Buy Remote Desktop 2008 CAL – RDS CAL for the oldest legacy systems at low prices as a license

Anyone running Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2008 as a Remote Desktop Server needs a Remote Desktop Services CAL for every user or device that accesses the server via Remote Desktop Services. The Remote Desktop 2008 CAL is the ideal access license for these oldest RDS infrastructures still in use—affordable, verified, and suitable for use in legacy environments. At Lizenzindustrie, you’ll receive your CALs immediately via email—legally compliant and at an affordable price.

Important Note: Since Microsoft stopped providing security updates for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 in January 2020, we recommend running RDS on these versions only in fully isolated network environments. For all other use cases, we strongly recommend migrating to at least Windows Server 2019 or Windows Server 2022.

Recommendation: Since newer RDS CAL versions are also valid for older Windows Server versions, we recommend purchasing a newer CAL version even for existing Windows Server 2008 RDS infrastructures. A Remote Desktop 2019 CAL or Remote Desktop 2022 CAL is also valid for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 and enables future migration without the need to purchase a new CAL.

User CAL or Device CAL – Which Is the Right Choice?

Remote Desktop 2008 CALs are available in two variants:

Remote Desktop 2008 User CAL – Bound to a specific person. A user with a User CAL may access the Windows Server via RDS from any number of devices. User CALs are the right choice for companies where employees access RDS from multiple devices. If the number of people is fewer than the number of devices used, User CALs are the more cost-effective choice.

Remote Desktop 2008 Device CAL – Bound to a specific device. A device with a Device CAL may be used by any number of users to access RDS. Device CALs are the right choice for shift workstations, shared terminals, and production environments. If the number of devices is fewer than the number of users accessing them, Device CALs are the more cost-effective choice.

Remote Desktop 2008 CAL – Compatibility with Other Windows Server Versions

✔ Windows Server 2008
✔ Windows Server 2008 R2
✔ All older Windows Server versions
✗ Windows Server 2012 – requires a Remote Desktop 2012 CAL or newer
✗ Windows Server 2016 – requires a Remote Desktop 2016 CAL or newer
✗ Windows Server 2019 – requires a Remote Desktop 2019 CAL or newer
✗ Windows Server 2022 – requires a Remote Desktop 2022 CAL or newer

Recommendation: Future-proof your setup with a newer CAL version

Since newer RDS CALs are also valid for older versions of Windows Server, it’s worth considering more recent CAL versions even for existing Windows Server 2008 RDS infrastructures:

Remote Desktop 2019 CAL – Also valid for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2. Most affordable future-proof option through Windows Server 2019.
Remote Desktop 2022 CAL – Also valid for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2. Best choice for companies planning to migrate to Windows Server 2022 in the long term.

Not sure which CAL version is right for your situation? Contact us—we’ll help you for free.

How many licenses do I need in total for RDS with Windows Server 2008 R2?

✔ Windows Server 2008 R2 license – for the server itself: Buy Windows Server 2008 R2
✔ Windows Server 2008 CAL – for general server access: Buy Windows Server 2008 CAL
✔ Remote Desktop 2008 CAL – for specific RDS access: Buy Remote Desktop 2008 CAL

How to Buy from Lizenzindustrie

Buying Remote Desktop 2008 CALs from Lizenzindustrie is incredibly easy. Select the CAL type, specify the quantity, add to cart, complete the purchase—you’ll receive your license keys immediately and automatically via email. No waiting, no physical shipping.

✔ Instant delivery of license keys via email
✔ Verified licenses—100% activatable via Microsoft’s license server
✔ Affordable prices – significantly below the former list price
✔ User & Device CAL – both variants available
✔ Legally compliant – verified licenses from EU retailers
✔ Fast support – we’ll help you immediately with any licensing questions

Questions about the right CAL variant or migration strategy? Contact us—we’ll advise you for free and directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Desktop 2008 CAL

Does the Remote Desktop 2008 CAL also apply to Windows Server 2008 R2?

Yes. The Remote Desktop 2008 CAL grants RDS access to Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2, as well as all earlier versions.

Do I need both a Windows Server CAL and an RDS CAL?

Yes. For RDS access to Windows Server 2008, both types of CALs are required: a Windows Server 2008 CAL for general server access and a Remote Desktop 2008 CAL for specific RDS access.

Does the Remote Desktop 2008 CAL also grant RDS access to Windows Server 2012?

No. RDS access to Windows Server 2012 or later versions requires a correspondingly newer CAL. Since newer CALs are also valid for older servers, we recommend purchasing a newer CAL version directly—for example, a Remote Desktop 2019 CAL.

What is the difference between a User CAL and a Device CAL?

A User CAL is tied to a specific person and allows that person RDS access from any number of devices. A Device CAL is tied to a specific device and allows any number of people to access RDS through that device.

How quickly will I receive my license keys?

Immediately after purchase—your activation keys will be automatically sent via email. Activation takes place via the Remote Desktop license server in your infrastructure.

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