Table of Contents
Overview
I am choosing to install Microsoft Remote Desktop Session Host servers to host published applications. I am going to use an automated farm which means there will be a virtual machine that will act as a single “golden image” and will be replicated to more than one. This eases management when installing new applications and updating previously installed applications.
Install the Remote Desktop Services Role
When prompted to select a role, select the Remote Desktop Services role. Since this is Windows Server 2022, it will not be necessary to install a separate Desktop Experience. When I initially installed the operating system, I chose Server with Desktop Experience, so this was integrated in this version. In Windows Server 2012, this was an additional feature that had to be installed.
Choose the Remote Desktop Licensing and Remote Desktop Session Host role services.
Restart the server when prompted.
Configure the Remote Desktop Services License
Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.
Expand the servers tree on the left, right-click on the server to activate, and choose Activate Server.
The Activate Server Wizard opens.
Leave the default option and click Next.
Fill out the Company Information.
Leave the checkbox checked to Start Install Licenses Wizard now.
The Install Licenses Wizard
The Install Licenses Wizard opens. Click Next.
I leave the defaults selected, here, but choose the License program most appropriate for your situation.
Add the license code here.
The license server reaches out to Microsoft and installs the licenses. Once complete, the Wizard shows a success window. Click Finish.
I added User Cals, but I did not move the RDSH server into the correct Security Group, yet. That is why there is a yellow icon.
Right-click the server and choose Review Configuration.
The configuration opens up with more information. Click Add to Group.
Click Continue on the pop-up.
Click OK on the pop-up notifying that the computer account was added to the Terminal Server License Servers (notice the misspelling in the dialog :-)) group.
Notice the configuration is now showing green checkmarks.
Configuring the License Mode
Since this server only contains a Remote Desktop Session Role and Remote Desktop Licensing Role, this will have to be configured with Group Policy. I am going to change the Local Group Policy, but the central Group Policy can also apply.
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Licensing
The Use the specified Remote Desktop license servers policy. Specify this host as it is also the license server.
The Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode policy. Choose Per Device for VMware Horizon applications.
You can check that all licensing and Group Policies are set correct by opening the Remote Desktop Licensing Diagnoser.
Restrict Users to a Single Session
Open the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and navigate to the following:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections
Enable the Restrict Remote Desktop Services users to a Single Remote Desktop Services session.
Install the VMware Horizon Agent
Prerequisite: Ensure the Horizon Connection Server has been installed prior to installing the Horizon Agent. The Horizon Connection Server address will be needed.
Double-click the installer file.
Accept the license.
I am using IPv4 primarily, so I am leaving the default, here.
Choose custom options, if necessary, and click Next.
Add the fully qualified domain name of the VMware Horizon Connection Server and choose the type of authentication. If you are logged on as the same user, then the default should work. Click Next.
When you see this screen, click Install.
When the installer completes, click Finish.
Restart the server when prompted.
Install Applications
Install applications on this server like you would for any Windows Server or Windows 10/11 guest. This server is the “Golden Image” that will be used to make a pool so the applications only need to be installed once and will be available on all the servers in the pool.
For demonstration purposes. I am going to install Visual Studio Code. The following screenshot shows that the software is installed.
Add a Farm
Log in to VMware Horizon Admin Console and navigate to Inventory > Farms.
Click Add.