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.

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Microsoft RDS CALs for Windows Server licensing illustration showing User CALs, Device CALs, delivery, PayPal checkout, downgrade rights, and support
RDS CAL NOTE 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 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.
View all RDS CALs
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
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.

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.
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.
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.

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.
Licensed by person

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.
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 your server isn't joined to Active Directory, Device CALs are usually the safer and more practical choice.
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.
Use CAL calculator Ask before you buy

Fast delivery, with 60-day moneyback protection

After successful checkout, your RDS CAL license details, setup guidance, and order record arrive within about 15 minutes. Your order stays covered by 60-day moneyback protection and self-serve corrections from your account.
Delivery target License details, setup guidance, the video installation guide, and invoice/order record are sent within 15 minutes after successful checkout.
01

Order confirmation

You receive confirmation after checkout using the billing and contact details entered during purchase.
02

License details

Your RDS CAL license details and order record are sent to the email address used at checkout.
03

Setup and video guide

The delivery email includes setup guidance and a video installation guide to help with the next steps.
04

Account record

Your license details and order information stay available in your customer account dashboard under Order Summary.
How your order is protected
  • 60-day moneyback. If a delivery, access, installation, or licensing issue can't be resolved by support, your moneyback is processed within 48 hours.
  • Order Summary corrections. Convert User/Device CALs or change the Windows Server version within 60 days, with any price difference shown.
  • PayPal checkout. Orders are paid through PayPal, with Order Summary access after purchase.
  • Guidance when needed. Contact us before ordering if you're unsure, or after purchase for setup help.
Included after checkout
  • RDS CAL license details
  • Setup guidance and next steps
  • Video installation guide
  • Invoice / order record
  • Customer account Order Summary access
Use accurate checkout details. They're used for your order records and to send your license details to the right place.

Questions buyers ask before purchasing RDS CALs

Answers for IT buyers, administrators, consultants, MSPs, and procurement teams reviewing RDS CAL deployment use, downgrade rights, correction options, and order protection before purchase.
Review before checkout Use these answers to confirm common purchase details before moving to the shop page or contacting support.
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.
What if I order the wrong CAL type or server version?
If you pick the wrong server version or need to switch between User and Device CALs, you can correct it yourself from your account Order Summary or contact us within 60 days of purchase. Exchanging between User CALs and Device CALs of the same value carries no charge. You only pay the difference if the option you exchange to is of higher value than your original order.
What if there is a problem with my order?
Your order is protected by our 60-Day Moneyback Protection. If your license is not delivered, cannot be accessed, was supplied incorrectly, or has a licensing issue our support team cannot fix, we make it right through re-delivery, correction, replacement, or technical support. If we cannot resolve a covered issue, your full moneyback refund is processed within 48 hours.
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 RDS CALs on cloud servers?
Yes. These RDS CALs can be used for supported Remote Desktop Services deployments on on-premises servers, dedicated servers, and cloud environments.
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 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.
Can IT consultants or MSPs purchase RDS CALs for clients?
Yes. IT consultants, MSPs, and system integrators can purchase RDS CALs for client deployments.
Buying RDS CALs for an audit or SAM review?
The right format depends on your setup and compliance needs. Contact us before purchasing and we will point you to the correct product.
Looking for VLSC licenses?
Contact us before purchase.

Feedback from RDS CAL buyers

A quick look at buyer feedback from businesses and administrators purchasing Microsoft Remote Desktop Services CALs.
Feedback snapshot These comments reflect a mix of short buyer feedback, setup experiences, support questions, volume orders, and delivery notes.
Grace Mitchell - Apex Solutions

Asked one question before buying. Support answered clearly, and the 2025 Device CALs installed fine.

Windows Server 2025 — 5 Device RDS CAL "
Noah Parker - AlphaLine Systems

I liked their fast delivery and the detailed license document, a video installation demo link was also included. Keep up the same standards.

Windows Server 2016 — 20 Device RDS CAL "
Ethan Wong - BluePeak IT

Fast email delivery. No chasing, no confusion.

