Microsoft RDS CALs for Windows Server 2019
License your Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services deployment with business-ready User CAL or Device CAL packs. Windows Server 2019 RDS CALs also cover Windows Server 2016 RDS environments through eligible downgrade use.
Match your 2019 RDS CAL type to how access is used
Choose the CAL type based on who or what connects to Remote Desktop Services. For most Windows Server 2019 deployments, the decision comes down to whether access should follow people or shared endpoints.
Windows Server 2019 RDS CAL version coverage
What happens after your 2019 RDS CAL order
Review your selection
Confirm the Windows Server 2019 CAL type and pack size before checkout so the order matches your RDS access model.
Enter accurate details
Please enter accurate business and contact details at checkout. These details are used for registration and order records.
Receive license details
Your license details and setup instructions are sent by email within 15 minutes after successful checkout.
Deploy when ready
Keep the license details safely and activate the CALs when your Windows Server 2019 RDS environment is ready.
Practical safeguards for your 2019 RDS CAL purchase
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 server version or need to switch between User and Device CALs, eligible unactivated licenses can be exchanged from your account dashboard within 60 days.
Perpetual license ownership
Windows Server 2019 RDS CALs are perpetual licenses for supported 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 2019 RDS deployment, setup guidance is available.
Check your Windows Server 2019 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.
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.
Windows Server 2019 RDS CAL questions answered
Can I use Windows Server 2019 RDS CALs with Server 2016?
Yes. Windows Server 2019 RDS CALs include eligible downgrade use for supported Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services deployments.
Can I use 2019 RDS CALs with Windows Server 2022 or 2025?
No. Older RDS CAL versions cannot license newer Windows Server RDS deployments. Use Windows Server 2022 or 2025 RDS CALs for those newer server versions.
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 Active Directory environments. If your Windows Server 2019 RDS server is in a workgroup, Device CALs are usually the cleaner choice.
Can I use these RDS CALs on cloud servers?
Yes. Windows Server 2019 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 the supported Windows Server RDS version purchased.
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 2019 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.
Helpful guides for Windows Server 2019 RDS CAL setup
Installation text guide
Follow the written guide for installing RDS CALs through the standard Windows Server licensing workflow.
Read guideRemote Desktop Services guides
Browse practical resources for RDS roles, licensing preparation, and Windows Server deployment planning.
View guidesLicensing help articles
Review articles covering CAL selection, version matching, User CALs, Device CALs, and deployment checks.
Browse articlesPre-purchase setup check
Ask us to check the server version, CAL type, or deployment fit before ordering if your setup is unclear.
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