Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop CALs – Device

Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop CALs (Device): per-device access licences for RDS on Windows Server 2016

Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop CALs (Device) license devices for access to the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) of a session host running Windows Server 2016. The licence belongs to the device, not to the person: several users may establish remote sessions via a licensed device. This is suitable for shared workstations, for example thin clients used in shifts, and for RDS environments whose servers are operated in a workgroup instead of a domain, because according to Microsoft only Device CALs are permitted there.

Assignment and management

A Remote Desktop licence server manages the installed CALs and issues them to connecting devices. For this, the ‘Per Device’ licensing mode is set on the session host, via the deployment properties in Server Manager or via Group Policy. On the first connection, a device receives a temporary licence for 90 days, which the licence server can convert into a permanent CAL after a successful logon. Device CALs can also be tracked for devices that are not members of Active Directory.

The licence server does not issue more Device CALs than are installed. Up to 20 percent of the issued CALs can be revoked, for example after replacing a thin client. For new RDS environments, a grace period of 120 days without a licence server applies. In addition to the RDS CAL, a Windows Server CAL is required for access to the server, unless the Microsoft Product Terms provide for an exception.

Compatibility

Compatibility according to Microsoft. Windows Server 2016 RDS CALs are not permitted for session hosts running Windows Server 2019 or later, because CALs of an older version may not be used for a newer Windows Server version.

Buy Windows Server 2016 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. The licensed devices are counted, not the 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 2016 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.