RDS Deployment without rdweb

[donherberts (dherberts)]

Anyone have any experience deploying RDS without RDWeb. I don’t want to use the rdweb feature of RDS. I just need users to be able to RDP into the member server.
I have been googling for a installation guide but have not found one yet.
I know I need to use Session-Based desktop deployment but am looking for a guide to follow after that step.

[Rod-IT]

Just don’t enable that feature.

Clients would still go to a link, but they wont be able to use the webclient - if that’s what you mean.

If you mean no web at all, how will they get access to the apps/session without one?

If you give them static details such as ‘rds-server01’ and it’s down, rds-server02 wont be able to take over. Similarly, why not just give direct RDP but with TS cals so you can have more than 2 connections.

Without knowing your end goal, I can only surmise solutions.

[donherberts (dherberts)]

They just need the ability to RDP into the rds server directly. They don’t need to use the RDWeb unless I am missing something.

[Rod-IT]

Then you only need CALs and show them how.

[donherberts (dherberts)]

From what I have read, I need to install RDS services in order to add the RDS cals

[Rod-IT]

But you don’t need to use the web components, as per my first reply.

Install the RDS role, licensing server and activate the licenses, but skip installing the web modules.

If you don’t want that feature, don’t add it.

When it’s all up and running, point your clients at RDS-server and you’re done.

[donherberts (dherberts)]

I used the Quick Start method of installing RDS which installs all the RDS Server roles.

I would assume it will still work the way I expect. My current issue is that my boss purchased 2022 Cals and it won’t let me install them on a 2012r2 server. Apparently it is compatible somehow.