FAQ: Microsoft Windows Server 2019 RDS 10 Device CAL
What is Microsoft Windows Server 2019 RDS 10 Device CAL?
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 RDS 10 Device CAL is a Client Access License for remote desktop services, assigned to 10 devices. It is not a program or installation package, but a licensing document that authorises lawful access to the Remote Desktop Services environment in Windows Server 2019.
This type of licence is required when users or devices need to connect to the server via Remote Desktop in RDS mode. The Windows Server licence alone is not sufficient for legal use of remote desktop services. Additional CAL/RDS permissions are required, appropriately selected to match the company's work model.
Is RDS CAL software that is installed?
No. This is a very important distinction. RDS CAL is not standalone software, but a licence that confirms the right to access remote desktop services in the Microsoft infrastructure. In practice, the client receives licensing data or an activation key for deployment in the server environment, but the subject of the purchase remains the licensing permission, not a physical or digital user program.
Therefore, when making a purchase, it is essential to focus primarily on the licence's compatibility with the existing environment, the type of CAL, and the number of access permissions required.
What does the Device CAL version mean?
Device CAL means a licence assigned to a device, not to a specific person. If multiple people use one computer, terminal, or workstation, a Device CAL is usually more cost-effective and practical.
In the case of the 10 Device CAL package, the company gains the right to use RDS services with a maximum of 10 specified devices. It does not matter how many employees use a given workstation, as long as access is from a licensed device and within the terms of the Microsoft licence.
What is the difference between User CAL and Device CAL?
The difference lies in the way permissions are assigned:
- User CAL is assigned to a user.
- Device CAL is assigned to a device.
The User CAL model works well when one person uses multiple devices, such as an office computer, laptop, and mobile terminal. The Device CAL model is beneficial when multiple people work on the same equipment, for example, in a warehouse, reception, customer service point, or on production shifts.
The choice should be based on the actual use of the infrastructure. A well-chosen CAL type allows you to avoid both overpayment and licensing compliance issues.
How many RDS CAL licences do I need?
You should count the actual number of devices using remote desktop services. If the company has 10 terminals that connect to the RDS environment, a package covering exactly 10 devices will be required. If there are more devices, additional licences need to be purchased.
In practice, it is not the number of session launches that matters, but the number of entities authorised to access according to the chosen model. For Device CAL, these are devices. It is worth planning the purchase with a reserve for company development, new workstations, or infrastructure replacement.
Is a Windows Server 2019 licence alone sufficient to work with Remote Desktop?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions. A Windows Server licence entitles you to use the server system itself, but does not replace the RDS CAL licences required for the legal use of remote desktop services by users or devices.
To ensure compliance with Microsoft's licensing rules, two levels of authorisation are usually required:
- basic CAL for Windows Server,
- additional RDS CAL for remote desktop services.
The lack of proper licences may result in non-compliance during an audit or licence inspection.
What does licensing compliance mean and what does compliance mean for RDS CAL?
Compliance means that the way the environment is used is in line with the licence conditions set by the manufacturer. In the case of RDS, the most important thing is that the number of actively authorised devices or users corresponds to the actual number of licences purchased and that the chosen CAL type is consistent with the actual work model.
The company should be able to demonstrate:
- what type of licence was purchased,
- how many licences the deployment includes,
- which version of the environment they are assigned to,
- on what basis access to the server is granted.
Purchasing a legal licence from a reputable seller and keeping sales documents, delivery confirmations, and VAT invoices is an essential element of licence order.
Can this licence be transferred to another device or to another company?
The rules for transferring licences depend on the type of licence and the terms of trade provided for a given sales channel. As a general rule, the client should assume that the licence must be used in accordance with the documentation and conditions provided at the time of purchase. In the event of changes to the infrastructure, replacement of equipment, or reorganisation of the environment, it is worth keeping full documentation and consulting on a specific case before implementation.
If questions arise about the possibility of transferring authorisations, assigning them to a new device, or the scope of further use of the licence, it is best to confirm this before making a purchase or before changing the configuration. Assistance can be obtained by telephone at 00 800 121 1654.
How do you know that the key and licence are legal?
The legality of the licence should result from several elements: a reliable source of purchase, complete sales documentation, and a clear definition of what the offer includes. The client should receive a legal key or licence details, information about the scope of authorisations, and a document confirming the purchase.
In the case of an offer for Microsoft Windows Server 2019 RDS 10 Device CAL, the subject of the sale is a legal access licence, not an unauthorised copy of the programme. For companies, it is particularly important that the documentation is sufficient for accounting and organisational purposes, so a VAT invoice should also be the standard.
You can contact us at [email protected] for more information.
What does the delivery process look like and what documents do I receive after purchase?
The delivery of such a licence usually takes place electronically, which allows for quick order fulfillment without waiting for a physical shipment. The customer receives the necessary data to manage the licence and sales documents. This is a convenient solution for companies that want to quickly organise access to RDS services or supplement missing licences.
When making a purchase, you can expect:
- electronic delivery of the licence,
- licence data or a key,
- a sales document,
- a VAT invoice for your company.
If you need help selecting the number of licences or distinguishing between User CAL and Device CAL, it's worth contacting us by phone at 00 800 121 1654.