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Buy Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Services CALs (RDS CALs) to provide licensed access to remote desktops and applications hosted on Windows Server. Choose between 50 User CALs, 50 Device CALs or a combined pack to match your organization’s remote access requirements.
These licenses are for Remote Desktop Services access. They do not activate Windows Server or include the Windows Server operating system, server core licenses or standard Windows Server CALs.
Includes one RDS CAL license key covering 50 named users. Each licensed user can access the Remote Desktop Services environment from multiple devices, subject to Microsoft’s licensing terms.
Includes one RDS CAL license key covering 50 devices. Each licensed device can be used by different users to access the Remote Desktop Services environment.
Includes two RDS CAL license keys: one for 50 User CALs and another for 50 Device CALs.
The two license types provide separate allocations and are not interchangeable. Select the appropriate licensing mode for the users and devices accessing your Remote Desktop Services deployment.
Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses provide the additional access rights required for users or devices connecting to Windows Server Remote Desktop Services session hosts.
They are designed for organizations running centrally hosted Windows applications, remote desktop sessions and shared server environments. RDS CALs work with a properly configured Remote Desktop Services deployment and its licensing server.
A User CAL is assigned to one named user and allows that user to access the Remote Desktop Services environment from multiple devices.
User CALs are suitable for environments where staff members access their remote desktops or applications from more than one computer.
A Device CAL is assigned to one device and allows different users to access Remote Desktop Services from that licensed device.
Device CALs are suitable for environments where multiple employees share the same computers.
Important: For Remote Desktop Services deployments in a workgroup rather than an Active Directory domain, Microsoft requires Per Device licensing. Per User CALs are not permitted in workgroup deployments.
License access to Windows Server-hosted desktop sessions and RemoteApp applications. Users can work with centrally managed resources through a properly configured Remote Desktop Services environment.
Use Remote Desktop Licensing Manager to install and manage RDS CALs. Administrators can configure Per User or Per Device licensing and monitor installed license allocations.
Choose the licensing model that matches how your organization accesses remote resources. User and Device CALs provide separate options for individual employees and shared workstations.
Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs are compatible with Remote Desktop Session Hosts running Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016.
Older RDS CAL versions cannot be used to license access to Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Session Hosts.
Before purchasing, ensure your Remote Desktop Services environment meets these requirements:
These CALs do not replace Windows Server activation keys or provide Remote Desktop Services server software separately.
Review Microsoft’s official RDS CAL licensing guidance before purchasing.
After purchase, you receive the RDS CAL license key or keys corresponding to your selected pack.
To install your licenses:
The licensing process depends on the license program and the information provided with your purchase.
Please note: RDS CAL license keys add access licenses to an existing Windows Server Remote Desktop Services environment. They cannot be used to activate the Windows Server operating system itself.