Windows Server 2025 RDS User CAL Key (10)
- Key delivered by email right after payment
- Download link and activation guide included
- Secure checkout · digital product, nothing shipped
A Windows Server 2025 RDS User CAL lets one named person use Remote Desktop Services sessions on a Windows Server 2025 session host, or an earlier version, from any device. It's needed in addition to a regular Windows Server CAL. This pack contains 10 CALs, enough for 10 users. You get the key by email after payment, with instructions.
- Pack of 10 RDS User CALs
- Each CAL covers one named user in Remote Desktop sessions, from any device
- Valid for Windows Server 2025 and earlier versions
- Needed in addition to a Windows Server CAL; installed on an RD Licensing server
- Digital delivery: nothing is shipped
When do I need a Windows Server 2025 RDS User CAL?
You need one for each user that connects to a Remote Desktop Services session host, whether for full desktops or RemoteApp programs. Microsoft's terms also require RDS CALs when Windows Server hosts a graphical desktop for users through other technologies.
RDS CALs are added on top of Windows Server CALs, so each remote user needs both. Remote Desktop for Administration, which allows two simultaneous administrator connections, doesn't use RDS CALs.
Should I buy Windows Server 2025 RDS User CALs or RDS Device CALs?
Choose RDS User CALs when each person has their own devices, and RDS Device CALs when several shifts of workers share the same computers. Both work on the same RD Licensing server.
| RDS User CAL | RDS Device CAL | |
|---|---|---|
| Assigned to | A user in Active Directory | A physical device |
| Works in a workgroup | Can't be tracked in a workgroup | Yes, regardless of Active Directory |
| Enforced by license server | No: tracked, but not enforced | Yes: can't be over-allocated |
| Temporary CAL | Not available | 90 days on first connection |
| Best for | Users with their own devices | Shared computers and shift work |
Because per-user RDS licensing isn't enforced by the license server, it's up to you to make sure every remote user has a valid RDS User CAL.
What do you need before buying Windows Server 2025 RDS User CALs?
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Windows Server CAL | Each RDS user also needs a Windows Server 2025 (or newer) User or Device CAL |
| Session host version | Windows Server 2025 or earlier |
| RD Licensing server | Running Windows Server 2025 or later; a 2022 license server can't install 2025 RDS CALs |
| Licensing mode | Session hosts set to Per User to match these CALs |
| Internet access | On the computer running RD Licensing Manager, to activate the licences |
Because Windows Server 2025 is the newest version, these CALs also cover any Windows Server 2022 and 2019 servers you still run, so one set of CALs works across a mixed environment.
How many RDS User CALs do I need?
Count the people who use Remote Desktop sessions, not the number of sessions or servers. Each of them needs one RDS User CAL plus a Windows Server CAL.
This listing is a pack of 10, so it covers 10 users. If you need more, combine packs or add CALs later; CALs you already own stay valid.
How do I install Windows Server 2025 RDS User CALs?
You install RDS CALs on a Remote Desktop Licensing server with Remote Desktop Licensing Manager. The license server must run Windows Server 2025 or later and be activated before you add CALs.
- In Server Manager, add the Remote Desktop Licensing role service (Manage → Add Roles and Features).
- Open Tools → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Licensing Manager and activate the license server.
- Right-click the server, select Install Licenses, choose the licence program given in your order instructions and enter the licence code.
- Select Windows Server 2025, the Per User licence type and the quantity, then finish the wizard.
- Set the licensing mode on your session hosts to Per User and point them to the license server.
A common issue we see is a licensing mode mismatch. If the session hosts use a different mode from the CALs you installed, connections fail with licensing errors once the 120-day grace period ends.
Frequently asked questions
Do RDS users also need a Windows Server CAL?
Yes. RDS CALs are additional licences. Each user or device that connects to a Remote Desktop session needs both a Windows Server CAL and an RDS CAL, each the same version as the session host or newer.
Can I install Windows Server 2025 RDS CALs on an older license server?
No. RDS CALs must be installed on a license server running the same Windows Server version or later. A Windows Server 2022 license server can't install 2025 RDS CALs, but a 2025 license server can host CALs for 2025 and earlier versions.
How many users does this pack cover?
This pack contains 10 RDS User CALs, so it covers 10 users connecting to Remote Desktop sessions. Each of them also needs a Windows Server CAL. You can install more packs on the same license server later as your team grows.
Do administrators need RDS CALs?
Not for managing the server. Windows Server allows two simultaneous Remote Desktop connections for administration without RDS CALs. RDS CALs are needed once the server hosts desktops or apps for users, including administrators who use it that way.
See all Windows Server 2025 licences and CALs, or save with a server bundle that includes CALs.
