How to Refresh Your RDP Trial License Before It Expires

What Happens When Your RDP Trial License Runs Out

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) trial licenses expire after a set period — usually 120 days for Windows Server editions. When the trial ends, you lose the ability to use Remote Desktop connections on that machine. The system will block new RDP sessions and display a licensing error message when you try to connect.

You have three paths forward: refresh the trial license to extend it, convert to a paid license, or reinstall Windows Server with a fresh trial period. Refreshing the trial is the fastest option if you want to keep using the same installation without purchasing a license yet.

Key Takeaways

RDP trial licenses can be refreshed by resetting the licensing grace period through the Registry or Group Policy, which extends your trial by another 120 days.
You must have administrator access to the server and be able to restart the machine for the refresh to take effect.
The Registry method works on all Windows Server versions; the Group Policy method works on domain-joined machines.
After refreshing, you should verify the new expiration date in Licensing Diagnosis to confirm the extension worked.
If you refresh multiple times and reach the system limit, you will need to purchase a license or perform a clean Windows Server installation.

Refreshing the Trial License Using the Registry

The Registry method is the most direct way to reset your RDP trial period. Open Registry Editor by pressing Windows Key + R, typing regedit, and pressing Enter. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TermService\Parameters\LicenseServers.

Look for a value called SpecialServerName. If it exists, delete it. If it does not exist, you can skip this step. Next, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\GracePeriod and delete the GracePeriod value if it is present. Close Registry Editor and restart your server. The trial period should reset to 120 days from the restart date.

Using Group Policy to Extend the Trial (Domain-Joined Servers)

If your server is joined to an Active Directory domain, you can use Group Policy Editor to refresh the trial. Press Windows Key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing.

Look for the policy called Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode. If it is configured, set it to Not Configured or Per Device mode. explore the policy, close Group Policy Editor, and restart the server. This resets the licensing grace period and extends your trial.

Verifying the New Expiration Date

After you restart the server, check whether the refresh worked by opening Licensing Diagnosis. Press Windows Key + R, type mstsc /admin, and connect to the local machine. Once connected, open Event Viewer and navigate to Windows Logs > System. Look for events from the TermService source that mention licensing or grace period.

Alternatively, you can run the command slmgr /dli in Command Prompt (as administrator) to see licensing details, though RDP licensing information may not display in the same way as Windows set up. The most reliable check is to attempt an RDP connection and confirm that you no longer receive a licensing error.

What to Do If the Refresh Does Not Work

If you still see licensing errors after restarting, the trial period may have already been refreshed the maximum number of times. Windows Server allows multiple trial refreshes, but there is a practical limit — usually around three to four refreshes before the system requires a paid license.

At that point, you have two options: purchase a Remote Desktop Services license from Microsoft, or perform a clean installation of Windows Server to start a new 120-day trial. A clean install erases all data and settings, so back up anything you need before attempting this route. If you want to avoid reinstalling, licensing is the only path forward.

Understanding RDP Licensing Modes

Windows Server uses two RDP licensing modes: Per Device and Per User. During the trial period, the server runs in grace mode, which allows connections without a license server. Once the trial expires, you must either refresh it or move to a licensed mode.

Per Device licensing means each computer that connects to the server needs its own license. Per User licensing means each person who connects needs a license, regardless of how many devices they use. Understanding which mode suits your setup helps you decide whether to refresh the trial or invest in licenses. Most small deployments use Per Device licensing because it is simpler to track and cheaper for occasional users.

Preventing Future License Expiration

If you plan to use RDP long-term, purchasing a license is more reliable than refreshing trials repeatedly. RDP Services licenses are sold in packs and can be managed through a license server. Once you have a license server set up, your RDP connections will not expire, and you avoid the need to refresh every few months.

If you are testing Windows Server temporarily, document the refresh date so you know when the next expiration is coming. Set a calendar reminder 30 days before expiration so you have time to decide whether to refresh, purchase a license, or migrate to a different solution. This prevents unexpected downtime when the trial runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refresh the RDP trial license more than once?

Yes, but there is a limit. Most Windows Server installations allow three to four refreshes before requiring a paid license. After that, the system will not allow further trial extensions, and you must purchase a Remote Desktop Services license or reinstall the operating system.

Do I need to disconnect all RDP sessions before refreshing the license?

It is best practice to disconnect all active RDP sessions before making Registry or Group Policy changes. The refresh itself does not require disconnection, but restarting the server (which you must do) will disconnect everyone anyway. Warn users before you restart.

What is the difference between refreshing the trial and buying a license?

Refreshing extends the free trial period by another 120 days but only works a few times. Buying a license removes the expiration entirely and is permanent. Licenses are priced per connection and can be managed through a license server, making them the long-term solution for production environments.

Will refreshing the license affect my server settings or installed software?

No. Refreshing the RDP trial license only resets the licensing grace period. Your server configuration, installed applications, user accounts, and data remain unchanged. The refresh is purely a licensing operation.

What happens if I do not refresh before the trial expires?

Once the trial expires, you cannot establish new RDP connections to the server. Existing connections may drop. You will see a licensing error when you try to reconnect. At that point, you must refresh the trial, purchase a license, or reinstall Windows Server to regain RDP access.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.