Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs

SKU: 6VC-03052-5D

Select License Type

CAL Type Price
5 Device CAL $109.00
5 User CAL $109.00
10 Device CAL $179.00
10 User CAL $179.00
20 Device CAL $319.00
20 User CAL $319.00
50 Device CAL $599.00
50 User CAL $599.00
Not sure which license type? Use our calculator
Price: $109.00
1
Genuine License
Instant Delivery
60-Day Exchange
Note: Standard RD Licensing Manager deployments can purchase and activate directly. If your organization uses a centralized Microsoft portal workflow, Contact us before purchase so we can confirm the correct license format.

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Description

Secure Legacy Remote Access with Genuine User & Device CALs

Still running Windows Server 2016? The RDS CAL is what keeps your remote desktop environment properly licensed — and among all supported Server versions, it’s the most budget-friendly option you’ll find.

Keep Your Trusted Systems Running Smoothly

You shouldn’t have to overhaul your entire server room just to add a few new remote workers. If you are happily running an older setup, Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs are the most budget-friendly way to expand your team’s access. These licenses give your employees secure, encrypted connections to the centralized apps they need every day, easily extending the life of your current infrastructure.

Procuring your Windows Server RDS CALs from RDS CAL Store guarantees a perpetual Microsoft license delivered instantly. Your authorization keys are routed straight to your inbox, fully provisioned and ready to deploy the second your payment is processed.

What’s Included with Your Purchase

  • Instant download — Receive your product key immediately after purchase.
  • Video guide – Step-by-step installation video
  • Written Guides – Installation & Troubleshooting guides
  • 60-Day One-Time CAL Swap — Free Swap between User and Device CALs, directly from your account dashboard.
  • 60-Day One-Time License Exchange — Change your server year or CAL pack size by paying only the difference directly from your account dashboard.
  • Lifetime license guarantee — These are perpetual licenses, not subscriptions.
  • Free installation support — Our team helps you configure your license server and activate your CALs.
  • Transparent pricing — No hidden fees or surprise costs.
Note: An existing Windows Server environment is required; the core operating system license is not included.

Product Overview

If your team connects to a Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Session Host, every user or device doing so needs its own Windows Server 2016 RDS CAL — that’s just how Microsoft licensing works. You have two options to choose from: a Windows Server 2016 RDS User CAL, which follows a person across all their devices, or a Windows Server 2016 RDS Device CAL, which covers a specific machine for any number of users. Either way, you stay properly licensed and your RDS setup keeps running without interruption.

You might also see this referred to as a Windows Server 2016 Terminal Services CAL — that’s just the older name for the same license. The Remote Desktop Services 2016 CAL is what lets your workforce securely reach their applications and desktops from wherever they’re working. Server 2016 is still widely deployed, still receiving security updates, and still a solid platform.

What Is a Remote Desktop Services 2016 CAL?

Think of it in two layers. A regular Windows Server CAL covers access to the server itself. A Remote Desktop Services 2016 License — also called an RDS Client Access License Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2016 RDP CAL — is the additional license that covers the Remote Desktop Session Host role specifically. You need both. Without the right Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop CAL in place, remote connections only work during a 120-day grace period, then they stop. It’s a separate requirement, not a replacement for your standard Server CAL.

User CAL vs Device CAL: RDS 2016

The User CAL vs Device CAL RDS 2016 decision usually comes down to one question: do you have more users or more devices? Get that answer right and you’ll almost always end up with the more cost-effective choice.

Feature RDS User CAL 2016 RDS Device CAL 2016
Licensed To Individual user (any device) Specific device (any user)
Best For Remote & hybrid workers using multiple devices Shared workstations, kiosks, labs
Ideal Scenario 1 user, many devices (laptop, tablet, phone) 1 device, many users (shift workers)
Cost Efficiency Fewer users than devices = save money Fewer devices than users = save money
Flexibility Access from any device, anywhere Tied to a single device
Quick tip: Remote workers jumping between a laptop, tablet, and phone? Buy RDS User CAL 2016 licenses — one per person covers all their devices. Got shared terminals in a warehouse, call center, or lab? Buy RDS Device CAL 2016 licenses — one per machine, no matter how many people use it.

