Buy Remote Desktop 2012 CAL – RDS CAL for legacy infrastructures at a low price as a license

Anyone running Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2012 R2 as a Remote Desktop Server needs a Remote Desktop Services CAL for each user or device that accesses the server via Remote Desktop Services. The Remote Desktop 2012 CAL is the ideal access license for these legacy RDS infrastructures—it’s affordable, verified, and backward-compatible with older versions of Windows Server. At Lizenzindustrie, you’ll receive your CALs immediately via email—legally compliant and at an affordable price.

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 2012 RDS infrastructures. A Remote Desktop 2019 CAL or Remote Desktop 2022 CAL is also valid for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2, while also enabling future migration without the need to purchase new CALs.

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

Remote Desktop 2012 CALs are available in two variants:

Remote Desktop 2012 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 with mobile employees or users who 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 2012 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-based 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 2012 CAL – Compatibility with Other Windows Server Versions

• ✔ Windows Server 2012
• ✔ Windows Server 2012 R2
• ✔ Windows Server 2008 R2 and earlier versions
• ✗ 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 2012 RDS infrastructures:

• Remote Desktop 2019 CAL – Also valid for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2. Most affordable future-proof option through Windows Server 2019.
• Remote Desktop 2022 CAL – Also valid for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2. Best choice for companies planning to migrate to Windows Server 2022.

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

How many licenses do I need in total for RDS with Windows Server 2012?

• ✔ Windows Server 2012 License – for the server itself: Buy Windows Server 2012
• ✔ Windows Server 2012 CAL – for general server access: Buy Windows Server 2012 CAL
• ✔ Remote Desktop 2012 CAL – for specific RDS access: Buy Remote Desktop 2012 CAL

How to Buy from Lizenzindustrie

Buying Remote Desktop 2012 CALs from Lizenzindustrie is incredibly easy. Select the CAL type, specify the quantity, add to cart, and complete the purchase—you’ll receive your license keys immediately via email. No waiting time, 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
• ✔ Backward compatible – also grants RDS access to older versions of Windows Server
• ✔ 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 version? Contact us – we’ll advise you for free and directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Desktop 2012 CAL

Does the Remote Desktop 2012 CAL also apply to Windows Server 2012 R2?

Yes. The Remote Desktop 2012 CAL grants RDS access to both Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2, as well as all older versions.

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

Yes. For RDS access to Windows Server 2012, both types of CALs are required: a Windows Server 2012 CAL for general server access and a Remote Desktop 2012 CAL for specific RDS access.

Does the Remote Desktop 2012 CAL also grant RDS access to Windows Server 2016?

No. RDS access to Windows Server 2016 or later versions requires a correspondingly newer CAL. Since newer CALs are also valid for older servers, we recommend purchasing a newer CAL version right away to ensure your investment is future-proof.

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 via that device.

How quickly will I receive my license keys?

Immediately after purchase—your activation keys will be automatically sent to you via email. Activation takes place via the Remote Desktop License Server in your infrastructure.