Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop CALs – User

Windows Server 2025 RDS User CAL: per-user access licence for Remote Desktop Services

The Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Services User CAL is the access licence that Microsoft requires for every user who connects to a Remote Desktop Session Host running Windows Server. The licence is assigned to a user account in Active Directory, and this user may connect from any number of devices. The licensing model is suitable for employees who access the same applications on a terminal server from the office PC, from a laptop and from home. The RDS CAL does not include any server software.

How per-user licensing works

RDS CALs are installed on a Remote Desktop license server, which issues and tracks them. With per-user licensing, Windows does not technically enforce the licences: every user can connect, and the administrator is responsible for ensuring that valid licences are available for all users. User CALs are assigned via Active Directory and cannot be tracked in a workgroup; Device CALs are intended for workgroups. Microsoft provides a grace period of 120 days during which no license server is required yet.

Under the Microsoft licensing terms, the RDS CAL is an additive access licence. It is required in addition to the Windows Server CAL that every user or device needs to access the server, unless an exception in the Microsoft Product Terms applies. An RDS CAL is also required if Windows Server provides a graphical interface for users via Remote Desktop Services or another technology.

Compatible server versions

Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs apply to session hosts running Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016. Newer CALs may therefore be used for older servers, but older CALs may not be used for a newer server. This is important if session hosts of different versions run in an environment or if a move to Windows Server 2025 is planned. The CALs are installed on a license server running Windows Server 2025.

Buy Windows Server 2025 RDS User CAL: licence and scope of delivery

On the product page, you select the number of user CALs: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 500, 750 or 1,000. The number corresponds to the number of users, not simultaneous sessions. Windows Server itself and the Windows Server CALs are not included. The scope of delivery includes:

• RDS User CALs for Windows Server 2025 in the selected quantity
• License Server ID (SPK) and License Key Pack ID (LKP) for activation on the RDS license server
• activation instructions (see Activating RDS CALs and VDI licences)

Once your payment has been received, you receive your order by email. To obtain the activation data, you enter the Product ID of your activated license server: with a customer account under My Product Codes, without a customer account via the Guest Portal. The SPK and LKP for the ordered CAL pack are then provided.

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

System requirements

Requirements according to Microsoft.