How to Install and Activate a RustDesk Server Pro License Key RustDesk is a popular open-source remote desktop software, often seen as a self-hosted alternative to TeamViewer or AnyDesk. While the core server is free, RustDesk Server Pro offers advanced features like address books, 2FA, and device management. If you have purchased a Pro license, here is exactly how to install the Pro server and activate your license key. Prerequisites
A VPS or dedicated server (Ubuntu 20.04+ / Debian 11+ recommended) A domain name pointed to your server’s IP address Ports 21114-21119 TCP and 21116 UDP open in your firewall Your RustDesk Pro license key (sent via email after purchase)
Step 1: Install RustDesk Server Pro The Pro version is a separate binary from the free version. You can install it manually or via the official installer. Option A: Automatic Install Script (Recommended) SSH into your server and run: curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rustdesk/rustdesk-server-pro/master/install.sh | bash
Option B: Manual Install (Docker) If you prefer Docker: # Pull the Pro image docker pull rustdesk/rustdesk-server-pro:latest Run the container docker run -d --name rustdesk-server-pro --restart unless-stopped -p 21114-21119:21114-21119/tcp -p 21116:21116/udp -v ./data:/data -e "RELAY=your-domain.com" -e "ENCRYPTED_ONLY=1" rustdesk/rustdesk-server-pro rustdesk server pro license key install
Step 2: Configure the Server (Web Console) After installation, the Pro server provides a web admin panel.
Open your browser and go to http://your-server-ip:21114 The first time you visit, you will see a license activation page – this is where your key goes.
Step 3: Activate the Pro License Key You have two ways to apply your license: Method 1: Via Web UI (Easiest) How to Install and Activate a RustDesk Server
In the web console (port 21114), locate the License or Activation tab. Paste your license key in the format: RUSTDESK-PRO-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX Click Activate . A success message will appear, and the Pro features (Address Book, RBAC, etc.) will unlock.
Method 2: Via Environment Variable (Docker) If you are using Docker, you can add the license at launch: -e "LICENSE=your-license-key-here"
Then restart the container: docker restart rustdesk-server-pro Prerequisites A VPS or dedicated server (Ubuntu 20
Method 3: Via Configuration File For binary installations, edit the configuration file: nano /etc/rustdesk-server-pro/config.toml
Add this line: license = "your-license-key-here"