Maximum number of logged in users using remote desktop
We are using remote desktop to log in to a Windows 2012 server with a limit for two simultaneously users only. Sometimes, however, we need to be more.
We've discussed that with our server guys who claimed that this is only possible if the server will be reinstalled. Somehow I find this hard to believe, but being a novice I have no arguments to come with.
So - is it true or false? Is there any configuration in the server I could to check to confirm that this is the case? Please help a noob mixed up in a bureaucracy.
To allow more remote users on your MS Windows server you need to install the terminal services role. Microsoft calls those Remote Desktop Services since MS Windows Server 2008. This does not require reinstallation but probably one or more restarts.
You need client access licenses and a license manager to use this feature. The following links will give you more insight:
Feature Overview
Deployment Guide
It doesn't require reinstallation, it requires the installation of a the remote desktop services role and the purchase of licenses to enable additional RDP connections. Why do you need so many RDP connections, is this just to manage Microsoft services on the server? Management tools can be installed on client computers to manage many of Microsoft's products remotely, without having to RDP in. It's called RSAT: http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=28972
Windows Key + R >> Type MMC.exe >> then Control + M >> Select Group Policy Object >> then Add >> then finish >> then OK
Double click on Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections. Limit Number of Connections = 999999. Restrict Remote Desktop Services users to a single Remote Desktop Services session = DISABLED.
An alternative I haven't seen covered here so far: on your local desktop (assuming it's Windows) open Start then Run and type mstsc /admin
This will launch the remote desktop client in admin mode. You may need to enter elevated credentials to use it, but it will override the two user limit. It makes sense to do this instead of making configuration changes if you only occasionally need to have more than two people logged in.