Description
This Windows Server 2012 RDS 10 User CAL pack licenses 10 named people for Remote Desktop on Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2 hosts. Each licence follows the person across all their devices. It is meant for businesses that still run 2012-era servers, and the licence code is sent by email.
What's included
You get one licence code that adds 10 Remote Desktop Services Per User CALs to your licence server. Each CAL is linked to a single user account in Active Directory.
- 10 User CALs for 10 named people, whatever number of devices each person uses.
- Coverage for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 session hosts only.
- Remote access to full desktops or published RemoteApp programs on the session host.
- Perpetual licence: a one-time purchase, not a subscription.
Important: compatibility and support status
These CALs only license session hosts running Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2. RDS CALs must be the same version as the host or newer, so a 2012 CAL cannot license a 2016, 2019, 2022 or 2025 host.
Microsoft ended support for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 on 10 October 2023. These servers no longer receive security updates, except through paid Microsoft programmes. Planning an upgrade? The Windows Server 2016 RDS 10 User CAL covers 2016 hosts as well as 2012 and 2012 R2.
Licence details
| Product | Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop Services CAL |
|---|---|
| CAL type | Per User (User CAL) |
| Quantity | 10 named users |
| Licence type | Perpetual licence, one-time purchase |
| Compatible session hosts | Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 only |
| Installation tool | Remote Desktop Licensing Manager |
| Delivery | Licence code by email |
| Microsoft support status | Windows Server 2012 R2 support ended 10 October 2023 |
System requirements
- An RD Session Host running Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2, for example Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard.
- An RD Licensing server running Windows Server 2012 or a newer version.
- An Active Directory domain, which Per User licence tracking depends on.
- Licensing mode set to Per User.
How to download, install and activate
You do not download anything for RDS CALs. You add the code to the licence server that your 2012 hosts already use.
- Open Server Manager on the licence server, then open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager from the Tools menu.
- Activate the licence server first if its status shows as not activated.
- Right-click the server name and choose Install Licenses.
- Select the licence programme that matches your code and enter the code from your email.
- Choose Windows Server 2012 as the product version, Per User as the CAL type and 10 as the quantity.
- Confirm that the deployment licensing mode is Per User, then run RD Licensing Diagnoser.
More set-up help is in our install and activation guides.
User CAL vs Device CAL for Windows Server 2012
Pick User CALs if each person uses more than one device. Pick Device CALs if more people than devices need access.
| Factor | 2012 User CAL (this pack) | 2012 Device CAL |
|---|---|---|
| Licence follows | The person | The computer |
| Fits best | Managers, field staff, home workers | Shared terminals and shift rotas |
| Active Directory needed | Yes | No |
| Host versions covered | 2012 and 2012 R2 | 2012 and 2012 R2 |
For shared PCs on a 2012 host, the Windows Server 2012 RDS 10 Device CAL is the matching pack. See every option in the access licences and CALs collection.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Windows Server 2012 RDS CALs on Windows Server 2016?
No. RDS CALs only work on session hosts of the same version or older. A 2012 User CAL is refused by a 2016 or newer host, and users will see licensing errors. Buy 2016 or newer CALs instead if you are moving to a newer server.
Do 2012 RDS CALs work with Windows Server 2012 R2?
Yes. Microsoft treats Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 as one RDS CAL version. A 2012 User CAL therefore licenses users on either host. You only need to make sure the licence server runs Windows Server 2012 or a later release.
Is it safe to keep running Windows Server 2012 R2?
The server still works, but Microsoft ended support on 10 October 2023. It receives no security fixes without a paid Microsoft programme. For internet-facing Remote Desktop, plan a move to a supported server and matching newer CALs.
Does one User CAL cover a person on several devices?
Yes. One Per User CAL covers one named user on any number of their devices. A person who connects from a desktop, a laptop and a phone uses one CAL. Devices that are shared by many people suit Device CALs better.
Related products and guides
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