Windows Server CALs Explained: User vs Device and RDS
In short: besides the server licence, each user or device that connects to Windows Server generally needs a CAL. If people use Remote Desktop to run apps or desktops on the server, they also need RDS CALs.
What is a CAL?
A Client Access Licence (CAL) gives a user or a device the right to access services on Windows Server, such as file sharing, printing or authentication.
User CAL or Device CAL?
| Choose | When | Example |
|---|---|---|
| User CAL | Each person uses several devices | Staff who work from a laptop, desktop and phone |
| Device CAL | Several people share one device | Shift workers sharing a front-desk PC |
What are RDS CALs?
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs are needed when users connect to the server to run a full desktop or applications remotely. They are in addition to the standard Windows Server CAL and are also available as User or Device CALs.
Standard or Datacenter?
- Standard suits physical servers or lightly virtualised environments.
- Datacenter suits highly virtualised environments that run many virtual machines.
Installing RDS CALs
Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager on your licence server, right-click the server, choose Install Licenses and follow the wizard. See our activation guide for more help.
Still not sure which product fits? Read our licensing guide, browse the catalog, or ask our team. A real person will help you choose.