Buy Microsoft Remote Desktop Services CAL online

Get genuine Microsoft Remote Desktop Services CAL licences instantly

A Remote Desktop Services CAL (RDS CAL) lets users or devices connect to a Windows Server through Remote Desktop. At Vollversion-Software you can order RDS CAL licences for Windows Server 2008 R2 to 2025, as either a User CAL or a Device CAL. After you order, you receive your licence key, invoice and activation guide by email.

Before you buy: an RDS CAL does not replace the Windows Server CAL. You need both. The RDS CAL must also be the same version as your RDS server or newer. If you are not sure which licence suits your environment, we are happy to advise you before you order.

Find the right Microsoft Remote Desktop Services CAL

Start with one question: who accesses the server, and from where? If individual people work from several devices, the User CAL is usually the better choice. If several people share one device, for example in shift work, the Device CAL is worth it.

	User CAL	Device CAL
Licensed for	one user	one device
Access	from any number of devices	by any number of users
Suitable for	Working from home, field staff, employees with a laptop and tablet	Shift work, tills, shared workstations

The CAL version must be the same as or newer than the version of your RDS server. So a 2022 CAL works with Server 2019, but a 2016 CAL does not work with Server 2022.

❯❯❯ Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2025 User CAL

For Windows Server 2025. One user connects to the Remote Desktop environment from any number of devices. View product

❯❯❯ Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2025 Device CAL

For Windows Server 2025. One licensed device that any number of users can work on. View product

❯❯❯ Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2022 User CAL

For Windows Server 2022. Suits employees who switch between the office, home working and mobile devices. View product

❯❯❯ Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2022 Device CAL

For Windows Server 2022. A good fit when several people share a terminal or workstation. View product

❯❯❯ Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2019 User CAL

For Windows Server 2019. The licence is tied to the user, not the end device. View product

❯❯❯ Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2019 Device CAL

For Windows Server 2019. The licence is tied to the device, regardless of who signs in on it. View product

❯❯❯ Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2016 User CAL

For Windows Server 2016. One licence per user, whether they use a PC, laptop or tablet. View product

❯❯❯ Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2016 Device CAL

For Windows Server 2016. One licence per device, for example for reception, warehouse or production. View product

❯❯❯ Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2012 User CAL

For Windows Server 2012. For existing environments that are to be licensed per user. View product

❯❯❯ Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2012 Device CAL

For Windows Server 2012. For existing environments with shared devices. View product

❯❯❯ Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2008 R2 User CAL

For Windows Server 2008 R2. For existing environments with per-user licensing. View product

❯❯❯ Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2008 R2 Device CAL

For Windows Server 2008 R2. For existing environments with per-device licensing. View product

Note on older versions: Microsoft no longer provides regular security updates for Windows Server 2008 R2 and 2012. If you are setting up a new environment, choose a current server version.

What you get when you buy from Vollversion-Software

✓ Prices below Microsoft list prices

Our RDS CAL licences cost less than Microsoft's official list prices.

✓ Invoice and licence documents

Every order comes with a proper invoice and the licence documents. They let you prove your licensing in an audit.

✓ Delivery by email

Your licence key and activation guide arrive by email straight after you order.

✓ Help with activation and licensing questions

If you have problems with activation or questions about the right licence, you can reach our support team by email.

Remote Desktop Services CAL price

RDS CAL licences at Vollversion-Software cost between €9.99 and €1,442.99. The price depends on the server version and licence type.

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Do I need a Windows Server CAL in addition to the RDS CAL?

Yes. The RDS CAL entitles you to access Remote Desktop Services. Access to the Windows Server itself must still be licensed with a Windows Server CAL.

How do I install a Remote Desktop Services CAL?

In Server Manager, install the “Remote Desktop Services” role with the “Remote Desktop Licensing” role service.
Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager and activate the licence server.
Install your CALs using the wizard and enter the licence key when prompted.
Set the licensing mode (per user or per device) to match the type of licence you bought.

You will receive detailed instructions with your order.

Which RDS CAL is right for me, User CAL or Device CAL?

The User CAL is right if individual users work from several devices, for example at home and in the office. The Device CAL is right if many people use the same device, for example in shift work. Mixed use is possible if the licensing is kept clearly separate.

What requirements apply to an RDS CAL?

You need a Windows Server with the Remote Desktop Services role, an activated licence server and a Windows Server CAL. The RDS CAL must be the same version as your RDS server or a newer one.

Is buying a cheap RDS CAL legal?

Whether a licence may be used lawfully depends on its origin and the supporting documentation. We provide you with an invoice and the associated licence documents.

Where can I buy Microsoft Remote Desktop Services CAL?

Right here at Vollversion-Software. Choose your server version and licence type above, order online and receive the licence key and invoice by email.