Microsoft RDS CALs for Windows Server 2025
Buy Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Services CALs for your business deployment. Choose User CAL or Device CAL packs, receive your license details after checkout, and use eligible downgrade rights for supported earlier Windows Server RDS environments.
Quick guide before you choose your 2025 RDS CAL pack
Use the pricing grid above to choose your pack size. This quick guide helps confirm whether your deployment should use User CALs or Device CALs.
2025 RDS CALs include downgrade rights
License details and setup instructions within 15 minutes
Choose your CAL pack
Select Windows Server 2025 RDS User CALs or Device CALs, then choose the pack size that matches your deployment.Add licensee details
Enter the correct billing and licensee details during checkout so your order records match the intended business or customer deployment.Receive license details
Your license details and setup instructions are delivered by email after successful checkout and remain available in your account Order Summary.Use setup support if needed
If you need help with installation or licensing configuration, our technical support team can assist after purchase.Purchase Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs with built-in buyer support
Clear Order Records
Your purchase includes organized license details and order information, helping your business keep a clear record of the Windows Server 2025 RDS CAL version, CAL type, pack size, and purchase details.
60-Day Exchange Option
Purchased the wrong CAL type or server version? Eligible unactivated licenses can be exchanged from your account dashboard within 60 days of purchase.
License Details Included
Your Windows Server 2025 RDS CAL license details and setup instructions are delivered by email after successful checkout. A copy is also available in your account dashboard under Order Summary.
Technical installation help
If you need assistance installing or configuring your RDS CALs, our technical support team can help guide you through the setup process.
Check your RDS setup before choosing User or Device CALs
RD Session Host
Your Remote Desktop environment normally uses an RD Session Host server to run remote desktop sessions, applications, or hosted business systems.
RD Licensing role
RDS CALs are installed and managed through the Remote Desktop Licensing role on a supported Windows Server RDS deployment.
User CALs need user-based setup
For Windows Server 2019 and newer deployments, User CALs are best suited to Active Directory environments where access is assigned to named users.
Workgroup or shared devices
If your server is in a workgroup or multiple people use the same endpoints, Device CALs are usually the cleaner choice.
Windows Server 2025 RDS CAL questions answered
Can I use Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs with Server 2022, 2019, or 2016?
Yes. Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs include eligible downgrade use for supported earlier Windows Server RDS deployments, including Windows Server 2022, 2019, and 2016.
Should I choose User CALs or Device CALs?
Choose User CALs when access should follow named users, especially if each person connects from multiple devices. Choose Device CALs when access should follow specific computers, terminals, shared workstations, or fixed endpoints.
Do User CALs require Active Directory?
For Windows Server 2019 and newer RDS deployments, User CALs are best suited to Active Directory environments where access is assigned to named users. If your server is in a workgroup, we recommend choosing Device CALs instead.
Can I use these RDS CALs on cloud servers?
Yes. These RDS CALs can be used for supported Windows Server Remote Desktop Services deployments on on-premises servers, dedicated servers, and cloud environments.
When will I receive my license details?
Your license details and setup instructions are delivered by email within 15 minutes after successful checkout. A copy is also available in your account dashboard under Order Summary.
Can I exchange the license if I choose the wrong CAL type or server version?
Yes. Eligible unactivated licenses can be exchanged from your account dashboard within 60 days of purchase if you choose the wrong CAL type or server version. Any applicable price difference must be paid before the exchange is completed.
Do 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 purchased, including eligible downgrade use.
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.
What if I need help installing the RDS CALs?
Your purchase includes license installation support from our technical team. If you need help with installation or licensing configuration, contact us after purchase and we can guide you through the setup process.
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 installing RDS CALs
Installation text guide
Follow the step-by-step guide for installing RDS CALs using automatic connection.
Read guideInstallation video guide
Watch a guided video walkthrough for RDS CAL installation and activation steps.
Watch videoBrowse all RDS guides
View more Remote Desktop Services setup, licensing, and troubleshooting resources.
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