Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs

SKU: 6VC-03052-5D

Select License Type

CAL Type Price
5 Device CAL $79.00
5 User CAL $79.00
10 Device CAL $129.00
10 User CAL $129.00
20 Device CAL $229.00
20 User CAL $229.00
50 Device CAL $449.00
50 User CAL $449.00
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Price: $79.00
1
Genuine License
Instant Delivery
60-Day Exchange
Deployment: If you install CALs through the standard RD Licensing Manager on your server, you can buy directly. If your organization uses a centralized Microsoft portal workflow, please contact us to confirm the correct license format before purchase.
Operating System: This license only includes the RDS CALs. The Windows Server operating system license is not included.
RDS CALs Buying Process
RDS CALs Setup Guide

Your License Package Includes

Instant Download

Receive your RDS CALs and setup instructions immediately after checkout.

Installation Video Guide

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.

60-Day Exchange

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90-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Your purchase includes expert installation support. If you experience a license installation error that our technical team cannot resolve, you are fully protected by our 90-day 100% money-back guarantee.


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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.

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 $79.00
10 User RDS CAL $129.00
20 User RDS CAL $229.00
50 User RDS CAL $449.00

Device CAL Packs

Pack Size Price
5 Device RDS CAL $79.00
10 Device RDS CAL $129.00
20 Device RDS CAL $229.00
50 Device RDS CAL $449.00

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.

💰

Highly Cost-Effective

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.

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

Are RDS CALs region-locked?

No, RDS CALs are valid worldwide with zero geographic restrictions. A license purchased from us in any country can be successfully activated and used on a Windows Server located anywhere else in the world.

How do I choose between User CALs and Device CALs?
How many RDS CALs do I need?
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 2025-2016 CAL packs. Read what they have to say about their experience:

Testimonials