RDS CAL Store ·
Remote Desktop Services licensing

Buy Microsoft RDS CALs for Windows Server.

Remote Desktop Services CALs — formerly Terminal Services — for Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, and 2016. Every user or device connecting to your deployment needs one, and we help you choose the right version, CAL type, and quantity.

Focused on Remote Desktop Services licensing, with support before and after purchase. License details are sent by email, within 15 minutes of checkout.

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Microsoft RDS CALs for Windows Server licensing illustration showing User CALs, Device CALs, delivery, PayPal checkout, downgrade rights, and support

Choose your server version

Newer CALs cover older servers; older CALs won't run on newer ones.
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 RDS CAL product image 2025 Most flexible Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs Best for Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Services deployments, or buyers who want the widest downgrade path for earlier supported server versions. For Windows Server 2025 RDS environments Downgrade path for 2022, 2019, and 2016 Buy 2025 RDS CALs Microsoft Windows Server 2022 RDS CAL product image 2022 Popular choice Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs A practical option for Windows Server 2022 RDS deployments and businesses licensing earlier supported environments. For Windows Server 2022 RDS environments Downgrade path for 2019 and 2016 Buy 2022 RDS CALs Microsoft Windows Server 2019 RDS CAL product image 2019 For 2019 deployments Windows Server 2019 RDS CALs For organizations licensing established Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services deployments that don't require 2022 or 2025 RDS CALs. For Windows Server 2019 RDS environments Downgrade path for 2016 Buy 2019 RDS CALs Microsoft Windows Server 2016 RDS CAL product image 2016 For 2016 deployments Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs For businesses maintaining Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services access and licensing 2016-based RDS environments. For Windows Server 2016 RDS environments Choose only for 2016 RDS deployments Buy 2016 RDS CALs

What is RDS and why are RDS CALs required?

Remote Desktop Services lets users connect to Windows Server; a CAL licenses each user or device.
The service

What RDS does

RDS lets businesses provide remote access to Windows Server desktops, applications, and shared work environments. In older Windows Server environments, this remote access was commonly called Terminal Services.
The requirement

Why CALs are needed

When users or devices connect to Remote Desktop Services, they need the correct Microsoft RDS CALs for that Windows Server RDS environment.
The tooling

How CALs are managed

In a standard RDS deployment, RDS CALs are installed and managed through the Remote Desktop Licensing role in Windows Server.
The boundary

What is separate

RDS CALs do not include the Windows Server operating system, application licenses, hosting, server setup, or other Microsoft licenses.

Choose whether access follows a user or a device

User CALs when access follows people; Device CALs when it follows shared machines.
Licensed by person

RDS User CALs

User CALs are usually best when the same named users need Remote Desktop access from multiple devices. They require an Active Directory environment — if your server is in a Workgroup and you don't intend to use Active Directory, choose Device CALs instead.
Best when
  • Named users connect from different devices
  • Access is tied to employees or regular users
  • The environment uses Active Directory
Licensed by endpoint

RDS Device CALs

Device CALs are usually best when Remote Desktop access is tied to shared computers, terminals, or fixed workstations, and they work whether or not the server is joined to Active Directory.
Best when
  • Multiple people use the same workstation
  • Access is tied to fixed devices or terminals
  • The server is in a Workgroup environment
Still unsure which CAL type fits? Tell us whether users connect from multiple devices or whether several people share the same machines, and we can help you choose before purchase.
Use CAL calculator Ask before you buy

Fast delivery, with 60-day moneyback protection

License details and setup guidance arrive by email within about 15 minutes of checkout.
01

Order confirmation

You receive confirmation after checkout using the billing and contact details entered during purchase.
02

License details

Your RDS CAL license details and order record are sent to the email address used at checkout.
03

Setup and video guide

The delivery email includes setup guidance and a video installation guide to help with the next steps.
04

