Reset 120 Day RDS Grace Period in Windows Server (Complete Fix for Remote Desktop Licensing Error)

Reset 120 Day RDS Grace Period

Fix Remote Desktop Licensing Error
Windows Server Complete Solution Guide

If your Remote Desktop Server stops allowing users to connect, the most common reason is the 120 Day RDS Grace Period expiration. This guide will show you how to reset the grace period and fix licensing errors step-by-step.

The Remote Desktop Services grace period allows administrators to use RDS for 120 days without installing a license server.

Why the RDS Grace Period Error Happens

• Remote Desktop Licensing not configured
• Grace period expired after 120 days
• License server not detected
• Incorrect group policy configuration

⚠ Always create a backup before modifying the Windows registry.

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Method 1: Reset RDS Grace Period Using Registry

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type regedit
3. Press Enter

Step 2: Navigate to Registry Path

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\GracePeriod

1. Right-click GracePeriod
2. Select Permissions
3. Click Advanced
4. Change owner to Administrators
5. Apply changes
6. Delete the key starting with L$RTMTIMEBOMB

Restart the server to activate a new 120 day grace period.

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Method 2: Reset Grace Period Using PowerShell

Run Command Prompt as Administrator

takeown /f "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\GracePeriod" /r /d y

After removing the registry key, restart the server.

✅ After rebooting the server, the RDS grace period will reset and Remote Desktop connections should work again.

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Method 3: Configure RDS Licensing Properly

The best permanent solution is installing and activating a Remote Desktop License Server.

1. Open Server Manager
2. Click Add Roles and Features
3. Select Remote Desktop Licensing
4. Install the role
5. Activate the license server
6. Add RDS CAL licenses

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Check Remaining RDS Grace Period

Run the following command:

slmgr /dlv

This command shows detailed Windows licensing information.

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Related Windows Server Fix

👉 Fix Remote Desktop Licensing Error in Windows Server

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Official Microsoft Documentation

For more details visit Microsoft Learn Documentation

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Video Tutorial

▶ Watch Full Video Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is RDS Grace Period?

It is a temporary 120 day period where Remote Desktop Services works without installing CAL licenses.

Can I reset the RDS grace period?

Yes, administrators can reset it by deleting the GracePeriod registry key.

Is resetting the grace period recommended?

It should only be used for testing. Production servers should install proper RDS licenses.