Microsoft Remote Desktop Services CAL online kaufen

Buy Remote Desktop Services CAL – Access Licenses for RDS

A Remote Desktop Services CAL, or RDS CAL for short, is required when users or devices access a Windows Server via Remote Desktop. It complements the normal Windows Server licensing and is particularly important for companies that want to provide terminal servers, remote workplaces, or central applications.

In this category, you will find suitable Remote Desktop Services CALs for various Windows Server versions. Depending on the application area, companies can choose between User CALs and Device CALs and license their remote desktop environment accordingly.

What is a Remote Desktop Services CAL?

A Remote Desktop Services CAL is an access license for using Remote Desktop Services on a Windows Server. It entitles users or devices to establish a remote session with the server and use applications, desktops, or server resources there.

• Access license for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services
• Required for terminal server and remote desktop access
• Required in addition to Windows Server CALs
• Available as User CAL or Device CAL
• Suitable for companies, home offices, branches, and central applications

RDS CAL and Windows Server CAL – what's the difference?

A normal Windows Server CAL grants access to basic Windows Server services such as file storage, print services, or user management. However, it is not sufficient for using Remote Desktop Services.

If users or devices access a server via Remote Desktop, additional appropriate Remote Desktop Services CALs are required. In many environments, both Windows Server CALs and RDS CALs are therefore necessary.

User CAL or Device CAL – which RDS CAL is right?

With Remote Desktop Services CALs, a distinction is made between User CALs and Device CALs. The right choice depends on whether individual users or shared devices are to be licensed.

An RDS User CAL is assigned to a specific user. This user may access the remote desktop environment from various devices, for example, from an office PC, laptop, or private device at home. This variant is particularly suitable for flexible working models and employees with multiple devices.

An RDS Device CAL is assigned to a specific device. Multiple users may access the remote desktop services via this device. This variant is useful if several people use the same workstation, for example, in shift work, at cash registers, reception desks, or shared terminals.

For which versions are Remote Desktop Services CALs available?

Remote Desktop Services CALs are available for various Windows Server versions. It is important that the RDS CAL version matches the server environment in use. As a rule, newer RDS CALs can also be used for older Windows Server versions, but older RDS CALs cannot be used for newer server versions.

• RDS CAL 2025: for current Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop environments
• RDS CAL 2022: for modern Windows Server 2022 terminal servers and remote workplaces
• RDS CAL 2019: for proven Windows Server 2019 remote desktop environments
• RDS CAL 2016: for older, still used Windows Server 2016 installations

When are RDS CALs required?

RDS CALs are required as soon as users or devices utilize Remote Desktop Services on a Windows Server. Typical application areas include terminal servers, remote workplaces, central business applications, home office access, or providing programs for multiple locations.

Especially in companies with a central IT infrastructure, Remote Desktop Services are a practical solution for providing applications and work environments in a controlled manner. The appropriate RDS CAL ensures that these accesses are correctly licensed.

Choosing the right Remote Desktop Services CALs

The appropriate Remote Desktop Services CAL depends on your working style, the number of users, the number of devices, and the Windows Server version in use. If employees use multiple devices or work remotely regularly, a User CAL is often sensible. If a few fixed devices are used by many people, a Device CAL can be more economical.

With suitable RDS CALs, companies create the basis for a licensed remote desktop environment. In this category, you will find access licenses for Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, suitable for different Windows Server versions and application areas.