Description

Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Services User CALS RDS (Client Access Licenses) Digital Product License Key

What you will be purchasing:

1 x Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Services User CALS RDS (Client Access Licenses) Digital Product License Key

Manufacturer: Microsoft

License: 1 PC/Server

Platform: Windows

Region: Global - Can redeem worldwide

Remote Desktop Licenses are Redeemed through the Licensing portal within your Windows Server Activation Wizard.

The Microsoft Server Operating System is a valuable update for customers who aren’t yet accustomed for the cloud or those who wish to keep their databases up to date and secure. You can see all options and available versions of the windows server series here

Once you have your Windows Server license in place - you then need to decide which client access license it is you need.

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs) are licenses that enable users or devices to connect to a Windows Server running Remote Desktop Services. RDS allows remote access to a full desktop environment or specific applications hosted on the server.

Here’s a breakdown of RDS CALs:

What is RDS (Remote Desktop Services)?

RDS is a feature of Windows Server that allows users to access a remote server and interact with its applications or a complete desktop environment. The most common use cases for RDS include:

• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
• Remote access for off-site workers
• Remote application delivery (RemoteApp)
• Terminal services, enabling multiple users to run sessions on the same server

What are RDS CALs?

An RDS CAL is required for each user or device that connects to a server running Remote Desktop Services. Without an RDS CAL, users or devices cannot legally access the RDS functionality.

Types of RDS CALs:

There are two main types of RDS CALs:

1. User CALs:
   • User CALs are assigned to a specific user, allowing that user to access the RDS server from any device (e.g., PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone).
   • Example: If 5 users need access, you would purchase 5 User CALs, and each user can access the server from any device they use.
2. Device CALs:
   • Device CALs are assigned to a specific device, such as a workstation or kiosk. Any user who uses that device can access the RDS server.
   • Example: If you have 5 devices (e.g., terminals or shared workstations), you would buy 5 Device CALs, allowing any user to access the server from those devices.

Purpose of RDS CALs:

• Accessing RDS Features: An RDS CAL is necessary to use the Remote Desktop Services features of a Windows Server, including full desktop access or RemoteApp (individual application access).
• Separate from Windows Server CALs: RDS CALs are distinct from Windows Server CALs. A Windows Server CAL grants access to the server itself, while an RDS CAL specifically grants access to Remote Desktop Services.

Licensing Requirements:

When deploying RDS, you must purchase the appropriate number of RDS CALs, depending on whether you are licensing users or devices. You’ll also need to configure a Remote Desktop Licensing Server to manage and allocate the CALs.

When Are RDS CALs Required?

• Multiple Users or Devices: If users are accessing the server remotely or on-site via RDS, each user or device will need a User or Device CAL.
• Accessing RDS Features: If you’re using RDS for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), RemoteApp, or other services, each user or device will need a separate license.

Pricing and Licensing Models:

• Remote Desktop Services RDS User CALs: Typically more cost-effective for organizations where users need to access RDS from multiple devices or from various locations.
• Remote Desktop Services RDS Device CALs: A better choice when you have a fixed number of devices (e.g., shared workstations) and multiple users need to access RDS from those devices.

Example Scenarios:

• For 20 users who need access from different devices, you would purchase 20 RDS User CALs.
• For 40 devices (e.g., shared terminals), you would purchase 40 RDS Device CALs, allowing multiple users to access RDS from those devices.

Important Considerations:

• RDS CALs are not included with Windows Server licenses. Even if you have a Windows Server license, you must purchase separate RDS CALs for users or devices accessing the RDS features.

Therefor, to access Remote Desktop Services (RDS) on a Windows Server, you must purchase the correct RDS CALs based on your company's needs. You can choose between User CALs or Device CALs, depending on whether you need to license individual users or specific devices.

For a complete comparison of the features and differences between all versions you can view the chart here. You can purchase other options and available versions here

Once you have your Windows Server License installed; you have equipped your Windows Server with a Windows Server License you then need Client Access Licenses (CALS for short) to allow users or devices to be able to connect to that server. So therefor every user (or device) needs a license to connect to the server.

You must purchase a CAL for EVERY user or device that connects or accesses the Windows Server Operating System.

There are three different types of CAL's: USER CAL's, DEVICE CAL's and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CAL's.

USER CAL's - Organisations purchase USER CAL's for each person who accesses the server to use its services irregardless of the number of devices they use for that access. This is particularly useful if you have multiple devices per person in your business so that only one CAL is needed to roam your corporate network or that one user has multiple devices to connect to the server.

DEVICE CAL's - Organisations purchase DEVICE CAL's for every device that accesses the server irregardless of the number of people in that organisation. This is particularly useful if you have part time staff or shift workers who need access to the server for example in a call center where the same machine is being used by multiple personnel.
 

If you have any questions about Microsoft Server or Client Access Licenses then feel free to contact us for a chat with one of our sales experts.