⚠️ You cannot mix User and Device CALs for the same user/device without proper tracking. Choose one model per environment (or both, but then you must track usage carefully).
Allows that user to access RDS from an unlimited number of devices (e.g., laptop, home PC, tablet).
RDS licensing is the mechanism that allows users to connect to a Remote Desktop Session Host. Each user or device that connects to a Session Host requires a valid . rds licensing
: Add the "Remote Desktop Licensing" role via Server Manager. Activate the Server : Open the RD Licensing Manager . Right-click your server name and select Activate Server .
| Windows Server | RDS CAL required | |----------------|------------------| | 2025 (when released) | RDS 2025 CAL | | 2022 | RDS 2022 CAL (backwards compatible with 2019/2016) | | 2019 | RDS 2019 CAL | | 2016 | RDS 2016 CAL | | 2012 R2 | RDS 2012 R2 CAL | ⚠️ You cannot mix User and Device CALs
Every system administrator has been there. You are setting up a new remote work environment, everything is technically configured correctly, the ports are open, the firewall is compliant, and the users are ready to connect. Then, two days later, the phone starts ringing. Users are getting a cryptic error message: "The remote session was disconnected because there are no Remote Desktop client access licenses available."
was tasked with setting up a new remote work environment. Alex knew that for his team to thrive, he needed to master the art of . The 120-Day Grace Period RDS licensing is the mechanism that allows users
If you have the first but not the second, you aren't getting in.
Best for shift-work environments (like call centers or retail) where multiple people share a single workstation.