Buy Remote Desktop Services CALs – RDS CALs for legally compliant remote access

Remote Desktop Services—RDS for short—is the Microsoft technology for centralized, managed remote access to Windows servers and the applications hosted on them. For every user or device that accesses a Windows server via Remote Desktop Services, a Remote Desktop Services CAL is required in addition to the Windows Server CAL. Without valid RDS CALs, remote access via RDS is not licensed. At Lizenzindustrie, you can purchase all current RDS CALs as verified licenses—delivered immediately via email, at a price up to 70% below the official list price.

What are Remote Desktop Services, and what are they used for?

Remote Desktop Services make it possible to centrally host Windows desktops and applications on a Windows Server and access them from any device. Instead of installing and maintaining software on every individual PC, the application runs on the server—the user sees only the screen content and transmits keyboard and mouse inputs. This significantly reduces administrative overhead and enables secure, controlled access from anywhere.

The main use cases for Remote Desktop Services are clearly defined. Thin-client environments, in which low-cost or older PCs are used solely as display and input terminals, while all applications run centrally on the server. Work-from-home scenarios, in which employees access their office work environment from home—with the same applications and data as in the office, without the complexity of a VPN. Software deployment for older applications that do not run on modern end devices—older operating system and application versions can be centrally managed on the server and made available to all users.

RDS CAL—what exactly is it, and when is it needed?

A Remote Desktop Services CAL is the license that authorizes each user or device to access a Windows Server via Remote Desktop Services. It supplements the Windows Server license and the Windows Server CAL and is mandatory for any RDS access.

Important to understand: A Windows Server CAL alone is not sufficient for RDS access. Anyone accessing a Windows Server via Remote Desktop Services requires three licenses: the Windows Server license for the server itself, a Windows Server CAL for general server access, and an RDS CAL for specific remote access via Remote Desktop Services.

There are exceptions for administrative connections: Two concurrent administrative RDS connections per server are permitted without an RDS CAL—exclusively for administrative purposes, not for productive workstations.

User CAL or Device CAL—what’s the difference?

RDS User CAL – Bound to a specific person. A user with an RDS User CAL may access the Windows Server via Remote Desktop Services from any number of devices. RDS User CALs are the right choice for companies with mobile employees, work-from-home workstations, or employees 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.

RDS Device CAL – Bound to a specific device. A device with an RDS 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.

All RDS CAL Versions at a Glance

• Remote Desktop 2025 CAL
• The latest RDS CAL version—grants RDS access to Windows Server 2025 and all earlier versions. The top choice for companies running Windows Server 2025.
• Remote Desktop 2022 CAL
• The most popular RDS CAL version—grants RDS access to Windows Server 2022 and all earlier versions.
• Remote Desktop 2019 CAL
• Grants RDS access to Windows Server 2019 and all earlier versions. An affordable option for existing Windows Server 2019 infrastructures.
• Remote Desktop 2016 CAL
• For existing Windows Server 2016 infrastructures. Grants RDS access to Windows Server 2016 and earlier versions.
• Remote Desktop 2012 CAL
• For existing Windows Server 2012 infrastructures. Recommended exclusively for legacy environments.
• Remote Desktop 2008 CAL
• For the oldest legacy infrastructures. Only for isolated, specialized environments—newer CAL versions are also valid for Windows Server 2008.

RDS CAL and Windows Server CAL—what’s the difference?

This is one of the most common questions about RDS licensing—and the answer is clear. Both CAL types are required for RDS access and serve different licensing purposes:

The Windows Server CAL licenses general access to Windows Server services—Active Directory, file shares, print services, and all other basic Windows Server services. It is required for any server access, regardless of the type of access.

The RDS CAL exclusively licenses access via Remote Desktop Services—interactive remote access to the Windows desktop or to hosted applications. It is required in addition to the Windows Server CAL when users access the server via RDS.

In short: Anyone accessing a Windows Server via RDS needs both a Windows Server CAL and an RDS CAL.

How to Purchase from Lizenzindustrie

Purchasing RDS CALs from Lizenzindustrie is incredibly easy. Select the CAL type and version, specify the quantity, add to cart, and 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 servers
• ✔ Up to 70% cheaper than the official Microsoft list price
• ✔ User & Device CAL – both variants available
• ✔ All versions – RDS CALs available from Windows Server 2008 through 2025
• ✔ Legally compliant – verified licenses from EU retailers
• ✔ Fast Support – we’ll help you immediately with any licensing questions

Do you have questions about the correct RDS CAL version or the licensing strategy for your Remote Desktop infrastructure? Contact us—we’ll advise you free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Desktop Services CALs

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

Yes. Both types of CALs are required for access via Remote Desktop Services: a Windows Server CAL for general server access and an RDS CAL for specific RDS access. Both CALs must be available for each user or device.

How many RDS CALs do I need?

For User CALs: one CAL per person who accesses the server via RDS. For Device CALs: one CAL per device used to access RDS. For administrative connections (exclusively for management purposes), up to two concurrent connections per server are permitted without an RDS 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 to access RDS from any number of devices. A Device CAL is tied to a device and allows any number of people to access RDS via that device. User CALs are suitable for mobile workstations and home offices, while Device CALs are suitable for shift workstations and shared terminals.

Does the RDS CAL version have to match the Windows Server version?

The RDS CAL must be at least the same version as the Windows Server being accessed. Newer RDS CAL versions also grant access to older Windows Server versions—so an RDS CAL for Windows Server 2022 also grants RDS access to Windows Server 2019 and earlier.

How quickly will I receive my license keys?

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