Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2019 Device CAL

A device CAL authorizes one computer to access Windows Remote Desktop Services, regardless of the number of users (for example, on a shared workstation). User CALs for licensing individuals and external connector licenses (ECLs) for licensing a significant number of external users are also available. Please note that an organization with a Windows Remote Desktop Services CAL still has to acquire a Windows Server CAL for each device or user accessing Windows Server.

Working safely and reliably

The users of the Windows Server 2019 RDS Device CAL are happy to have a secure and everywhere available operating system. Because threats lurk in any digital location, Microsoft has implemented a multi-layered security system to detect and thwart attacks. Even if attackers pass a line of defense, additional shields are available. Intrusion prevention and Windows Defender are part of the Windows Server 2019 defensive arsenal, along with encryption services and administrative tools for optimal security configuration.

Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services / Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Terminal Server is an integral part of Windows Server 2019, i.e. a license of Windows Server 2019 is required for each installed copy of the server software.

To use the Remote Desktop Protocol / Terminal Services of Windows Server 2019 the following licenses are required:

• Windows Server 2019 Server License
• Windows Server 2019 CAL (per user or per device)
• Windows Server 2019 Terminal Server CAL (per user or per device)

Licensing of access to the server software
In addition to a Windows CAL or Core CAL, if you want to run a Windows session, you must purchase a Windows Server 2019 Terminal Server CAL (TS-CAL) for each user or device. A Windows session means a session during which the server software hosts a graphical user interface on a device (whether through the TS component of the server software or through another technology).

Client Access License (CAL) Each RDP device CAL allows one device (used by any user) to run Windows sessions on one of your servers. Each RDP User CAL allows a user (using any device) to run Windows sessions on one of your servers. You are allowed to use a mixture of RDP device CALs and RDP user CALs at the same time as the server software, which means that the license server can manage both modes.

Technically, either device CALs or user CALs can be set up per terminal server. Under “Terminal Services Configuration – Server Settings – Licensing” the licensing mode can be set to either Per User or Per Device. Windows sessions are not allowed in Pro Server mode.

You do not need RDP CAL if you are connecting or mirroring with the single console session. The console session is the Windows session that is run from the designated primary keyboard and display device (or similar peripherals).