Buy Remote Desktop 2025 CAL – RDS User & Device CAL

If you run Windows Server 2025 as a Remote Desktop server, you need a Remote Desktop Services CAL for every user or device that accesses the server via Remote Desktop Services. The Remote Desktop 2025 CAL is the latest and most future-proof RDS CAL version – it entitles you to RDS access to Windows Server 2025 and all older Windows Server versions. We deliver your RDS CALs by email, usually within 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received – verified and below the Microsoft list price. You will find older versions under Remote Desktop Services CAL.

What does the Remote Desktop 2025 CAL do?

The Remote Desktop 2025 CAL licenses interactive remote access via Remote Desktop Services to a Windows Server 2025. It entitles each licensed user or device to access centrally provided Windows desktops and applications via RDS – from any device, wherever they are.

Important: the Remote Desktop 2025 CAL does not replace the Windows Server 2025 CAL – both CAL types are required for RDS access. The Windows Server CAL licenses general server access, while the RDS CAL licenses the specific remote access via Remote Desktop Services.

A decisive advantage of the Remote Desktop 2025 CAL is its full backward compatibility. It entitles you to RDS access not only to Windows Server 2025 but also to Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016 and all older versions. If you buy Remote Desktop 2025 CALs today, you are therefore already licensed for moving older RDS hosts to Windows Server 2025 later on.

User CAL or Device CAL – which is the right choice?

Remote Desktop 2025 CALs are available in two variants:

Remote Desktop 2025 User CAL – Assigned to a specific person. A user with a User CAL may access the Windows server via RDS from any number of devices – from the desktop PC in the office and the laptop at home to the tablet on the go. User CALs are the right choice for companies with mobile employees, home-working setups or users who access RDS from several devices. If the number of people is lower than the number of devices used, User CALs are the more cost-effective choice.

Remote Desktop 2025 Device CAL – Assigned to a specific device. A device with a Device CAL may be used by any number of users for RDS access. Device CALs are the right choice for shift workstations, shared terminals and production environments. If the number of devices is lower than the number of people accessing the server, Device CALs are the more cost-effective choice.

Remote Desktop 2025 CAL – compatibility with other Windows Server versions

The Remote Desktop 2025 CAL is fully backward compatible and entitles you to RDS access to:

• ✔ Windows Server 2025
• ✔ Windows Server 2022
• ✔ Windows Server 2019
• ✔ Windows Server 2016
• ✔ Windows Server 2012 R2 and older versions

This makes the Remote Desktop 2025 CAL the most future-proof investment for all companies that run or are planning Remote Desktop infrastructures.

Which licences do I need in total for RDS?

For a fully licensed Remote Desktop Services environment with Windows Server 2025, you need the following per user or device:

• ✔ Windows Server 2025 licence – for the server itself: buy Windows Server 2025
• ✔ Windows Server 2025 CAL – for general server access: buy Windows Server 2025 CAL
• ✔ Remote Desktop 2025 CAL – for the specific RDS access (this category)

The server licence and RDS CALs are also available together in the Windows Server & Remote bundle. Not sure how many CALs you need? We will help you with the calculation free of charge.

How buying from Lizenzindustrie works

Ordering your Remote Desktop 2025 CALs takes just a few clicks: choose the CAL variant, set the quantity, add to your basket and complete your purchase – you will receive your licence keys by email, usually within 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00). No physical shipping.

• ✔ Delivery by email – licence key usually 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00)
• ✔ Verified licences – activatable via the Microsoft licence server
• ✔ Noticeably cheaper than buying at the list price
• ✔ User & Device CAL – both variants available
• ✔ Backward compatible – also entitles you to RDS access to older Windows Server versions
• ✔ Traceable origin – licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe
• ✔ Expert help – with all questions about RDS licensing

Not sure which CAL variant is right for your requirements? Our Support & Service team will advise you free of charge.

Frequently asked questions about the Remote Desktop 2025 CAL

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

Yes. Both CAL types are required for RDS access to Windows Server 2025: a Windows Server 2025 CAL for general server access and a Remote Desktop 2025 CAL for the specific RDS access.

Can I also use Remote Desktop 2025 CALs for Windows Server 2022?

Yes. Remote Desktop 2025 CALs are fully backward compatible and entitle you to RDS access to Windows Server 2022 and all older versions.

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

A User CAL is assigned to one person and allows them RDS access from any number of devices. A Device CAL is assigned to one device and allows any number of people RDS access via that device. User CALs are suited to mobile workplaces and home working, Device CALs to shift workstations and shared terminals.

Are administrative RDS connections allowed without a CAL?

Yes. Up to two simultaneous administrative RDS connections per server are permitted without an RDS CAL – exclusively for administration purposes. Productive workstations always require an RDS CAL.

How quickly will I receive my licence keys?

Usually 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00) – your activation keys are delivered by email. Activation takes place via the Remote Desktop licence server in your infrastructure.