Windows Server CALs explained in plain language

Windows Server licensing often has multiple layers. Buying a server licence does not automatically grant every user or device the right to connect.

The base server licence

The server software is licensed according to its edition and applicable core or server rules. This is the foundation of the deployment.

User and Device CALs

A User CAL can suit a person who uses several devices. A Device CAL can suit a shared workstation used by several people. The better model follows the actual access pattern, not simply whichever quantity looks smaller.

Remote Desktop Services

RDS access normally adds a separate RDS CAL layer on top of the Windows Server CAL. The RDS licence mode and version must align with the deployment.

Prepare before asking for a quote

• Record server edition, version, cores and virtualization plan.
• Count named users and shared access devices.
• Separate ordinary server access from Remote Desktop access.
• List existing licences and any required downgrade rights.
• Describe external, contractor or hosted-service access.