Account record

Your license details and order information stay available in your customer account dashboard under Order Summary.
How your order is protected
  • 60-day moneyback. If a delivery, access, installation, or licensing issue can't be resolved by support, your moneyback is processed within 24 hours.
  • Order Summary corrections. Convert User/Device CALs or change the Windows Server version within 60 days, with any price difference shown.
  • PayPal checkout. Orders are paid through PayPal, with Order Summary access after purchase.
  • Guidance when needed. Contact us before ordering if you're unsure, or after purchase for setup help.
Included after checkout
  • RDS CAL license details
  • Setup guidance and next steps
  • Video installation guide
  • Invoice / order record
  • Customer account Order Summary access

Questions buyers ask before purchasing RDS CALs

Downgrade rights, corrections, renewal, transfers, and order protection.
Do these CALs include downgrade rights for older server versions?
Yes. Higher-version RDS CALs include downgrade rights for earlier supported Windows Server RDS deployments. For example, Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs can be used with Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, and 2016 RDS environments. Older RDS CALs cannot be used with newer Windows Server versions.
What if I order the wrong CAL type or server version?
If you pick the wrong server version or need to switch between User and Device CALs, you can correct it yourself from your account Order Summary or contact us within 60 days of purchase. Exchanging between User CALs and Device CALs of the same value carries no charge. You only pay the difference if the option you exchange to is of higher value than your original order.
What if there is a problem with my order?
Your order is protected by our 60-Day Moneyback Protection. If your license is not delivered, cannot be accessed, was supplied incorrectly, or has a licensing issue our support team cannot fix, we make it right through re-delivery, correction, replacement, or technical support. If we cannot resolve a covered issue, your full moneyback refund is processed within 24 hours.
Will these licenses expire or require renewal?
No. These are perpetual RDS CALs and do not require monthly or annual renewal. Once purchased, the licenses remain valid for the supported lifetime of the Windows Server RDS version they are purchased for, including eligible downgrade use.
Is there a time limit to activate the license after purchase?
No. There is no short activation deadline after purchase. You can keep the license details safely and activate the RDS CALs when you're ready to deploy them on a supported Windows Server RDS environment.
Are these licenses region-restricted?
No. Our RDS CALs are approved for worldwide deployment and are not region-restricted. You can install and deploy these licenses on servers located anywhere in the world.
Can I use these RDS CALs on cloud servers?
Yes. These RDS CALs can be used for supported Remote Desktop Services deployments on on-premises servers, dedicated servers, and cloud environments.
Is the Windows Server operating system included?
No. An RDS CAL is an access license for Remote Desktop Services. It does not include the Windows Server operating system.
Can these CALs be transferred to a different server?
Yes. These RDS CALs can be moved to another server when you replace or upgrade your server hardware. To remain compliant, the original server must be fully decommissioned or wiped before the licenses are activated on the new deployment.
Can IT consultants or MSPs purchase RDS CALs for clients?
Yes. IT consultants, MSPs, and system integrators can purchase RDS CALs for client deployments.
Buying RDS CALs for an audit or SAM review?
The right format depends on your setup and compliance needs. Contact us before purchasing and we will point you to the correct product.
Looking for VLSC licenses?
Contact us before purchase.
Still have questions? Contact us before purchase and we'll help you pick the right version, CAL type, and quantity. Contact us

Feedback from RDS CAL buyers

In-house feedback collected from businesses and administrators purchasing Microsoft RDS CALs.

Asked one question before buying. Support answered clearly, and the 2025 Device CALs installed fine.

Grace Mitchell — Apex Solutions Windows Server 2025 — 5 Device RDS CAL

I liked their fast delivery and the detailed license document, a video installation demo link was also included. Keep up the same standards.

Noah Parker — AlphaLine Systems Windows Server 2016 — 20 Device RDS CAL

Fast email delivery. No chasing, no confusion.

Ethan Wong — BluePeak IT Windows Server 2022 — 10 User RDS CAL

We almost ordered User CALs, but support confirmed Device CALs made more sense for our setup.

