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 — nothing else
- Support before and after purchase, from people who size CALs daily
- License details and invoice emailed within 15 minutes, day or night
Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs
- 5 CALs $40.00 per CAL $199.99
- 10 CALs $35.00 per CAL $349.99
- 20 CALs $27.50 per CAL $549.99
- 50 CALsBest value $16.00 per CAL $799.99
Save 60% per CAL on the 50-pack All pack sizes
Choose your server version
Newer CALs cover older servers; older CALs won't run on newer ones.
2025 RDS CALs
Most flexible
Best for Windows Server 2025 deployments, or buyers who want the widest downgrade path for earlier supported versions.
For Windows Server 2025 RDS environments
Downgrade path for 2022, 2019 and 2016
Buy 2025 RDS CALs
2022 RDS CALs
Popular choice
A practical option for Windows Server 2022 deployments and businesses licensing earlier supported environments.
For Windows Server 2022 RDS environments
Downgrade path for 2019 and 2016
Buy 2022 RDS CALs
2019 RDS CALs
For 2019 deployments
For organizations licensing established Windows Server 2019 deployments that don't require 2022 or 2025 CALs.
For Windows Server 2019 RDS environments
Downgrade path for 2016
Buy 2019 RDS CALs
2016 RDS CALs
For 2016 deployments
For businesses maintaining Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services access and licensing 2016-based 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.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.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.How CALs are managed
In a standard RDS deployment, RDS CALs are installed and managed through the Remote Desktop Licensing role in Windows Server.Choose whether access follows a user or a device
User CALs when access follows people; Device CALs when it follows shared machines.RDS User CALs
Best when the same named users need Remote Desktop access from more than one device. User CALs require Active Directory.- Named users connect from different devices
- Access is tied to employees or regular users
- The environment uses Active Directory
RDS Device CALs
Best when access is tied to the machine rather than the person. Works with or without Active Directory.- Multiple people use the same workstation
- Access is tied to fixed devices or terminals
- The server is in a Workgroup environment
What our customers say
What businesses and administrators have said about our licenses, service and support.Questions buyers ask before purchasing RDS CALs
Downgrade rights, corrections, renewal, transfers and order protection.Licensing and compatibility
Do these CALs include downgrade rights for older server versions?
Will these licenses expire or require renewal?
Is there a time limit to activate the license after purchase?
Are these licenses region-restricted?
Can I use these RDS CALs on cloud servers?
Is the Windows Server operating system included?
Protection and refunds
What if there is a problem with my order?
Ordering and corrections
What if I order the wrong CAL type or server version?
What will I receive after ordering?
- RDS CAL license document (PDF)
- Setup guidance and next steps
- Video installation guide
- Invoice / order record