Buy RDS CAL
Client access licenses for Remote Desktop Services as a User or Device CAL. Legally transferred, documented to withstand an audit and matched to your server version.
Licenses in this category
Our stock changes constantly. If your version is not listed, ask us about it.
The third license that many forget
As soon as someone logs on to a Windows Server via Remote Desktop and works there, it is a terminal server session. This requires an RDS CAL of its own, in addition to everything else.
A terminal server workstation is therefore only fully licensed with three components: the server license for operation, the Windows Server CAL for access to the server and the RDS CAL for the Remote Desktop session. Anyone who only thinks of the first two has a gap that reliably stands out in an audit.
Why this is so often overlooked
Because Remote Desktop simply works technically. There is no block that points to the missing license. After the 120-day trial period ends, the service does refuse the connection, but until then everything keeps running unnoticed, and in many environments the licensing got lost in exactly this period.
What to check before you buy
User CAL
Licenses one person, regardless of how many devices they connect from. Suitable for field service and home office, where the same person accesses from a notebook, tablet and home computer.
Device CAL
Licenses one device, regardless of how many people use it. Suitable for thin clients and shared terminals where several people work in shifts.
In addition to the Server CAL
The RDS CAL does not replace the normal client access license, it comes on top. Both are needed.
The license server needs the keys
RDS CALs are stored on a Remote Desktop license server and issued from there. We supply the documents in such a way that this setup succeeds without follow-up questions.
Frequently asked questions
Does the RDS CAL replace the normal Server CAL?
No. Both are required. The Windows Server CAL entitles you to access the server, the RDS CAL additionally to the Remote Desktop session. The server license itself is also needed.
What happens after the 120-day trial period?
The Remote Desktop service then refuses new connections until valid client access licenses are stored on a license server. Anyone who only then notices that the licenses are missing is under time pressure. Better to talk to us beforehand.
Does the CAL version have to match the server version?
The CAL must be at least as current as the server version. An older RDS CAL does not entitle you to access a newer server, whereas the reverse works.
Can I mix User and Device CALs?
Yes, that is permitted and usually the cheapest solution. Describe your workstation situation to us and we will suggest the suitable split.
Do I need RDS CALs for pure administration as well?
For administrative access, two sessions are available without an RDS CAL. As soon as productive work is done on it and not just administration, the licensing requirement applies.
Does this also apply to virtual desktops?
Virtual desktop environments partly follow different rules, depending on whether sessions on a server or dedicated desktop systems are provided. Describe the setup to us and we will clarify what you actually need.
Other license categories
Need more than one product family? We put the combination together and check which client access licenses (CALs) belong with it.
Request pricing
Tell us the product and quantity. You will receive a firm quote including the scope of documentation.