Windows Server 2022 — 10 User RDS CAL "
Oliver Brown - NorthStar Services

We almost ordered User CALs, but support confirmed Device CALs made more sense for our setup.

Windows Server 2019 — 20 Device RDS CAL "
Maya Patel - PrimeEdge Systems

Old 2016 server, simple order. Worked as expected.

Windows Server 2016 — 50 User RDS CAL "
Benjamin Harris - Horizon Office Group

Setup guide was useful. We added the 10 users easily.

Windows Server 2025 — 10 User RDS CAL "
Emily Carter - ClearPath Consulting

My questions were answered clearly before purchase. PayPal checkout was smooth, and the license email arrived quickly.

Windows Server 2022 — 5 User RDS CAL "
Samuel Turner - SilverLine Partners

The order details were clear. Good experience.

Windows Server 2025 — 20 Device RDS CAL "
Anika Rao - MetroCore Technologies

Larger order, so I asked a few questions first. Support was patient and practical.

Windows Server 2022 — 50 Device RDS CAL "
Liam O’Connor - BrightWorks Ltd.

Quick purchase. Activated fine.

Windows Server 2019 — 10 Device RDS CAL "
Sophie Bennett - SummitPoint Consulting

Downgrade question was answered before checkout. That helped us move ahead.

Windows Server 2025 — 10 Device RDS CAL "
James Thompson - GreenField Services

Nothing fancy to report — the CALs installed and the server accepted them.

Windows Server 2022 — 5 Device RDS CAL "
Chloe Anderson - CoreBridge IT

We needed to keep a legacy RDS setup alive. Support pointed us to the right option.

Windows Server 2016 — 20 User RDS CAL "
Nathan Cooper - NovaLink Systems

Bulk order was handled neatly. Our admin had everything needed in one email.

Windows Server 2025 — 50 User RDS CAL "
Olivia Clarke - FirstChoice Business Services

I contacted support before placing the order. They guided us to the right pack size.

Windows Server 2025 — 50 Device RDS CAL "
Daniel Brooks - Skyline Consulting

Small order for one branch office. Exactly what we needed.

Windows Server 2019 — 5 Device RDS CAL "
Hannah Evans - TrueNorth Solutions

Good pre-sales help. Suggested the right pack to stay compliant.

Windows Server 2022 — 20 User RDS CAL "
Ethan Walker - RapidEdge Technologies

Ordered on a weekend and still received it quickly. Support was quick to reply.

Windows Server 2025 — 5 User RDS CAL "
Megan Walsh - GlobalPoint Services

Was hesitant initially, but everything was smooth. Activation went through cleanly. No extra back and forth.

Windows Server 2016 — 50 Device RDS CAL "
Charlotte Wilson - CloudBridge Solutions

Pricing was fair, but the support reply is what made us comfortable buying.

Windows Server 2019 — 10 User RDS CAL "
Ryan Murphy - UrbanCore Group

Short order, clear license details, done.

Windows Server 2025 — 20 User RDS CAL "
Amelia Foster - NextWave Consulting

The PDF and setup notes made it easy. Nothing to complain.

Windows Server 2022 — 5 Device RDS CAL "
Matthew Collins - ProActive IT Services

Repeat purchase. Same smooth delivery and helpful support.

Windows Server 2025 — 10 Device RDS CAL "
Emma Richardson - SecurePath Solutions

The 50-user order was easy to document for our client. Nice and organized.

Windows Server 2019 — 50 User RDS CAL "
Jack Campbell - Riverstone Group

Good service. They answered my question and delivered what we ordered.

Windows Server 2022 — 5 Device RDS CAL "

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.
Shop RDS CALs Use CAL calculator Ask before buying
Go directly to a product page Choose the Windows Server version running in your RDS deployment.
2025 Windows Server RDS CALs 2022 Windows Server RDS CALs 2019 Windows Server RDS CALs 2016 Windows Server RDS CALs
15-minute email delivery after successful checkout 60-day moneyback protection Pre- and post-sales guidance available