Microsoft Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019 & 2016 RDS CALs
Get your team connected with genuine Microsoft RDS CALs for Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, and 2016 from RDS CAL Store, a specialist store focused on Microsoft RDS licensing. We offer the right CAL options for your server version and deployment needs.
Choose User CALs or Device CALs, and receive instant digital delivery, with setup guidance available if needed. Use the RDS CAL Calculator for a quick recommendation, or contact RDS CAL Store for help choosing the right CAL type, quantity, and server year.
Microsoft Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs
Microsoft Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 RDS CALs
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs
Your License Package Includes
Instant Download
Get your RDS CALs instantly after checkout. Watch the checkout demo below.Includes complete digital delivery.
Installation Video Guide
Watch the step-by-step video guide below for a flawless RDS CAL installation.Follow our step-by-step video guide for a flawless RDS CAL installation.
Helpful Setup Guides
Access our library of RDS installation, deployment, and troubleshooting guides.
The Right RDS CAL for Every Business
We help businesses choose the right license for their server version and deployment requirements without unnecessary friction. Whether you are expanding a remote team or supporting a local office, we simplify the licensing process so you can stay focused on your systems, with support available through installation and activation.
Why Your Peers Choose Us
We focus narrowly on Microsoft RDS licensing so buyers can identify the right pack quickly, avoid compatibility mistakes, and get help before or after purchase.
100% RDS Focused
We specialize in Remote Desktop Services, so you get clear and accurate guidance for your setup.
Genuine Licensing
Every RDS CAL you purchase is a Genuine Microsoft license that complies with standard activation protocols.
Backed by Certified IT Admins
Microsoft licensing should be straightforward. We built our store to help businesses of all sizes simplify their remote connectivity.
Free Installation Support
Set up your server with confidence. If you need help, our in-house IT experts provide free installation and activation support.
Procurement FAQ
Common questions from IT buyers and system administrators.
How does your pricing compare to traditional CSPs?
Traditional CSPs are bound by strict pricing floors and multi-tier distributor markups. As an independent volume licensing specialist, we bypass this chain entirely. We leverage strategic volume procurement to source our licenses at scale, allowing us to offer the exact same perpetual CALs without the 40% corporate markup.
Will these licenses pass a formal Microsoft audit?
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 these licenses for their clients?
Yes. IT consultants, system integrators, and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) frequently purchase our CALs to deploy on behalf of their clients. You can legally procure these licenses and activate them directly on your client’s Windows Server infrastructure to ensure they remain fully compliant.
Do these CALs include downgrade rights for older server versions?
Yes. Microsoft RDS CALs inherently include standard downgrade rights. For example, a Windows Server 2025 CAL can be used to access a Windows Server 2022 or 2019 RDS host. However, please note that older CALs cannot be used to access newer server versions.
Will these licenses ever expire?
Never. We provide 100% perpetual licenses. Once activated in your Windows Server, they are yours forever. There are absolutely no recurring subscription fees, renewal costs, or hidden expiration dates. This permanent status can be confirmed directly in the RD Licensing Manager after installing the RDS CALs.
Do I own the license permanently?
Yes. Your volume license is permanently guaranteed for the entire lifecycle of your server environment. You have permanent, unrestricted ownership of your CALs.
Are these licenses region-restricted?
No, they are fully valid for global deployment. There are no geoblocks or regional activation limits on our CALs. You can seamlessly install and deploy these licenses to servers located anywhere in the world.
Can I use these licenses on any cloud platform?
Yes. Our RDS CALs are fully compatible with both on-premises deployments and cloud environments. You can install and activate them on virtual machines hosted on AWS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, or any other third-party cloud hosting provider running a compatible Windows Server instance.
What if I misplace or lose my license keys?
You have permanent access to your digital keys. If you ever misplace them, simply log in to your account on our website and navigate to your order summary section. You can view and download your license keys directly from your dashboard at any time.
What if I order the wrong CAL type or server version?
We understand that deployment requirements can change. If you accidentally purchase the wrong server edition, or need to switch between User and Device CALs, you can swap your unactivated licenses directly from your account dashboard within 60 days of purchase. Simply navigate to your order summary to change your product and pay any applicable price difference. Please note that once an exchange is processed, the original license key will be permanently blacklisted to prevent unauthorized use.
Can these CALs be transferred to a different server?
Yes. If you upgrade your infrastructure or migrate to a new machine, you can transfer your CALs. However, the original server must be fully decommissioned or wiped before the licenses are activated on the new deployment to remain compliant.
Who Supports You
- Technical Help from Start to Finish: We provide complete guidance for your RDS infrastructure, from verifying server compatibility to final license activation and deployment troubleshooting.
- Pre-Purchase Compatibility Check: Not sure which license your setup requires? Contact us before purchase for a free compatibility check to help prevent deployment delays.
- Direct Expert Support: Contact us to speak with a Microsoft certified IT professional.
- Reliable Response Times: We are committed to reviewing and replying to all technical questions within 12 hours to help keep your deployment on track.
What Is Remote Desktop Services (RDS)?
Managing software and security on every single employee's computer is a huge task. Remote Desktop Services (RDS) simplifies this by letting you run your apps and desktops on one powerful central server. Your team then connects to that server to do their work.
Whether you call it RDS or "Terminal Services," the goal is simple: your company's data and software stay safe in one place. Your team gets a smooth, fast experience whether they are working from a desktop in the office, a laptop at home, or a tablet while traveling.
Why Do I Need RDS CALs?
A common mistake is thinking that just having Windows Server is enough to let people work remotely. It actually isn't. While your server license runs the computer, Microsoft requires a Remote Desktop Services Client Access License (RDS CAL) for every person or device that connects to it through RDP.
Think of it like a ticket to enter a workspace. Without these "tickets" (CALs) installed on your system, users are only allowed a temporary 120-day trial. Once that trial ends, the server will stop allowing remote connections, locking your team out. Setting up your CALs early ensures your business stays up and running without any surprises.
Choosing the Right Type of License
User CAL
This license is tied to the person. If an employee uses multiple devices—like an office PC, a home laptop, and a tablet—they only need one User CAL. This is the best choice for remote and hybrid teams who work from different locations.
Device CAL
This license is tied to the computer. It’s perfect for businesses with shift workers, like call centers or hospitals. If three different people use the same physical computer during the day, you only need one Device CAL for that machine.
Version Compatibility & Future-Proofing
Microsoft has a simple rule for versions: your license must be the same year (or newer) as your server software. For example, a 2019 license won't work on a newer 2022 server.
The good news is that newer licenses have "Downgrade Rights." If you are using an older server now but plan to upgrade later, you can buy the newest 2025 licenses. They will work perfectly with your current older system and will also be ready to go when you eventually upgrade your server in the future.
Verified buyer feedback
Here are some reviews from repeat purchasers and first-time buyers across Windows Server 2025-2016 CAL packs. Read what they have to say about their experience: