Microsoft RDS CALs for Windows Server deployments
Remote Desktop licensing, made simple.
Buy Windows Server RDS CALs for 2025, 2022, 2019, and 2016. Choose the right version and CAL type for your environment, complete checkout securely, and receive your license details with setup instructions within 15 minutes after successful payment.
Fast license delivery
User & Device CALs
PayPal secure checkout
15 min
license delivery target
2025–2016
Windows Server versions
User & Device
CAL options available
Support
pre-sales guidance available
Choose by server version
Find the right RDS CAL version for your Windows Server
Start with the Windows Server version used in your Remote Desktop Services deployment. Higher-version RDS CALs include downgrade rights for earlier supported Windows Server RDS environments.
Most Flexible
2025
Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs
Best for current Windows Server 2025 RDS deployments or businesses that want the broadest downgrade flexibility.
- For Windows Server 2025 RDS environments
- Covers 2022, 2019, and 2016 with downgrade rights
Buy 2025 RDS CALs
Popular Choice
2022
Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs
A practical option for Windows Server 2022 Remote Desktop Services deployments and earlier supported environments.
- For Windows Server 2022 RDS environments
- Covers 2019 and 2016 with downgrade rights
Buy 2022 RDS CALs
For 2019 Deployments
2019
Windows Server 2019 RDS CALs
For organizations licensing established Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services environments.
- For Windows Server 2019 RDS environments
- Covers 2016 with downgrade rights
Buy 2019 RDS CALs
For 2016 Deployments
2016
Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs
For businesses maintaining Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services access.
- For Windows Server 2016 RDS environments
- Designed for Windows Server 2016 deployments
Buy 2016 RDS CALs
Not sure which version to buy?
Choose the RDS CAL version that matches your Windows Server RDS environment. A higher-version RDS CAL can be used with earlier supported Windows Server versions, but an older RDS CAL cannot be used with a newer server version.
Remote Desktop Services basics
What an RDS CAL is used for
Remote Desktop Services allows people to connect to a Windows Server and use hosted desktops, applications, files, or business systems. An RDS CAL licenses that remote access separately from the Windows Server operating system.
Quick licensing check
For Remote Desktop Services, you need the Windows Server environment and the correct RDS CALs for remote access.
What RDS enables
RDS lets users connect remotely to server-hosted desktops, applications, and internal systems instead of working only on a local machine.What an RDS CAL covers
An RDS CAL gives a user or device the right to access Remote Desktop Services on a licensed Windows Server deployment.What it does not include
An RDS CAL does not include the Windows Server operating system, application licenses, hosting, or server configuration services.Where CALs are managed
In a standard RDS deployment, the RD Licensing role manages installed RDS CALs while RD Session Host runs the remote sessions.
Before you order
A clearer way to buy Windows Server RDS CALs
RDS CAL Store keeps the buying process focused on the details that matter: your server version, your access model, and the number of users or devices you need to license.
01
Confirm your server version
Match the CAL version to the Windows Server RDS environment you are licensing.
02
Choose the access model
Decide whether licensing should follow named users or specific devices.
03
Select the quantity
Buy the CAL count that fits your deployment today, with room to add more later.
Why RDS CAL Store
A specialist store for Windows Server RDS CAL purchases
RDS CAL Store is built for businesses that want a focused, practical way to buy Remote Desktop Services CALs without sorting through unrelated software, unclear product options, or unnecessary licensing noise.
Focused catalog for Windows Server RDS CAL buyers.
Clear product paths by server version and CAL type.
Guidance available when your deployment needs a quick review.
Built around RDS CALs
The store is structured around Windows Server Remote Desktop Services licensing, so buyers can quickly find the version and CAL type they need.
Cleaner product choices
Product pages are organized by Windows Server version, with clear User CAL and Device CAL options for common business deployments.
Business-ready order records
Your order details remain available from your account dashboard, helping your team keep purchase information accessible for future reference.
Pre-sales guidance when needed
If you are unsure about the correct version, CAL type, or quantity, contact us before ordering and we will help you review the purchase path.
User CALs vs Device CALs
Choose whether access follows a user or a device
RDS CALs are purchased as either User CALs or Device CALs.
The right option depends on how people connect to your Remote Desktop Services environment.
Simple rule
Choose User CALs when access follows people. Choose Device CALs when access follows shared or fixed machines.
Licensed by person
RDS User CALs
User CALs are usually best when the same named users need Remote Desktop access from more than one device.
Best when:
- Named users connect from different devices
- Access is tied to employees or regular users
- The environment uses Active Directory
Important: For Windows Server 2019 and newer, User CALs are best suited to Active Directory environments.
Licensed by endpoint
RDS Device CALs
Device CALs are usually best when Remote Desktop access is tied to shared computers, terminals, or fixed workstations.
Best when:
- Multiple people use the same workstation
- Access is tied to fixed devices or terminals
- The server is in a workgroup environment
Workgroup setup? If you do not use Active Directory, Device CALs are usually the more practical choice.
After checkout
Clear next steps after your RDS CAL order
After successful payment, your order moves into a simple delivery flow. You receive your license details, setup instructions, and access to your order record from your account dashboard.
Delivery target
License details and setup instructions are sent within 15 minutes after successful checkout.
01
Order confirmation
You receive confirmation after checkout, using the billing details entered during purchase.
02
License email
Your license details and setup instructions are sent to the email address used at checkout.
03
Dashboard access
A copy of your order details remains available in your account dashboard under Order Summary.
04
Support if needed
Contact us if you need help locating your order details or understanding the setup instructions.
