Windows Server 2022 User CAL

Windows Server 2022 User CAL – client access licence per user

The Windows Server 2022 User CAL is the client access licence every person needs to access a Windows Server 2022 – for example file shares, printers, Active Directory or applications. Without the right CALs, a server is not fully licensed.

A User CAL covers one person, regardless of how many devices they use for access. You choose 1, 5, 10, 25 or 50 licences here.

The key facts at a glance

• Access right to Windows Server 2022 and older versions
• Licensing per person
• Packages with 1, 5, 10, 25 or 50 CALs
• No technical activation – proof via licence documents
• Can be combined with RDS CALs for Remote Desktop

Who is this licence for?

• employees with PC, laptop and smartphone
• teams working from home
• field staff with several devices
• companies with few employees and many devices

User or Device – which fits?

A User CAL applies to one person, no matter how many devices they use for access – from the office PC, the laptop at home or a tablet. This is worthwhile if employees use several devices. A Device CAL, on the other hand, applies to one device that any number of people may share, for example in shift work, at the till or in the warehouse. You have chosen the User variant here.

Which CAL version do I need?

The CAL version must be at least the version of the server being accessed. A newer CAL may also be used for older servers – but not the other way round. So if you run servers of different versions, go by the newest.

Choosing the quantity

On this page you choose between 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 CALs. Count all users or devices that access the server – including occasional access, for example by temporary staff or scanner workstations. If licences are missing later, simply order more.

CAL types compared

You will find more client access licences in the category Windows Server 2022 CAL.

Windows Server 2022 at a glance

• Secured-core server with hardware-based protection
• TLS 1.3 enabled by default
• SMB encryption with AES-256
• Improved containers and Hyper-V

Managing licences properly

Keep a simple list of which users or devices are licensed, and keep the invoice and licence documents together. When staff change, User CALs may be reassigned to new employees; replaced devices pass their Device CAL on to the new device. That way you are always on the safe side, even in an audit.

Requirements

• Windows Server 2022 or older as the target system
• A valid licence for the server itself, for example Windows Server 2022
• For Remote Desktop use, RDS CALs in addition

Delivery and setup

1. Add the proof of licence from our email and the invoice to your records.
2. Windows Server CALs are not technically activated – they are a usage right that you prove in an audit.
3. Document the number of licensed users or devices and keep it up to date when changes occur.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a CAL for every employee?

With User CALs, every person who accesses the server needs their own CAL. With Device CALs, every accessing device counts.

Is one CAL enough for Remote Desktop?

No. For Remote Desktop sessions you additionally need one RDS CAL per user or device.

May I use a 2022 CAL for older servers?

Yes, a CAL applies to its own and all older server versions.

Can I buy more CALs later?

Yes, at any time. Simply order the additional quantity needed of the same or a newer version.

Will I receive an invoice?

Yes, you receive a proper invoice with VAT shown for every order, with your company address on request.

Does the CAL also apply to virtual servers?

Yes. CALs apply to access to Windows Server – regardless of whether the server runs physically or as a virtual machine.

Delivery, invoice and support

• Delivery by e-mail: you will usually receive proof of licence for the quantity purchased and an explanation of the licensing within 5 to 30 minutes of payment (daily 09:00–21:00 CET). More under Shipping & payment.
• Invoice: every order comes with a proper invoice, with your company address on request.
• Origin of the licence: we source our licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe. We explain exactly how this works on the page Buying legal software.
• Support: if you have questions about installation or activation, we help by e-mail (Mon–Sun 09:00–21:00 CET), phone (Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00 CET), live chat or remote support with TeamViewer.

Our goodwill promise

If the CAL version you ordered is ever no longer available, we will supply the next higher version with the same quantity and the same type (User or Device) at no extra charge. You never pay more than the price at which you ordered.