The available sources do not specify any mechanism to upgrade solely by using the existing License Server ID or Key Pack ID.

    To obtain or reissue Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs, Microsoft Licensing Support will typically require as much of the following information as possible:

    • License Server ID
    • Key Pack ID(s)
    • Licensing program type (EA, Open, MPSA, Retail, SPLA, etc.)
    • Proof of purchase or licensing documentation
    • Agreement identifiers, if available

    If the original agreement information cannot be located, the recommended next step is to open a licensing support request and provide the current License Server ID and Key Pack ID(s) so it can determine whether the licenses are eligible for recovery, reissuance, or upgrade under the associated licensing program. Existing Windows Server 2016 CAL packs alone are not sufficient evidence that Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs can be issued.

    References: Install Remote Desktop Services client access licenses | Microsoft Learn

    License Remote Desktop Services with Client Access Licenses (CALs) | Microsoft Learn

    I hope this information helps clarify the behavior and points you in the right direction. If you find this information helpful, please click Accept Answer

    Thank you for choosing Microsoft Q&A to raise your concern. 

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