Oliver Brown — NorthStar Services Windows Server 2019 — 20 Device RDS CAL

Old 2016 server, simple order. Worked as expected.

Maya Patel — PrimeEdge Systems Windows Server 2016 — 50 User RDS CAL

Setup guide was useful. We added the 10 users easily.

Benjamin Harris — Horizon Office Group Windows Server 2025 — 10 User RDS CAL

My questions were answered clearly before purchase. PayPal checkout was smooth, and the license email arrived quickly.

Emily Carter — ClearPath Consulting Windows Server 2022 — 5 User RDS CAL

The order details were clear. Good experience.

Samuel Turner — SilverLine Partners Windows Server 2025 — 20 Device RDS CAL

Larger order, so I asked a few questions first. Support was patient and practical.

Anika Rao — MetroCore Technologies Windows Server 2022 — 50 Device RDS CAL

Quick purchase. Activated fine.

Liam O'Connor — BrightWorks Ltd. Windows Server 2019 — 10 Device RDS CAL

Downgrade question was answered before checkout. That helped us move ahead.

Sophie Bennett — SummitPoint Consulting Windows Server 2025 — 10 Device RDS CAL

Nothing fancy to report — the CALs installed and the server accepted them.

James Thompson — GreenField Services Windows Server 2022 — 5 Device RDS CAL

We needed to keep a legacy RDS setup alive. Support pointed us to the right option.

Chloe Anderson — CoreBridge IT Windows Server 2016 — 20 User RDS CAL

Bulk order was handled neatly. Our admin had everything needed in one email.

Nathan Cooper — NovaLink Systems Windows Server 2025 — 50 User RDS CAL

I contacted support before placing the order. They guided us to the right pack size.

Olivia Clarke — FirstChoice Business Services Windows Server 2025 — 50 Device RDS CAL

Small order for one branch office. Exactly what we needed.

Daniel Brooks — Skyline Consulting Windows Server 2019 — 5 Device RDS CAL

Good pre-sales help. Suggested the right pack to stay compliant.

Hannah Evans — TrueNorth Solutions Windows Server 2022 — 20 User RDS CAL

Ordered on a weekend and still received it quickly. Support was quick to reply.

Ethan Walker — RapidEdge Technologies Windows Server 2025 — 5 User RDS CAL

Was hesitant initially, but everything was smooth. Activation went through cleanly. No extra back and forth.

Megan Walsh — GlobalPoint Services Windows Server 2016 — 50 Device RDS CAL

Pricing was fair, but the support reply is what made us comfortable buying.

Charlotte Wilson — CloudBridge Solutions Windows Server 2019 — 10 User RDS CAL

Short order, clear license details, done.

Ryan Murphy — UrbanCore Group Windows Server 2025 — 20 User RDS CAL

The PDF and setup notes made it easy. Nothing to complain.

Amelia Foster — NextWave Consulting Windows Server 2022 — 5 Device RDS CAL

Repeat purchase. Same smooth delivery and helpful support.

Matthew Collins — ProActive IT Services Windows Server 2025 — 10 Device RDS CAL

The 50-user order was easy to document for our client. Nice and organized.

Emma Richardson — SecurePath Solutions Windows Server 2019 — 50 User RDS CAL

Good service. They answered my question and delivered what we ordered.

Jack Campbell — Riverstone Group Windows Server 2022 — 5 Device RDS CAL

Ready to choose your Windows Server RDS CALs?

Shop by version, size your order with the calculator, or ask us first.
Shop RDS CALs Use CAL calculator Ask before buying
Go directly to a product page Choose the Windows Server version running in your RDS deployment.
2025 RDS CALs 2022 RDS CALs 2019 RDS CALs 2016 RDS CALs
15-minute email delivery Sent after successful checkout
60-day moneyback protection Protection on every order
Pre- and post-sales guidance Available before and after purchase