Can the same RDS CAL activation code be used on two separate RD Licensing servers in different sites (Windows Server 2025)?

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Thank you for providing a detailed description of your environment and the exact error message.

Based on the information you've shared, your understanding is generally correct.

The message "The activation code is already activated" typically indicates that the RDS CAL key pack has already been installed and associated with a specific RD Licensing Server. While your organization may own the CAL entitlement under a single Volume Licensing agreement, the license key pack itself is usually activated against a particular licensing server.

1. Can the same activation code be used on two separate RD Licensing servers?

In general, no. Once an RDS CAL key pack has been installed and activated on one RD Licensing server, the same activation code cannot normally be used again on a different RD Licensing server. The licensing entitlement and the activation key pack are related, but they are not the same thing. The entitlement may cover all purchased CALs, while the key pack is associated with a specific licensing server installation.

2. If not, should the CAL quantity be split between the two servers?

Yes, that is typically the recommended approach when two RD Licensing servers must operate independently.

I would suggest contacting your Volume Licensing provider, CSP partner, or Microsoft Product Activation/License Activation Center and explaining your deployment scenario. Depending on the licensing program and purchase channel, they may be able to:

• Provide separate activation codes or key packs.
• Split the available CAL quantity between the two licensing servers.
• Reissue, migrate, or reallocate the existing key pack after verifying the licensing agreement and current installation.

The available options can vary depending on whether the licenses were acquired through Volume Licensing, CSP, Retail, or another licensing program.

3. Can one CAL pack be shared across two disconnected RD Licensing servers?

There is no supported mechanism for two disconnected RD Licensing servers to share a single installed CAL database or operate as a synchronized licensing pool. Each RD Licensing server maintains its own licensing database and must have the appropriate CAL allocation installed locally.

Microsoft supports deployments that use multiple RD Licensing servers. However, current guidance assumes that license servers are able to communicate in certain scenarios. Since your two sites are completely isolated from each other, they cannot function as a shared or coordinated licensing pool.

For Per User RDS CALs, licensing is based on the number of licensed users rather than the number of licensing servers. Therefore, deploying a second RD Licensing server does not automatically require purchasing duplicate licenses for the same users. However, because the two disconnected servers cannot coordinate Per User CAL tracking, it is important to ensure that the combined usage across both sites remains within your organization's total purchased RDS CAL entitlement.

I would recommend contacting your licensing provider or Microsoft Product Activation support with:

• Your Volume Licensing agreement information.
• The RDS CAL activation code.
• The RD Licensing Server IDs from both servers.

They can review the current allocation and advise whether the CAL quantity can be split, reallocated, or reissued in a supported manner for your environment.

In addition, it would be a good idea to verify that both RD Licensing servers and the installed CAL versions are compatible with Windows Server 2025, and that each RD Session Host is configured to use the appropriate local licensing server.

I hope this helps clarify the difference between the purchased CAL entitlement and the activation code used to install the CAL pack.

References:

Install Remote Desktop Services client access licenses | Microsoft Learn

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

Use multiple Remote Desktop license servers | Microsoft Learn

Activate Microsoft perpetual products using the Product Activation portal | Microsoft Support

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