RDS CAL Explained: What You Need for Remote Desktop Services
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Short answer: For Remote Desktop Services (RDS), a normal Windows Server CAL is not sufficient – you also need an RDS CAL, per user or per device. With us, a 5-pack of Windows Server 2022 RDS User CALs costs €454.95, which is €90.99 per license – and this is in addition to the regular Windows Server CAL.
What RDS is
Remote Desktop Services (formerly Terminal Services) allow multiple users to simultaneously log on to a Windows Server and run applications or a full desktop there – for centrally managed workstations or remote access to a line-of-business application, for example.
Why a normal CAL is not enough
The regular Windows Server CAL authorizes access to basic services such as file shares or print services. This explicitly does not cover the simultaneous, interactive logon of multiple users via RDS – for this, an additional RDS CAL is required, regardless of the regular Server CAL.
User or Device RDS CAL?
As with the regular CAL, the rule is: people with multiple devices will find a User CAL more cost-effective, while shared terminals will benefit from a Device CAL. A field service employee who accesses RDS from a laptop and tablet only needs one RDS User CAL.
“We had the normal CAL in mind and completely forgot about the RDS CAL – a colleague from another company was the one who pointed out to us that they are two completely separate licenses.” An IT manager describes how he was able to close the gap before an audit.
What RDS CALs cost
Like all access licenses, we offer RDS CALs in 5-packs:
| Server version | RDS User CAL (5-pack) | RDS Device CAL (5-pack) | per license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Server 2019 | €94.95 | €94.95 | €18.99 |
| Windows Server 2022 | €454.95 | €434.95 | €90.99 / €86.99 |
| Windows Server 2025 | €529.95 | €529.95 | €105.99 |
The jump from 2019 to 2022 is not a typo: Older generation RDS licenses are much more widely available on the used market. If you are already running Windows Server 2019, you can save a significant amount here.
Always calculate both positions together: For five people on a Terminal Server 2022, you need a 5-pack of normal User CALs (€119.95) and a 5-pack of RDS User CALs (€454.95) – together around €575 in pure access licenses, independent of the server license itself.
A common misconception
RDS CALs are tied to the server version for which they were issued, just like regular CALs. An RDS CAL for Windows Server 2019 does not automatically authorize access to a Windows Server 2022.
Conclusion
If you are planning Remote Desktop Services, factor in the RDS CAL as a separate cost item – in addition to the server license and the regular CAL. You can find all RDS CALs in our CAL overview, and the appropriate server license in the Windows Server range. The exact quantity is calculated by the CAL configurator.