Use accurate checkout details
Please enter the correct business and contact details at checkout. These details are used for registration and order records.
Included after checkout
- License details for your order
- Setup instructions
- Account dashboard order record
Technical guidance
RDS licensing guides for Windows Server admins
Use our guides to review common Remote Desktop Services licensing tasks before or after purchase. They are written for administrators who want clear, practical steps without unnecessary licensing jargon.
Installation
Install RDS CALs
Follow the basic steps for preparing RD Licensing and installing RDS CALs on Windows Server. Read installation guide CAL TypeUser CAL vs Device CAL
Compare the two CAL types and decide whether remote access should follow people or devices. Compare CAL types Version PlanningChoose the right version
Review how to match your RDS CAL purchase to the Windows Server version used in your environment. Review version guide TroubleshootingResolve common issues
Check common RDS licensing questions, setup checks, and next steps for administrators. View troubleshooting help
Helpful for planning and setup
These guides are meant to support product selection, installation planning, and common RDS licensing questions. For purchase-specific help, contact us before ordering.
Purchase confidence
Policy-backed confidence for business RDS CAL purchases
RDS CAL purchases are easier to manage when the order path, records, and support policy are clear. RDS CAL Store keeps purchase details organized and gives buyers practical options if something needs review.
Clear purchase policies
Built around practical order records, eligible exchange handling, and guidance before or after purchase.
60-day exchange option
Eligible unactivated licenses may qualify for a one-time exchange between User and Device CALs, or a version change, within 60 days of purchase.
Ownership warranty
Every purchase includes a lifetime warranty on license ownership, giving your business confidence in the records tied to your order.
Secure checkout
Orders are placed through secure online checkout. Use accurate business and contact details so your order records are prepared correctly.
Guidance when needed
Contact us before ordering if you are unsure about version, CAL type, quantity, or whether your deployment needs a quick review.
Keep your order records accurate
Please enter accurate business and contact details at checkout. These details are used for registration and order records, and they help your team keep the purchase organized for future reference.
Procurement FAQ
Questions buyers ask before purchasing RDS CALs
A focused FAQ for IT buyers, administrators, consultants, MSPs, and procurement teams reviewing version fit, ownership, deployment use, and exchange options.
Review before checkout
These answers cover common purchase questions before you move to the shop page or contact support.
How does your pricing compare to traditional CSP or procurement channels?
Traditional CSP and procurement channels often include pricing floors, distributor layers, reseller margins, and longer purchasing workflows. RDS CAL Store operates as an independent volume licensing specialist, allowing us to source Microsoft RDS CALs at scale and price them more efficiently.
Will these licenses pass a formal Microsoft audit or SAM review?
Our licenses are supplied as standard Microsoft volume licenses for compliant use in supported environments. If your organization is currently going through, preparing for, or responding to a formal Microsoft audit or Software Asset Management (SAM) review, please contact us before purchasing so we can confirm the right license format for your setup and compliance requirements.
Can IT consultants or MSPs purchase RDS CALs for clients?
Yes. IT consultants, MSPs, and system integrators can purchase RDS CALs for client deployments. Please mention the correct customer or client details in the order details or order notes when placing the order.
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.
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 are ready to deploy them on a supported Windows Server RDS environment.
Do I own the license permanently?
Yes. These are perpetual RDS CALs. Once purchased, you retain ownership of the license for the supported lifetime of the Windows Server RDS version it is purchased for, including eligible downgrade use.
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 licenses on cloud platforms?
Yes. You can use these RDS CALs for Windows Server Remote Desktop Services deployments on cloud environments such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, third-party cloud hosting providers, dedicated servers, or on-premises servers, as long as the server environment supports standard RDS CAL installation and activation.
What if I misplace my license details?
If you misplace your license details, log in to your account on our website and go to your order summary section. You can view and download your license details directly from your dashboard at any time.
What if I order the wrong CAL type or server version?
If you purchase the wrong server version or need to switch between User and Device CALs, you can exchange eligible unactivated licenses from your account dashboard within 60 days of purchase. Go to your order summary, choose the correct product, and pay any applicable price difference. Once the exchange is completed, the original license key is permanently blacklisted to prevent unauthorized use.
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.
Buyer feedback
Feedback from business and IT buyers
Customer feedback gives new buyers a practical view of the ordering experience, including communication, order handling, and post-purchase assistance.
What buyers look for
Smooth ordering, clear license details, and support when a purchase needs clarification.
“Have been working with this Team for the past 5 years, no problem with their licenses so far, they've also provided with assistance when needed, great team!”
“This was the 8th set of RDS CAL purchased in last 12 months. Total of 250 CAL so far. Every purchase went very smooth and the CAL worked great. We have 2-3 more sets that will be purchasing over next 60 days.”
“License arrived quickly and activated without issue. Would definitely order another pack if we need to expand.”
Useful feedback for technical buyers
RDS CAL buyers often want reassurance that the order process is clear and that help is available when needed. These reviews highlight the kind of purchase experience many business buyers look for.
Ready to order
Ready to choose your Windows Server RDS CALs?
Go to the shop page when you know what you need, use the calculator if you want help with quantity, or contact us before purchase if your deployment needs a quick review.
Server version
Confirm whether your deployment uses 2025, 2022, 2019, or 2016.
CAL type
Decide whether access should follow named users or specific devices.
Quantity
Choose the CAL count that fits your current users or devices.
Before checkout:
Please enter accurate business and contact details. These details are used for registration and order records.
