Buy genuine Windows Server Client Access Licenses (CALs) — the legal requirement for any user or device connecting to a Windows Server environment. LicenceHouse stocks RDS (Remote Desktop Services) CALs for Windows Server 2012 and 2016, in both User and Device variants. All licenses are 100% authentic, competitively priced, and delivered digitally.
What Is a CAL and Why Do You Need One?
A Client Access License (CAL) is a legal requirement under Microsoft's licensing terms. Every user or device that connects to a licensed Windows Server — whether accessing files, running applications, using Remote Desktop, or any other server-based resource — must have a corresponding CAL. Failing to license users or devices correctly is a compliance risk. Our CALs ensure your organisation stays fully licensed and audit-ready.
RDS CALs — Remote Desktop Services
Remote Desktop Services CALs are specifically required when users or devices access a Windows Server via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This is common in virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), terminal server, and hosted application environments. Without an RDS CAL per user or device, your Remote Desktop deployment is not properly licensed under Microsoft's terms.
User CAL vs Device CAL — Which Is Right for You?
- User CAL: Licenses a specific named user to access the server from any number of devices. The better choice when employees use multiple devices (desktop, laptop, tablet, phone) to connect to the server — one CAL covers them regardless of which device they use.
- Device CAL: Licenses a specific device to access the server, regardless of which user operates it. The better choice for shared workstations, kiosks, or devices used by shift workers where multiple users share the same machine.
Rule of thumb: If you have more devices than users, buy User CALs. If you have more users than devices (e.g. shift workers sharing PCs), buy Device CALs.
Windows Server Versions — CAL Compatibility
- Server 2012 RDS CALs: Required for environments running Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2. Downgrade rights may apply — contact us for details.
- Server 2016 RDS CALs: Required for Windows Server 2016 environments. Also covers Server 2012 workloads in mixed environments.
Note: CALs must match or exceed the version of Windows Server being accessed. A Server 2016 CAL covers access to Server 2016 and older; a Server 2012 CAL does not license access to Server 2016 or later.
Need Windows Server Licenses Too?
If you also need Windows Server operating system licenses — Standard, Datacenter, or Essentials — browse our Windows Server License Keys collection for the full range from Server 2012 R2 to Server 2025.
Why Buy CALs from LicenceHouse?
- ✅ 100% Genuine Microsoft Licenses — Fully compliant CALs that satisfy Microsoft audits
- ✅ Instant Digital Delivery — License keys emailed immediately after payment
- ✅ Competitive Pricing — Significant savings vs Microsoft retail CAL pricing
- ✅ 10-Pack Bundles — All CALs sold in 10-user or 10-device packs for straightforward deployment
- ✅ Expert Support — Our team can advise on the right CAL type for your environment
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CAL for each user or just each server?
You need a CAL for each user or device that accesses the server — not per server. If you have 20 employees accessing one Windows Server, you need 20 User CALs (or one Device CAL per shared workstation).
Are these 10-pack CALs — do I need to buy multiple packs for more than 10 users?
Yes, all CAL listings cover 10 users or 10 devices. For 25 users, you would purchase 3 packs (covering 30 users), for example. Contact our support team if you need a custom quantity quote.
Can I use Server 2016 CALs to access Server 2012?
Yes — higher-version CALs include downgrade rights, so Server 2016 CALs can be used to license access to Server 2012 environments as well.
Do I need CALs for Windows Server 2019 or 2022?
Yes — Windows Server 2019, 2022, and 2025 all require CALs for user/device access. We are expanding our CAL range — contact us if you need Server 2019 or 2022 CALs and we will advise on availability.
