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.

Will these licenses pass a formal Microsoft audit or SAM review?

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 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.

Do I own the license permanently?

Yes. These are perpetual RDS CALs. Once purchased, you retain ownership of the license for the supported lifetime of the Windows Server RDS version it is purchased for, including eligible downgrade use.

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.

What if I misplace my license details?

If you misplace your license details, log in to your account on our website and go to your order summary section. You can view and download your license details directly from your dashboard at any time.

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.

Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs

Microsoft RDS CALs for Windows Server 2016

Q: 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 are ready to deploy them on a supported Windows Server RDS environment.

License a supported Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services deployment with User CAL or Device CAL packs. This version is intended for Windows Server 2016 RDS environments and does not cover newer Windows Server releases.

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Before checkout: If you install RDS CALs through the standard RD Licensing Manager, you can proceed with your order. If your organization uses VLSC or a centralized Microsoft licensing portal to manage and deploy licenses, please contact us before purchase so we can confirm the correct license format.

Operating system note: A Windows Server operating system license is not included.

Licensee information: Please enter accurate business and contact details at checkout. These details are used for registration and order records.

Need a custom RDS CAL quote? Tell us your Windows Server version, CAL type, and quantity. We will review the request and respond with pricing tailored to your requirements.

CAL type guidance

Match your 2016 RDS CAL type to how access is used

Choose the CAL type based on who or what connects to Remote Desktop Services. For Windows Server 2016 deployments, the decision comes down to whether access should follow people or shared endpoints.

Licensed by person Choose User CALs

Best when each named user needs RDS access from more than one device, such as an office PC, laptop, or home workstation.

Licensed by endpoint Choose Device CALs

Best when several users access RDS from the same fixed computers, terminals, shared workstations, kiosks, or other known endpoints.

Workgroup server? User CALs are best suited to domain or Active Directory environments. If your Windows Server 2016 RDS server is in a workgroup, Device CALs are usually the cleaner choice. Contact us before buying if you are unsure.

Version compatibility

Windows Server 2016 RDS CAL version coverage

Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs are intended for Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services deployments. They do not license newer Windows Server 2019, 2022, or 2025 RDS environments.

Built for 2016 RDS environments Choose 2016 RDS CALs only when your Remote Desktop Services deployment is running Windows Server 2016.

2016 Supported Windows Server 2016 RDS Use 2016 RDS CALs for Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services deployments.

Use the same or higher RDS CAL version The RDS CAL version should match the Windows Server RDS version or be a higher version that includes downgrade rights for that deployment.

Not for 2019, 2022, or 2025 RDS Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs do not license newer Windows Server RDS deployments. Select the matching newer RDS CAL version if your server is newer than 2016.

Order flow

What happens after your 2016 RDS CAL order

After successful checkout, your Windows Server 2016 RDS CAL license details and setup instructions are sent by email within 15 minutes. The same license details remain available from your account Order Summary.

Available for future reference Your Order Summary keeps the license details linked to your purchase, so they can be referenced later during server maintenance or redeployment.

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Review your selection

Confirm the Windows Server 2016 CAL type and pack size before checkout so the order matches your RDS access model.

2

Enter accurate details

Please enter accurate business and contact details at checkout. These details are used for registration and order records.

3

Receive license details

Your license details and setup instructions are sent by email within 15 minutes after successful checkout.

4

Deploy when ready

Keep the license details safely and activate the CALs when your Windows Server 2016 RDS environment is ready.

Keep your license details safely Your license details include the order information and setup references your IT team may need later.

No short activation deadline You can keep the license details safely and activate the RDS CALs when your supported server deployment is ready.

Buyer safeguards

Practical safeguards for your 2016 RDS CAL purchase

Your order is structured to keep license details, purchase records, and eligible correction options clear after checkout, especially if the wrong CAL type is selected by mistake.

Order records stay accessible Your account Order Summary keeps your license details and purchase information available for later reference.

Clear order records

Your order records show the Windows Server version, CAL type, pack size, and license details connected to the purchase.

60-day exchange option

If you purchase the wrong CAL type or server version, eligible unactivated licenses can be exchanged from your account dashboard within 60 days.

Perpetual license ownership

Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs are perpetual licenses for supported 2016 RDS deployments and do not require monthly or annual renewal.

Setup guidance included

If your IT team needs help applying the license details to a supported Windows Server 2016 RDS deployment, setup guidance is available.

Enter accurate checkout details Please enter accurate business and contact details at checkout. These details are used for registration and order records.

Deployment readiness

Check your Windows Server 2016 RDS setup before checkout

Confirm the main RDS roles and licensing settings before choosing a CAL pack. This helps your IT team match the purchase to the way the deployment is actually configured.

Check the deployment first Server role, licensing mode, directory setup, and endpoint usage should be clear before selecting User or Device CALs.

RD Session Host role

Confirm the server that users connect to is configured for Remote Desktop Session Host access.

RD Licensing role

Check that an RD Licensing server is available to install, manage, and issue the selected CALs.

Licensing mode

Make sure the RDS licensing mode is set to match the CAL type you plan to purchase.

Access model

Confirm whether access is mainly tied to named users or fixed endpoint devices before selecting the pack.

Workgroup deployments For Windows Server 2016 RDS deployments in a workgroup, Device CALs are usually the cleaner choice because licensing is tied to endpoint devices.

Unsure about your setup? If the licensing mode or access model is unclear, contact RDS CAL Store before purchase so the CAL type can be checked against your deployment.

Product FAQ

Windows Server 2016 RDS CAL questions answered

Clear answers to the main questions buyers usually check before ordering Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs: version fit, CAL type, delivery timing, activation, renewal, and what is included.

Confirm before checkout Check that your deployment is running Windows Server 2016 and confirm the CAL type before ordering.

