Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Services CAL
Catalog row in Vendor License Metrics · Cited
- Unit
- Other
- Aliases
- RDS CAL; Remote Desktop Services CAL; Windows Server 2025 RDS CAL
- Definition
- Named Additive Access License for Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Services. Must be used in conjunction with a base CAL (Glossary: Additive CAL). Product Terms also require this Additive Access License for use of Windows Server to host a graphical user interface using the Windows Server 2025 Remote Desktop Services functionality or other technology. This is a named instance of the generic Additive CAL.
- Counting rules
- Use in conjunction with a Base Access License (Windows Server 2025 CAL or CAL Equivalent). Assign by user or device as offered. Educational: PAYG (Azure Arc) does not require base CALs; RDS CALs still required. RDS User CAL and User SL extended rights (Software Assurance) may be used with Windows Server in OSEs dedicated to internal use on Azure or a License Mobility through Software Assurance Partner after the verification form; move not sooner than 90 days.
- Floors / minimums
- One RDS CAL (or Additive External Connector License, where offered) in addition to the required Base Access License for each user or device that accesses RDS / GUI-hosting functionality.
- Applies to products
- Windows Server
- Applies to versions
- 2025
- Related metrics
- Product category