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 5 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

How we deliver a smooth buying experience

Delivery, license access, payments, support, corrections, and refunds.

Emailed within 5 minutes

Your complete licensing package is sent to your email within 5 minutes of payment. It includes your license document (PDF), setup guidance, a video installation guide, and your invoice. The license document names your company as the licensee, or your name if no company name is provided at checkout.

Anytime License Access

Access your license document anytime from the Order Summary section of your account, so you never have to worry about losing or deleting it. Select “Create an account to manage your licenses (optional)” at checkout, or create an account later using the same email address used for your order.

Payments processed by PayPal

We never see or store your financial details. On the checkout page, your payment details are handled entirely by PayPal. Every purchase is also covered by PayPal Buyer Protection, in addition to our own 60-Day 100% Moneyback Policy.

Help at every stage

Our dedicated support team is available to assist you before and after purchase. We can help you choose the right CAL type and version for your deployment, then guide you through installing and configuring your licenses. If you prefer, we can also handle the installation for you.

60-day corrections

You don’t need to worry about a wrong selection or changing project requirements. To change the server version or switch between User and Device CALs, contact us within 60 days of purchase and we will correct the order for you. You only pay the difference if the new option costs more than your original order.

60-Day 100% Moneyback Policy

We make sure your money is always safe. If there is a delivery, access, or RDS licensing problem, or your license was supplied incorrectly, we help first. If we cannot fix the problem, we will process your full moneyback refund.

Customer reviews

What businesses and administrators have said about our licenses, service and support.

Verified cal with Microsoft and actives no issues.

Alex Reimer Windows Server 2022 — 5 Device RDS CAL

Great communication and instant exchange when I ordered wrong license.

Ian Maxwell Windows Server 2025 — 5 User RDS CAL

This was the 8th set of RDS CAL purchased in last 11 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.

Clint Keller Windows Server 2022 — 5 Device RDS CAL

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 the right RDS CAL type

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.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Downgrade rights, renewals, transfers, order corrections, installation help, and refunds.

Licensing and compatibility

Can I use newer RDS CALs on older server versions?

Yes, you can. These RDS CALs include downgrade rights, which means a higher-version RDS CAL can be used with earlier supported versions of Windows Server. Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs, for example, can be deployed on Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, and 2016 RDS environments.

Please note that downgrade rights only work in one direction. An older RDS CAL cannot be used on a newer version of Windows Server, so we recommend purchasing the version that matches your newest server.

Will these RDS CALs expire or require renewal in the future?

No, these licenses do not expire. Our RDS CALs are perpetual licenses, which means a single one-time purchase with no monthly or annual renewal fees.

Once purchased, your licenses remain valid for the supported lifetime of the Windows Server version they were purchased for, including any eligible downgrade use.

Do I need to install these RDS CALs within a certain time period?

No, there is no deadline to install or activate your licenses. You are free to purchase now and deploy later. Simply keep your license details in a safe place and install the RDS CALs whenever your server environment is ready.

Can I use these RDS CALs in any country?

Yes, these RDS CALs are approved for worldwide deployment. They can be installed and activated on servers located anywhere in the world, without any regional limitations.

Can I use these RDS CALs on cloud servers?

Yes, these RDS CALs can be used on cloud servers. They support Remote Desktop Services deployments on on-premises servers, dedicated servers, and cloud-hosted environments. The licensing works the same way regardless of where your servers are located.

Do the RDS CALs also include a Windows Server operating system license?

No, a Windows Server operating system license is not included. An RDS CAL is an access license that allows your users or devices to connect to Remote Desktop Services. The operating system itself is licensed separately.

If you are unsure what your deployment requires, our team is happy to review your setup before you order.

Can I install the same RDS CALs when I upgrade my server or format it?

Yes, you can install the same RDS CALs again after you format your server or move to new hardware. Simply reinstall the licenses once your server environment is ready.

If you are moving to a different server, your original server should be fully decommissioned or wiped before the licenses are activated on your new deployment. This keeps your licensing compliant.

Refunds

Can I get a refund if there is a problem with my order?

Yes, every order is covered by our 60-Day 100% Moneyback Policy. If your license is not delivered, cannot be accessed, was supplied incorrectly, or has a licensing issue, our support team will resolve it through re-delivery, correction, replacement, or technical assistance.

In the rare case that a covered issue cannot be resolved, we will process your full refund.

Ordering and corrections

Can I change my RDS CALs if I ordered the wrong option or my project requirements changed?

Yes, you can. If you ordered the wrong server version, need to switch between User CALs and Device CALs, or your requirements have changed, contact us within 60 days of purchase and we will correct the order for you.

Exchanges between User and Device CALs of the same value are free of charge. If the option you are switching to costs more than your original order, you only pay the difference.

What do I get with my purchase and how fast is it delivered?

You will receive a complete licensing package that includes:

  • RDS CAL license document (PDF)
  • Setup guidance and next steps
  • Video installation guide
  • Invoice and order record

These are sent to your email within 5 minutes after successful checkout.

The license document names your company as the licensee, or your name if no company name is provided at checkout.

What should I do if I ever lose my RDS CAL license document?

Your license document is never lost. If you created an account at checkout, your license document and order details are always available in your account order summary section. Otherwise, contact our support team with your order email and we will resend your license package.

To make this easiest, look for the “Create an account to manage your licenses (optional)” checkbox on the checkout page. You can also create an account later using the email address from your order, and your license details will be available there.

Can I add more RDS CALs to my server in the future?

Yes, you can add more RDS CALs at any time. Additional CALs can be purchased whenever your team grows or more users need access, and they are installed alongside your existing licenses on the same licensing server.

There is no need to replace the CALs you already own. Your new licenses simply increase the total number of users or devices that can connect.

Will I get help installing the RDS CALs or resolving configuration issues?

Yes, our support team is available to assist you after purchase. Whether you need help installing the licenses or configuring your Remote Desktop licensing server, we will guide you through the process so your environment is set up correctly. If you prefer, we can also handle the installation for you.

Can IT consultants or MSPs purchase these RDS CALs for their clients?

Yes, IT consultants, MSPs, and system integrators regularly purchase RDS CALs from us on behalf of their clients. Orders can be placed as usual, and our team can assist with selecting the right CAL type and quantity for each client environment.

Compliance

Can I buy these RDS CALs for a Microsoft audit or SAM review?

Yes. Audits and SAM reviews require proper assessment and guidance before purchasing. We recommend contacting us before you place your order so we can review your RDS setup and confirm the correct CAL type and quantity for your requirements.

Do these RDS CALs offer VLSC compatibility?

VLSC-compatible options are available. If VLSC compatibility is a requirement for your organization, please contact us before purchasing and our team will recommend the correct CAL option for your situation.

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 Get help choosing CALs
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
5-minute email delivery Sent after successful checkout
60-day 100% moneyback policy Protection on every order
Pre- and post-sales guidance Available before and after purchase