Can I use Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs with Windows Server 2016?

Yes. Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs are intended for supported Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services deployments.

Can I use 2016 RDS CALs with Windows Server 2019, 2022, or 2025?

No. Older RDS CAL versions cannot license newer Windows Server RDS deployments. Use the matching newer RDS CAL version if your server runs Windows Server 2019, 2022, or 2025.

Should I choose User CALs or Device CALs?

Choose User CALs when access should follow named users. Choose Device CALs when access should follow specific computers, terminals, shared workstations, kiosks, or fixed endpoints.

Do User CALs require Active Directory?

User CALs are best suited to domain or Active Directory environments. If your server is in a workgroup, Device CALs are usually the cleaner choice.

Can I use these RDS CALs on cloud servers?

Yes. Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs can be used for supported Remote Desktop Services deployments on on-premises servers, dedicated servers, and cloud environments.

When will I receive my license details?

License details and setup instructions are delivered by email within 15 minutes after successful checkout. A copy is also available in your account Order Summary.

Can I exchange the license if I choose the wrong option?

Yes. Eligible unactivated licenses can be exchanged from your account dashboard within 60 days if you choose the wrong CAL type or server version. Any applicable price difference must be paid before completion.

Do these licenses expire or require renewal?

No. These are perpetual RDS CALs and do not require monthly or annual renewal for supported Windows Server 2016 RDS deployments.

Is there a time limit to activate the license after purchase?

No. There is no short activation deadline after purchase. Keep the license details safely and activate the RDS CALs when your supported server deployment is ready.

What if I need help installing the RDS CALs?

Setup guidance is available if your IT team needs help applying the license details to a supported Windows Server 2016 RDS deployment.

Is the Windows Server operating system included?

No. An RDS CAL licenses access to Remote Desktop Services. It does not include the Windows Server operating system license.

Setup resources

Helpful guides for Windows Server 2016 RDS CAL setup

Use these resources when preparing or completing a Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services licensing setup. The links below focus on installation steps, RDS role planning, and licensing reference articles.

Start with the installation guide The text guide is the best first resource when you are ready to install RDS CALs on a supported server.

Installation text guide

Follow the written guide for installing RDS CALs through the standard Windows Server licensing workflow.

Read guide

Remote Desktop Services guides

Browse practical resources for RDS roles, licensing preparation, and Windows Server deployment planning.

View guides

Licensing help articles

Review articles covering CAL selection, version matching, User CALs, Device CALs, and deployment checks.

Browse articles

Pre-purchase setup check

Ask us to check the server version, CAL type, or deployment fit before ordering if your setup is unclear.

Contact us

Ready to choose your Windows Server 2016 RDS CAL pack? Select the CAL type and pack size that match your deployment.

Choose CAL Pack

Customer reviews

Mark T.

Got the key quickly. Installed fine on our 2025 server.

Windows Server 2025 — 5 Device RDS CAL "

Sarah Jenkins

Quick delivery via email. Activated without any issues through the licensing manager.

Windows Server 2022 — 10 User RDS CAL "

David R.

Good price for volume licenses. Customer support was helpful when I asked about their perpetual license terms.

Windows Server 2019 — 20 Device RDS CAL "

K. Nguyen

Activated without issues.

Windows Server 2016 — 50 User RDS CAL "

Alex G.

RDS cals activated perfectly. Will buy again when we need more seats.

Windows Server 2025 — 10 User RDS CAL "

Michael Chen

Needed a few extra seats for our terminal server setup. Easy checkout and fast delivery.

Windows Server 2022 — 5 User RDS CAL "

Chris P.

Keys arrived in 10 mins. All good.

Windows Server 2025 — 20 Device RDS CAL "

IT Dept - TechFlow

Volume pricing is decent here compared to our usual vendor. Genuine keys.

Windows Server 2022 — 50 Device RDS CAL "

Robert

Fast transaction. Thanks.

Windows Server 2019 — 10 Device RDS CAL "

Emily W.

Smooth process via PayPal, downgraded the 2025 keys for our older server environment without a hitch.

Windows Server 2025 — 10 Device RDS CAL "

John D.

Works perfectly. RDSCAL.com delivered exactly what was promised.

Windows Server 2022 — 5 Device RDS CAL "

Sam

Added these to our 2016 server, no problems.

Windows Server 2016 — 20 User RDS CAL "

A. Patel

Purchased bulk for our new 2025 deployment. Everything checked out fine.

Windows Server 2025 — 50 User RDS CAL "

L. Gomez

Exactly what we needed. Thanks.

Windows Server 2019 — 5 Device RDS CAL "

P. Smith

Good seller.

Windows Server 2022 — 20 User RDS CAL "

Dan M.

Needed some quick licenses on a weekend, worked instantly.

Windows Server 2025 — 5 User RDS CAL "

T. Wright

Bulk order went smoothly. Activated on our old 2016 box.

Windows Server 2016 — 50 Device RDS CAL "

Admin @ RedCorp

Great pricing for volume.

Windows Server 2019 — 10 User RDS CAL "

J.K.

Fast.

Windows Server 2025 — 20 User RDS CAL "

Steve L.

Genuine RDS CALS. Happy with the purchase.

Windows Server 2022 — 5 Device RDS CAL "

Ryan

Using downgrade rights for 2019. Works.

Windows Server 2025 — 10 Device RDS CAL "

K. Peterson

Received quickly

Windows Server 2016 — 20 Device RDS CAL "

IT Admin

Had a bulk request and the store handled it perfectly. Recommend them for volume needs.

Windows Server 2019 — 50 User RDS CAL "

Mike

A+

Windows Server 2022 — 5 Device RDS CAL "

Victor

Solid source for RDS cals.

Windows Server 2025 — 50 Device RDS CAL "