Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop CALs – Device

Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop CALs (Device): per-device access licences for Remote Desktop Services

Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop CALs (Device) are access licences for the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) of Windows Server 2019 that are assigned to a device. With a Device CAL, a device may establish sessions on a Remote Desktop Session Host, regardless of how many users work on it. This suits workstations used in shifts or by changing people, for example thin clients in production, in the warehouse or at a reception desk. Device CALs are also the only permitted option if the servers of the RDS environment are operated in a workgroup rather than in a domain.

How RDS Device CALs are managed

The CALs are installed on a Remote Desktop licence server, which issues them to the connecting devices. For this, the ‘Per Device’ licensing mode is set on the session host or via Group Policy. On the first connection, a device initially receives a temporary licence for 90 days; after a successful logon, the licence server can convert it into a permanent CAL, which is renewed after a random period between 52 and 89 days. Device CALs can also be tracked for devices outside Active Directory.

Unlike User CALs, Device CALs are enforced by the licence server: no more devices can be licensed than there are CALs installed. Up to 20 percent of the issued Device CALs can be revoked, for example when a device is replaced. After an RDS environment has been set up, a grace period of 120 days applies during which no licence server is required yet.

The RDS CAL supplements the Windows Server CAL but does not replace it: a Windows Server CAL is still required for access to the server, unless the Microsoft Product Terms provide for an exception.

Compatibility

Compatibility according to Microsoft. RDS CALs of an older version may not be used to access a newer Windows Server version; newer CALs, on the other hand, cover older versions. The licence server must have at least the same version as the installed CALs.

Buy Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop CALs (Device): licence and scope of delivery

You select the number of Device CALs via the product variant: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 500, 750 or 1,000. It corresponds to the number of licensed devices, not the number of concurrent sessions. The quantity in the shopping basket remains at one. Server software and Windows Server CALs are not included. The scope of delivery includes:

• Windows Server 2019 RDS Device CALs in the selected number
• the License Server ID (SPK) and the License Key Pack ID (LKP) for activation on the Remote Desktop licence server
• instructions for activation (see Activating RDS CALs and VDI licences and Guides and FAQ)

Delivery is digital once your payment has been received. To provide the activation data, we need the Product ID of your licence server; it is displayed in Remote Desktop Licensing Manager and is not a Windows product key. You submit the Product ID with a customer account under My Product Codes, without a customer account via the Guest Portal using your order number and billing email address. The License Server ID and License Key Pack ID are then available there for your order.

If you have any questions about activation on the licence server, our Support team is available around the clock by email. For larger environments, there are offers for businesses, schools and public authorities in the B2B Area. You will find server licences and further access licences in the category Windows Server and under Operating Systems.