RDS CAL Store · Remote Desktop Services licensing
Buy Microsoft RDS CALs for Windows Server.
Remote Desktop Services CALs for Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, and 2016, with help choosing the right version, CAL type, and quantity for your deployment.
Focused on Remote Desktop Services licensing, with support before and after purchase. License details are sent by email, typically within 15 minutes of checkout.
RDS CAL order flow
What to expect
How an order works, start to finish.
1
Choose server version
Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, or 2016.
2
Select CAL type
User CAL or Device CAL.
3
Pick pack size
Packs of 5, 10, 20, or 50 users or devices.
4
Check out through PayPal
Paid through PayPal, with Buyer Protection included.
5
Receive license details in ~15 minutes
License email, setup guidance, and invoice.
Not sure which version you need? Contact us.
User and Device CALs
Packs of 5, 10, 20, and 50 across every supported Windows Server version.
60-day returns
Order corrections or refunds within 60 days of purchase.
PayPal checkout
Orders are paid through PayPal.
Remote Desktop Services, previously known as Terminal Services, requires RDS CALs for every user or device connecting to a Windows Server Remote Desktop Services deployment.
Choose by server version
View all RDS CALs
Choose the right Windows Server RDS CAL version
Match your RDS CAL version to the Windows Server version in your Remote Desktop Services deployment. Newer CALs cover older servers through downgrade rights — older CALs don't work on newer servers.
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
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
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
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
Version rule
Choose an RDS CAL version that's the same as or newer than the Windows Server version receiving Remote Desktop Services connections.
Newer RDS CALs can usually be used with earlier supported server versions through downgrade rights, but older RDS CALs should not be used for newer Windows Server deployments.
Remote Desktop Services basics
What is RDS and why are RDS CALs required?
Remote Desktop Services, commonly called RDS and formerly known as Terminal Services, lets users connect to a Windows Server environment and access remote desktops, published applications, and session-based workspaces. An RDS CAL is the Remote Desktop Services Client Access License required for users or devices that access an RDS deployment.
Simple licensing view
For Remote Desktop access, the server environment and the required RDS CALs are separate licensing parts.
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.
What is separate
RDS CALs do not include the Windows Server operating system, application licenses, hosting, server setup, or other Microsoft licenses.
License note
RDS CALs are access licenses. They help license Remote Desktop Services access, but they don't replace the Windows Server operating system license or any required application licensing.
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 users and computers 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.
RDS User CALs
User CALs are usually best when the same named users need Remote Desktop access from multiple devices.
Best when:
- Named users connect from different devices
- Access is tied to employees or regular users
- The environment uses Active Directory
Important
User CALs require an Active Directory environment. If your server is in a Workgroup and you don't intend to use Active Directory, choose Device CALs.
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 your server isn't joined to Active Directory, Device CALs are usually the safer and more practical choice.
Customer reviews
Feedback from RDS CAL buyers
A quick look at buyer feedback from businesses and administrators purchasing Microsoft Remote Desktop Services CALs.
Procurement FAQ
Questions buyers ask before purchasing RDS CALs
Answers for IT buyers, administrators, consultants, MSPs, and procurement teams reviewing RDS CAL pricing, deployment use, downgrade rights, and exchange options before purchase.
Review before checkout
Use these answers to confirm common purchase details before moving to the shop page or contacting 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.
What about a Microsoft audit or SAM review?
If your organization is going through, preparing for, or responding to a Microsoft audit or Software Asset Management (SAM) review, contact us before purchasing so we can recommend 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'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 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.
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 I add the CALs to VLSC?
Contact us before purchase if you wish to add the CALs to VLSC.
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.
Ready to order
Ready to choose your Windows Server RDS CALs?
Shop Microsoft RDS CALs for Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, and 2016, use the calculator if you need help with quantity, or contact us before purchase for a quick review.
Go directly to a product page
Choose the Windows Server version running in your RDS deployment.
15-minute email delivery after successful checkout
60-day moneyback protection
Pre- and post-sales guidance available
