Fix Remote Desktop Licensing Grace Period Expired (Reset 120-Day Trial via Registry)

Posted by

The error “The remote session was disconnected because the Remote Desktop Services licensing grace period has expired” occurs on Windows Server (2025, 2022, 2019, 2016) when the default 120-day evaluation window for the Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) role elapses without a configured Remote Desktop License Server. Once this countdown hits zero, Windows Server forcefully blocks all incoming non-administrative RDP user connections. To restore immediate connectivity, administrators can temporarily reset the 120-day grace period clock by deleting the registry key L$RTMTIMEBOMB under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\GracePeriod, followed by deploying genuine Windows Server RDS CALs for permanent licensing compliance.

✅ Administrative Workaround: Even when the grace period expires, sysadmins can still connect to the server for emergency maintenance by running mstsc /admin from any client workstation.

1. Understanding the 120-Day RDS Grace Period
2. Step 1: Connect via Administrative Console Session
3. Step 2: Delete L$RTMTIMEBOMB Registry Value
4. Step 3: Reboot the Server to Refresh 120 Days
5. Step 4: Permanent Fix — Configure RDS License Server & CALs
6. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Understanding the 120-Day RDS Grace Period

When you install the Remote Desktop Session Host role, Microsoft grants an unactivated 120-day testing window. If an RD Licensing server is not specified via Group Policy or Server Manager before this timer expires, connections are refused with event logs recording termination.

2. Step 1: Connect via Administrative Console Session

If normal Remote Desktop connections are blocked, launch the dedicated console mode bypass:

// In client Windows Run (Win + R):

mstsc /v:server_ip /admin

3. Step 2: Delete L$RTMTIMEBOMB Registry Value

On the server, open regedit as administrator.
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\RCM\GracePeriod.
Right-click the GracePeriod key, select Permissions, take ownership (Administrators), and grant Full Control.
Delete the binary value named L$RTMTIMEBOMB....

4. Step 3: Reboot the Server to Refresh 120 Days

Restart Windows Server. Upon reboot, the operating system re-creates the GracePeriod key with a fresh 120-day timer.

5. Step 4: Permanent Fix — Configure RDS License Server & CALs

Resetting the registry is purely a temporary sysadmin triage. For permanent compliance, configure licensing in Local Group Policy (gpedit.msc) under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > RD Session Host > Licensing: specify the license server name and choose Per User or Per Device mode.

Get Genuine Windows Server & RDS CALs

End grace period lockouts permanently. SortedKeys provides authentic Microsoft Windows Server 2022 licenses and RDS User/Device CALs with instant delivery.

Buy Windows Server Licenses →

6. Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I delete L$RTMTIMEBOMB?

Technically, the key will regenerate upon reboot as long as no license server is assigned. However, production enterprise environments require legitimate RDS CALs to remain compliant under Microsoft licensing agreements.