FAQ: Microsoft Windows Server 2022 RDS 10 Device CAL
1. What is Microsoft Windows Server 2022 RDS 10 Device CAL?
This is a RDS CAL licence type designed for 10 devices that will be using remote desktop services in a Windows Server 2022 environment. It is not a programme to be installed like classic user software, but rather a licence entitlement confirming the legal right to access Remote Desktop Services features.
In practice, such a licence is required when a company provides employees or workstations with remote desktop, terminal applications, or other resources published by a server with the RDS role. The Windows Server licence itself is not sufficient for legal use of the remote desktop by end-users. This is where the appropriate RDS CAL licences come in.
2. What does the CAL abbreviation mean and how does it differ from RDS CAL?
CAL is an abbreviation for Client Access License, which is a licence to access a Microsoft server. Such a licence confirms that a user or device can legally use the server's services.
It is worth distinguishing between two levels:
- Windows Server CAL: grants basic access to the server,
- RDS CAL: is additionally required when access is via Remote Desktop Services.
This means that when working remotely on a server, publishing applications, or logging in via remote desktop, licence compliance covering RDS CAL is also required. The Microsoft Windows Server 2022 RDS 10 Device CAL product relates to the latter element.
3. How does Device CAL differ from User CAL?
The difference lies in what is being licensed.
- Device CAL is assigned to a specific device, such as a computer in the office, terminal, laptop, or workstation.
- User CAL is assigned to a specific person, regardless of how many devices they use.
Device CAL is usually cost-effective when:
- multiple people use one computer,
- the company has shift workstations,
- access to the server is from a limited number of devices.
User CAL is a better choice when:
- one employee uses multiple devices,
- remote connections are made from the office, home, and company laptop,
- the work model is mobile.
In the case of this product, you are buying a package for 10 devices, not 10 people.
4. How many RDS Device CAL licences do I need?
You should count the number of devices that will be connecting to the remote desktop services. If 10 computers are using the RDS server, you need a licence for 10 devices. If there are 18 devices, a package of 10 CAL will not be sufficient.
The most important rule is simple: the number of licences should match the actual number of devices accessing the RDS environment. It does not matter how many times they connect, but rather the number of authorised devices. For licence compliance, do not assume that "not all connect at the same time" if formally each of them is supposed to have access.
5. Is this licence required if I already have Windows Server 2022?
Yes. Having a licence for the Windows Server 2022 system itself does not automatically grant the right to use remote desktop services by end-users in the RDS model.
To operate in accordance with Microsoft's licence terms, you usually need:
- a Windows Server licence,
- appropriate access licences CAL,
- in the case of remote desktop, also RDS CAL.
Therefore, the Microsoft Windows Server 2022 RDS 10 Device CAL product should be treated as a licence document extending access rights, not a replacement for the server itself.
6. Is this a legal and original licence?
Yes, provided it is purchased from a legitimate source and full documentation confirming the origin of the entitlement is received. In the case of the KluczeSoft.pl offer, the client receives a legal Microsoft licence, intended for use in accordance with the manufacturer's terms.
It is worth remembering that in the case of CAL/RDS licences, you are not buying a "program in a box", but rather access rights. The key or activation data are only technical elements, while the most important aspects remain: licence type compatibility, number of entitlements, and sales documentation. A VAT invoice is issued for the purchase, which is an important element of company documentation.
7. What does the licence delivery look like and what do I receive after purchase?
This is a licence product, so delivery is electronic. The client receives a set of information necessary to confirm the purchase and implement the licence in the server environment.
Standardly, this means:
- licence data or a key, if required for the given model,
- information about the product type,
- sales documentation, i.e., a VAT invoice,
- informational support regarding order execution.
Since this is not physical software, you do not need to expect a medium or a box. This is a licence delivered in electronic form, intended for use in an existing Microsoft environment.
8. Can the Device CAL licence be transferred to another device?
In principle, the Device CAL licence is assigned to a specific device. It should not be treated as a "floating" entitlement that can be freely reassigned between computers every day.
In practice, the rules for transferring should comply with Microsoft's licence terms. It is assumed that reassigning the licence should not occur more frequently than every 90 days, unless there is a permanent device failure, its withdrawal from use, or another situation justifying the change in assignment. Therefore, before reorganising workstations, it is worth planning licencing in advance.
9. How can I ensure licence compliance in my company?
The safest approach is to adopt a simple rule: every company should be able to demonstrate how many devices are using RDS and how many licences have been purchased. Good practice includes:
- keeping a record of devices with access to the remote desktop,
- matching the number of CALs to actual usage,
- storing purchase documents,
- ensuring the correct type is chosen: User or Device.
Lack of compliance may pose a risk during a licence audit. This is why choosing the appropriate CAL model should result from the actual work method in the organisation, not just the price of a single licence.
10. Where can I get help before making a purchase?
If you are unsure whether the User CAL or Device CAL version is better, it is worth consulting on the number of workstations, the way users work, and the planned infrastructure. This allows you to avoid both under-licensing and unnecessary costs.
For questions about the order, licence legality, delivery form, and sales documents, you can contact us by phone at 00 800 121 1654. This makes it easier to choose the right licence for your company's Windows Server 2022 environment and maintain full compliance with Microsoft's requirements. You can also contact us via email at [email protected].