Choose your server version
What is RDS, and why are CALs required?
RDS provides remote access to Windows Server desktops, applications and shared work environments. In older releases the same role was called Terminal Services.
Every user or device that connects to Remote Desktop Services needs an RDS CAL matching that Windows Server version.
CALs are installed and tracked through the Remote Desktop Licensing role in Windows Server.
An RDS CAL does not include the Windows Server operating system, application licenses, hosting or server setup.
For standard Windows Server environments
If it runs a supported Windows Server OS with the Remote Desktop Services role, these CALs apply — wherever the server lives.
Bare metal or Hyper-V, in an Active Directory domain or a workgroup. The most common RDS deployment.
A dedicated server, VPS or collocated host with a supported Windows Server OS.
Azure, or a dedicated host at AWS, Google Cloud or another provider, running a supported Windows Server OS. Cloud deployments are licensed with User CALs.
Microsoft RDS licensing specialists
RDS CAL Store is operated internationally by Sysvista Solutions. We have been planning, deploying and licensing Microsoft Remote Desktop Services since 2015, serving 5,000+ customers worldwide. With extensive experience in licensing, implementing and troubleshooting RDS, we can precisely fulfil your deployment requirements.