WindowsUpdated March 11, 2026 · 31,450 views
Allowing more than two simultaneous RDP users
The default limit, the licensed way to raise it, and how much hardware each user needs.
The default
Windows Server allows two simultaneous administrative sessions out of the box. This is a Microsoft licensing limit, not something we impose.
The licensed way: Remote Desktop Services
- Server Manager → Add roles and features → Remote Desktop Services installation → Quick Start → Session-based desktop deployment.
- Reboot when prompted.
- You get a 120-day grace period. Beyond that you need RDS CALs (per-user or per-device) purchased from Microsoft or a reseller.
- Install the licensing role, activate the licence server, then point the Session Host at it via Group Policy.
Install-WindowsFeature RDS-RD-Server, RDS-Licensing -IncludeManagementToolsSizing for multiple users
| Concurrent users | Suggested plan | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | RDP Starter (2/4) | Default limit, light use |
| 4 | RDP Standard (4/8) | ~1.5 GB per active desktop |
| 8 | RDP Pro (6/16) | Office apps + browsers |
| 15 | RDP Elite (8/32) | Profile storage matters too |
| 25+ | RDP Ultra (16/64) | Consider FSLogix profiles |
Rule of thumb: 2 GB RAM and 0.5 vCPU per active user, on top of the ~2 GB the OS uses.
About "RDP wrapper" toolsPatching termsrv.dll to bypass the session limit breaks on every Windows Update and violates the Microsoft licence terms. We do not support it and will not troubleshoot a machine running it.
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