"Look here," she pointed to the key. "It’s set to 5 . That’s the ghost code. It doesn't know if it wants Per User or Per Device."
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\Licensing Core Value Name LicensingMode Data Values Per Device Specified License Servers rds cal license registry key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MSLicensing "Look here," she pointed to the key
Before modifying the registry, consider these safer alternatives: It doesn't know if it wants Per User or Per Device
The RDS CAL registry keys serve primarily as a caching mechanism for Per-Device licensing tokens. While the registry does not store the 25-character product keys in plain text, it is the central repository for the binary license tokens that validate client connections.
Perhaps most critically, tampering with these keys to evade licensing is a direct violation of the Microsoft Software License Terms. During a genuine Microsoft License Verification audit, discrepancies between registry data and actual CAL purchases can lead to financial penalties and legal exposure. The registry key is a tool for configuration, not a loophole.