Available Pack Sizes & Pricing

User CAL Packs

Pack Size Price
5 User RDS CAL $109.00
10 User RDS CAL $179.00
20 User RDS CAL $319.00
50 User RDS CAL $599.00

Device CAL Packs

Pack Size Price
5 Device RDS CAL $109.00
10 Device RDS CAL $179.00
20 Device RDS CAL $319.00
50 Device RDS CAL $599.00

Key Features & Benefits

🔒

Built-In Security

Windows Server 2016 ships with Credential Guard, Device Guard, and shielded VMs — meaningful protections for your Remote Desktop Services sessions that don’t require extra configuration to activate.

🏆

Decade of Reliability

Server 2016 has been running in production environments for nearly a decade. Its Remote Desktop Services are thoroughly battle-tested — IT teams know exactly what they’re getting.

📈

Scales With You

Whether you’re covering a small team or licensing Remote Desktop Services 2016 CALs across a large enterprise, the architecture handles session-based desktops and RemoteApp deployments without breaking a sweat.

💰

Most Affordable Option

Among all supported Windows Server versions, the Windows Server 2016 RDS CAL comes in at the lowest price point — making it the smart pick for any organization that’s not planning an upgrade anytime soon.

How to Buy Windows Server 2016 RDS CAL

Ready to buy RDS CAL license keys for your team? The process is quick and straightforward:

1

Choose Your CAL Type

Decide between a Remote Desktop CAL 2016 User or a Remote Desktop CAL 2016 Device license. Not sure which fits your setup? The comparison table above makes it easy to figure out.

2

Select Your Quantity

Pick exactly how many RDS Client Access License Windows Server 2016 units you need right now. You can always add more later as your team grows — no need to over-buy upfront.

3

Complete Your Purchase

Check out securely. The Windows Server 2016 RDS CAL price covers your license key and full activation documentation — everything you need in one place.

4

Instant Delivery

Your Remote Desktop Services 2016 License details land in your inbox the moment payment is confirmed. No delays — you can start deploying within minutes.

System Requirements

  • Windows Server 2016 with the Remote Desktop Session Host role installed
  • Remote Desktop Licensing Server configured and activated
  • Network connectivity between client devices and the RD Session Host
  • Compatible Remote Desktop client (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, or web browser)

Buy Windows Server 2016 RDS CAL Today

Get your team properly licensed with the Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services CAL — a Genuine, perpetual license, at competitive market rates, with instant delivery straight to your inbox.

Additional information

RDS CAL Type

5 Device RDS CAL, 5 User RDS CAL, 10 Device RDS CAL, 10 User RDS CAL, 20 Device RDS CAL, 20 User RDS CAL, 50 Device RDS CAL, 50 User RDS CAL

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose between User CALs and Device CALs?

The easiest rule of thumb is to count your users and your devices, then license whichever number is smaller:

  • Choose RDS User CALs if your employees work from multiple devices (e.g., a laptop, smartphone, and home PC). One User CAL covers one specific person across all their devices.
  • Choose RDS Device CALs if multiple people share a single workstation (e.g., shift workers, call centers, or lab kiosks). One Device CAL covers one specific machine, regardless of how many users log into it.

Not sure? Use our RDS CAL Calculator at the top of this page.

How many RDS CALs do I need?
Are RDS CALs region-locked?
Are Windows Server RDS CALs backward compatible?
What do I receive with my purchase, and how fast is delivery?
Can I add more RDS CALs to my server later?
Does this license include the Windows Server operating system?
Do I need an RDS CAL for administrator connections?
Do Per-User CALs require Active Directory?
Questions about licensing, compatibility, setup, and troubleshooting?

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Verified buyer feedback

Here are some reviews from repeat purchasers and first-time buyers across Windows Server 2016–2025 CAL packs. Read what they have to say about their experience:

Testimonials