Genuine Microsoft licensing

Genuine RDS CALs for Windows Server, done right.

User and Device CALs for Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016 — genuine, perpetual licences that are yours to keep. Tell us how your deployment is set up and we'll help you land on the right version and quantity.

Every user or device connecting to Remote Desktop Services (formerly Terminal Services) needs its own RDS CAL. Licence details are emailed to you, usually within 15 minutes of checkout.

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RDS CAL licensing overview — User & Device CALs, delivery, checkout, downgrade rights, and support.

Choose by version

Which Windows Server version are you licensing?

Your RDS CALs need to match — or be newer than — the Windows Server edition running Remote Desktop Services. Pick your version below; each pack steps down to the supported editions beneath it through downgrade rights.

See all RDS CALs

The rule Pick a CAL that's the same version as your server, or newer. Higher versions step down to earlier supported editions through downgrade rights — a lower-version CAL won't license a newer Windows Server.

Licensing, explained

What RDS is, and why it needs a CAL.

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) — once known as Terminal Services — lets people sign in to a Windows Server and use remote desktops, published apps, and session-based workspaces. An RDS CAL is the Client Access Licence that permits a given user or device to connect. The server licence and the CALs are separate purchases.

ServiceWhat RDS does Remote Desktop Services gives people remote access to Windows Server desktops, apps, and shared session workspaces. On older Windows Server it went by the name Terminal Services.

RequirementWhy a CAL is required Any user or device that connects to Remote Desktop Services must hold the matching Microsoft RDS CAL for that Windows Server environment.

ToolingHow CALs are managed In a typical deployment, RDS CALs are installed and tracked through the Remote Desktop Licensing role built into Windows Server.

BoundaryWhat a CAL doesn't cover An RDS CAL is access only — it doesn't include the Windows Server operating system, application licences, hosting, or server setup.

Licence note An RDS CAL is an access licence. It permits Remote Desktop Services connections, but it doesn't replace your Windows Server operating-system licence or any application licences you need.

User or device?

Should the licence follow the person or the machine?

Every RDS CAL is either a User CAL or a Device CAL. The right one comes down to a single question — does access travel with a person, or stay with a shared machine?

Licensing model

User CAL

Licensed to a named person

Device CAL

Licensed to a specific machine

Access follows

The person

The machine

Best for

People using several devices

Shared or fixed machines

Active Directory

Required

Not required — Workgroup is fine

Typical use

Employees & remote staff

Terminals, kiosks, shift PCs

Rule of thumb License by the person when people move between devices, and by the machine when devices are shared. User CALs need Active Directory — on a Workgroup, choose Device CALs.

Delivery & protection

Delivered in minutes, protected for 60 days.

The moment your payment clears, we email your RDS CAL details, a setup guide, and your invoice — usually within about 15 minutes. Everything is saved to your account, and every order is backed by 60-day moneyback protection with self-serve corrections.

01

Order confirmedCheckout confirms your order using the details you entered.

02

Licence details sentYour RDS CAL details and order record are emailed to you.

03

Setup guide includedThe same email carries setup guidance and a video walkthrough.

04

Saved to your accountEverything stays under Order Summary, ready when you need it.

In your delivery email

RDS CAL details Setup guidance Video install guide Invoice & order record Order Summary access

How you're protected

60-day moneyback. If support can't fix a delivery, access, install, or licensing issue, your refund is processed within 24 hours. Self-serve corrections. Swap User/Device CALs or change the Windows Server version within 60 days — pay only any difference. PayPal checkout. Pay securely through PayPal, with Order Summary access straight after. Help on hand. Ask us before you order, or after, for setup support.

Before you pay Use accurate checkout details — your order records and licence email all go to the information you enter, so double-check it first.

Before you buy

Questions to settle before you order.

Straight answers for IT buyers, admins, consultants, MSPs, and procurement teams — covering compatibility, downgrade rights, corrections, and how orders are protected. Skim by topic, then head to the shop or ask us anything that isn't here.

Compatibility & deployment

Do these CALs cover older Windows Server versions?

Yes. A higher-version RDS CAL carries downgrade rights to earlier supported editions — Windows Server 2025 CALs, for example, work with 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016. It doesn't run the other way: an older CAL can't license a newer server.

Do they work on cloud servers?

Yes. They cover supported Remote Desktop Services deployments on on-premises servers, dedicated servers, and cloud environments alike.

Are they restricted to certain regions?

No. Our RDS CALs are cleared for worldwide deployment with no regional limits — install them on servers anywhere in the world.

Can I move a CAL to a different server?

Yes, when you replace or upgrade hardware. To stay compliant, fully decommission or wipe the original server before activating the licences on the new one.

Licensing terms

Do the licences expire or need renewing?

No. These are perpetual RDS CALs — no monthly or annual renewal. Once bought, they stay valid for the supported lifetime of the Windows Server RDS version they're for, including eligible downgrade use.

Is there a deadline to activate after buying?

No. There's no short activation window. Keep your licence details safe and activate whenever you're ready to deploy on a supported Windows Server RDS environment.

Does a CAL include the Windows Server OS?

No. An RDS CAL is an access licence for Remote Desktop Services only — it doesn't include the Windows Server operating system.

Orders & buying

What if I order the wrong CAL type or version?

Put it right yourself from your account Order Summary, or contact us within 60 days. Swapping between User and Device CALs of equal value is free; you only pay the difference if you move up to a higher-value option.

What if something's wrong with my order?

Every order carries 60-Day Moneyback Protection. If a licence isn't delivered, can't be accessed, was supplied wrongly, or has an issue support can't resolve, we fix it by re-delivery, correction, replacement, or technical support — and if a covered issue can't be resolved, your full refund is processed within 24 hours.

Can consultants or MSPs buy for clients?

Yes. IT consultants, MSPs, and system integrators can buy RDS CALs for their clients' deployments.

Buying for an audit or SAM review?

The right format depends on your setup and compliance needs — get in touch before purchasing and we'll point you to the correct product.

Looking for VLSC licences?

Get in touch before you purchase and we'll help.

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Ready to get your RDS CALs?

Browse genuine RDS CALs for Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016. Not sure on quantity? Run the calculator. Want a second opinion first? Ask us before you buy — we're happy to check.

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