Buy Windows Server RDS CALs
Microsoft requires Active Directory (AD) to track and issue Per-User RDS CALs. Choose Device CALs if your server is in a workgroup and you don't plan to use Active Directory.
Microsoft requires Active Directory (AD) to track and issue Per-User RDS CALs. Choose Device CALs if your server is in a workgroup and you don't plan to use Active Directory.
Microsoft requires Active Directory (AD) to track and issue Per-User RDS CALs. Choose Device CALs if your server is in a workgroup and you don't plan to use Active Directory.
Microsoft requires Active Directory (AD) to track and issue Per-User RDS CALs. Choose Device CALs if your server is in a workgroup and you don't plan to use Active Directory.
Pack and price comparison
| License | Qty | Best Pack | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| User CAL | |||
| Device CAL |
Request a custom quote
Tell us exactly how many CALs you need, or ask for a purchase-order quote. We reply by email, usually within a few hours.
Included with every order.
From the first email to getting your server ready.
Email delivery, around the clock
The email contains everything you need to deploy your RDS CALs right away — a license document (PDF) with your license and activation details, configuration instructions, an RDS CAL installation video, and an invoice.
90-day money-back guarantee
If you experience a delivery, access, installation, or licensing issue with your RDS CALs, we’ll work with you to resolve it — and if we can’t, you’ll receive a full refund.
Read the refund policyHelp getting your licenses installed
Get support from RDS specialists with licensing, activation, and setup, including hands-on license installation if required.
Get help with your orderPlanning an upgrade?
You can plan ahead.
Buy for the newest server you plan to run. A newer CAL also covers the earlier versions shown here.
Upgrading later?
License for the server you’re moving to. It covers your current one in the meantime.
Rolling back?
Downgrade rights apply automatically. No license change needed.
| CAL version | 2025 | 2022 | 2019 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Maximum flexibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2022 | — | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2019 | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| 2016 | — | — | — | Yes |
User or Device?
Look at how your team connects.
Start with the people and machines using your server.
The comparison below helps you choose.
| What to compare | User CALsLicense each person. | Device CALsLicense each shared machine. |
|---|---|---|
| A good fit | Staff connect from multiple devices. | Shifts share a fixed set of devices. |
| Compare your numbers | You have more devices than people. | You have more people than devices. |
| Your environment | Use User CALs for Azure or other cloud servers. | Suitable when you need to stay in a workgroup rather than move to Active Directory. |
| An example | 10 people. 10 User CALs.Each person can connect from multiple devices. | 8 terminals. 8 Device CALs.Even when 30 people share those terminals. |
Not a straightforward setup? Talk it through with someone who knows RDS.
Help me chooseYour server.
Your environment.
Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, or 2016, with Remote Desktop Services enabled.
In your office
Your own hardware or virtual machines. Domain or workgroup, either is fine.
SupportedOn a rented server
A VPS, dedicated server, or collocated host. You license the server, not the provider.
SupportedIn the cloud
Azure or a dedicated host at AWS, Google Cloud, or elsewhere.
With User CALsGet the right CALs from the right people.
Focused on RDS
A specialist store organized around the server version and CAL type your deployment needs.
Real technical support
Installation help from specialists who handle RDS licensing and deployments daily.
90-day money-back guarantee
Get a full refund for unresolved issues with your RDS CALs, covered by our 90-day money-back guarantee.
View refund policyRecords, ready when needed
Your order and license information stays accessible in your account dashboard.
Your RDS CAL procurement questions, answered.
Browse all FAQs01What do I get with my purchase and how fast do I get it?
Your email arrives within 15 minutes of completing checkout and contains everything you need to deploy your RDS CALs right away — a license document (PDF) with your license and activation details, configuration instructions, an RDS CAL installation video, and an invoice.
02Which Windows Server versions are these CALs compatible with?
Higher-version RDS CALs include downgrade rights for earlier supported Windows Server RDS deployments. Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs — license 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016 RDS deployments Windows Server 2022 RDS CALs — license 2022, 2019 and 2016 RDS deployments Windows Server 2019 RDS CALs — license 2019 and 2016 RDS deployments Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs — license 2016 RDS deployments
03Is the Windows Server operating system included?
No. An RDS CAL is an access license for Remote Desktop Services and does not include the Windows Server operating system itself. The Windows Server needs to be licensed separately.
04Will 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.
05Can I use these RDS CALs in my country?
Yes. RDS CALs are not region-locked — they can be deployed on Windows Servers located anywhere in the world, whether on-premises or on dedicated cloud servers.
06Can I add more RDS CALs in the future?
Yes. Additional RDS CALs can be purchased and added to your server in the future.
07What if there is a problem with my order?
Every order is covered by a 90-day money-back guarantee. If you experience a delivery, access, installation, or licensing issue with your RDS CALs, we’ll work with you to resolve it — and if we can’t, you’ll receive a full refund.
Ready to get connected?
Choose your CALs above, or let us help you decide.