RDS CAL Store — Remote Desktop Services licensing
Buy Windows Server RDS CALs without the licensing confusion.
RDS CAL Store supplies Microsoft Windows Server Remote Desktop Services CALs for 2025, 2022, 2019, and 2016, with User and Device options for business RDS deployments. Order online and receive your license details within 15 minutes after successful payment.
Fast license delivery
Perpetual CALs
PayPal secure checkout
Windows Server version selection
Match your RDS CAL version to the server running Remote Desktop Services
Select the Windows Server version used by your RDS deployment. A higher-version RDS CAL can cover the same version and earlier supported versions, while an older RDS CAL cannot be used for a newer server.
Version rule: buy the same RDS CAL version as your Windows Server RDS host, or choose a higher supported version when downgrade use is needed.
Broadest coverage
2025
Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs
Best for current Windows Server 2025 RDS hosts or buyers who want the newest CAL version for eligible downgrade use.
- Covers 2025 deployments
- Eligible for 2022, 2019, and 2016 downgrade use
Buy 2025 RDS CALs
Popular choice
2022
Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs
A practical fit for Windows Server 2022 Remote Desktop Services hosts and earlier supported environments.
- Covers 2022 deployments
- Eligible for 2019 and 2016 downgrade use
Buy 2022 RDS CALs
For 2019 hosts
2019
Windows Server 2019 RDS CALs
For organizations licensing established Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services environments.
- Covers 2019 deployments
- Eligible for 2016 downgrade use
Buy 2019 RDS CALs
For 2016 hosts
2016
Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs
For businesses maintaining Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services access without moving to a newer RDS host.
- Covers 2016 deployments
- Use only where the RDS host version matches
Buy 2016 RDS CALs
What an RDS CAL covers
Know what you are buying before licensing Remote Desktop access
A Microsoft Windows Server Remote Desktop Services CAL is used to license remote access to an RDS deployment. It is separate from the Windows Server operating system.
Windows Server RDS
The server environment runs Remote Desktop Services.
RDS CAL
The Client Access License covers Remote Desktop access rights.
Licensed access
Users or devices can connect to the RDS environment.
What it covers
Remote Desktop Services access to server-hosted desktops, applications, or internal systems.
What it does not include
Windows Server OS, application licenses, hosting, or server configuration services.
Where it is managed
RDS CALs are managed through the RD Licensing role in a standard RDS deployment.
Simple way to think about it: Windows Server runs the environment; RDS CALs license Remote Desktop access to that environment.
Why buy from RDS CAL Store
A focused licensing store for Remote Desktop Services
RDS CAL Store is built around one clear need: helping businesses buy Microsoft Windows Server Remote Desktop Services CALs without a long procurement process or unclear product selection.
RDS-focused catalog
The store is organized around Windows Server RDS CALs, not a broad mix of unrelated software products.
Clear order records
Your purchase details are kept accessible from your account order summary, so license information is easier to retrieve later.
Guidance when needed
If your setup is not straightforward, you can contact us before ordering instead of guessing your licensing route.
User CALs vs Device CALs
Choose whether RDS access should follow a person or a machine
RDS CALs are purchased as either User CALs or Device CALs. The right option depends on whether your Remote Desktop access is tied to named people or shared endpoints.
Simple rule
Choose User CALs when access follows people. Choose Device CALs when access follows shared or fixed computers.
Licensed by person
RDS User CALs
Best when the same named users need Remote Desktop access from different devices.
- Users may connect from laptops, desktops, or other approved devices
- Access is tied to employees, contractors, or regular named users
- Usually better for Active Directory-based environments
For Windows Server 2019 and newer: User CALs are best suited to Active Directory environments.
Licensed by endpoint
RDS Device CALs
Best when Remote Desktop access is tied to shared computers, terminals, or fixed workstations.
- Several people use the same machine across shifts or roles
- Access is tied to kiosks, terminals, office PCs, or shared endpoints
- Often simpler when the server is not joined to Active Directory
Workgroup setup? If you do not use Active Directory, Device CALs are usually the more practical choice.
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.
Are you an Authorized Microsoft RDS CAL Reseller?
Yes, we are Authorized Microsoft Reseller. Purchasing through us guarantees that you are receiving genuine RDS CALs, access to official Microsoft updates, and expert support from our trained team.
How does your pricing compare to CSP or procurement channels?
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.
How fast will I receive my RDS CAL license details?
License details are usually prepared and sent within 15 minutes after successful payment. They are sent to the email address used at checkout and are also available from your account order summary.
What details should I enter at checkout?
Please enter accurate business and contact details at checkout. These details are used for registration and order records.
Do you provide RDS CAL setup guides?
Yes. RDS CAL Store provides practical guides for common Remote Desktop Services licensing tasks, including installation planning, CAL type selection, version selection, and troubleshooting. You can visit our Guides section for step-by-step help.
Ready to order
Ready to buy your Windows Server RDS CALs?
Visit the shop page to choose your RDS CALs, use the calculator if you want help estimating quantity, or contact us before purchase if your deployment needs a quick review.
