Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop CALs – Device

Windows Server 2025 RDS Device CAL: per-device access licence for Remote Desktop Services

The Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Services Device CAL is the access licence that Microsoft requires for every device that connects to a Remote Desktop Session Host running Windows Server. The licence is permanently assigned to one device, and any number of users can access the Remote Desktop environment via this device. The licensing model is suitable for shared workstations, for example in shift work, at reception desks or on thin clients in production. The RDS CAL does not include any server software.

How per-device licensing works

RDS CALs are installed on a Remote Desktop license server, which issues and tracks them. When a device logs on for the first time, the license server issues a temporary CAL valid for 90 days. If the license server is activated and free CALs are available, it converts this into a permanent device CAL. Device CALs are tracked independently of Active Directory membership and can therefore also be used in a workgroup without a domain. Up to 20 percent of device CALs can be revoked, for example when a device is replaced. 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 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 Device CAL: licence and scope of delivery

On the product page, you select the number of device 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 accessing devices, not simultaneous sessions. Windows Server itself and the Windows Server CALs are not included. The scope of delivery includes:

• RDS Device 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.