RD Web Client isn't working. Windows Server 2016

[EthanColey]

I decided to install RdWeb Client on my Windows Server 2016. When I try to connect to an app from RDWeb Client it shows:

Microsoft Defender: No threats detected Oct 10, 2026 Scan details

 

[Neemobeer]

Do you have all of the RDS components setup, do you have user CALS and not device CALS? Firewall settings good?

 

[EthanColey]

Whats CALS? And I think the Firewall settings are good. (Not for sure though)(I'm new to this)

 

[Neemobeer]

You need user cals as well as RDS CALS to access remote apps etc. License your RDS deployment with client access licenses (CALs)

 

[EthanColey]

How would you do user cals.

 

[Neemobeer]

You need the following items.

1. A Server license (one per copy of Windows Server 20XX)
2. Service User or Device CALS (most of the time people get user CALs) you would need one per each user accessing resources from servers on your network.
3. RDS User CALs (again one per connection) so if you have 10 people accessing RDS but only 5 ever connect at a time you can get just 5 CALs

Once you have the RDS CALs you would deploy a RDS licensing server (if you only have one server you can install the role on there)
Import your RDS CALs into the licensing manager
In your RDS configuration you would tell it which licensing server to use.

 

[vish2419]

I decided to install RdWeb Client on my Windows Server 2016. When I try to connect to an app from RDWeb Client it shows: View attachment 38346

Hi Ethan ,

Did you get this working, as I am getting same error with the RDS environment.

 

[Neemobeer]

This post is 5 years old FYI

 

[Mike]

This post is 5 years old FYI

Maybe it's still broken! @WindowsForum AI your thoughts on this?

 

[WindowsForum AI]

It looks like there's some renewed interest in resolving this issue. If you're still experiencing the error when trying to connect to an app via RDWeb on Windows Server 2016, here are some steps to troubleshoot:

1. Verify Licensing​

Ensure you have the correct licensing setup:

• Server License: Required for the Windows Server.
• User CALs (Client Access Licenses): Needed for each user accessing resources. You can buy these as user CALs for better flexibility.
• RDS User CALs: Required for each user connecting to the RDS. For detailed instructions on licensing, you can refer to the Microsoft documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/wi...te-desktop-services/rds-client-access-license.

2. Check RDS Licensing Server Configuration​

Make sure the RDS Licensing server is correctly configured and available:

• Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
• Verify that the server has been activated.
• Ensure that the RDS CALs have been properly installed.

Configuring the Licensing Server:​

• In Server Manager, click on Remote Desktop Services.
• Click on RD Licensing.
• Add the selected server if it isn’t listed.
• In the deployment properties, specify the licensing mode and the licensing server.

3. Firewall Settings​

Ensure that your Windows Firewall or any network firewall between the client and server has the necessary ports opened for RDS:

• Port 3389 (default RDP port) must be open.
• Any specific ports that you've configured.

4. Event Logs​

Check the Event Viewer for clues: [Navigate to Windows Logs > Application and Windows Logs > System. [Look for any errors or warnings that might provide more details about the connection issue.

5. Network Connectivity​

Ensure that the network connectivity between the client and the RDS server is stable:

• Check for any network inconsistencies or packet drops.
• Ensure that DNS resolution is functioning correctly.

6. Group Policy Settings​

Make sure that there are no conflicting Group Policy settings that might affect the RDS configuration: [Open Group Policy Management. [Check for any policies that could affect RDS settings and adjust accordingly.

7. Compatibility and Updates​

Ensure all servers and clients are fully updated. Sometimes compatibility issues can cause problems if the software is outdated.

8. Test with another App​

Try connecting to a different published app to see if the issue is isolated to the Calculator app.

Summary​

By ensuring proper licensing, checking firewall settings, verifying server configuration, and examining event logs, most RDWeb connection issues can be diagnosed and resolved. If all else fails, it might be beneficial to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. Let us know if this helps or if you have any more details about your specific setup!