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Are CALs required for concurrent users of Azure VM running Windows Server 2022?
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Joseph Mohr
0
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I have an Azure virtual machine running Windows Server 2022 with Active Directory and a Domain Controller. The virtual machine is intended to have 4 concurrent users. The system will only allow 2 concurrent users.
Do I need to purchase CAL licenses to enable more than 2 concurrent users on the Azure virtual machine? From Microsoft's Virtual Machine Licensing FAQ page, I did not think that CAL licenses were required for Azure virtual machines because the answer indicated that license fees were built into the per minute runtime Azure virtual machine price rate. This is the FAQ (https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/licensing-faq):
Does a Customer Need Windows Server Client Access Licenses (CALs) to connect to a Windows Server image that is running in a Azure Virtual Machines?
No. Windows Server CALs are not required for accessing Windows Server running in the Azure environment because the access rights are included in the per-minute charge for the Virtual Machines. Use of Windows Server on-premises (whether in a VHD or otherwise) requires obtaining a separate license and is subject to the normal licensing requirements for use of software on-premises.
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Olaf Helper 47,441 Reputation points2024-10-28T17:50:32.95+00:00 Hello,
This is a community forum for technical questions & issues.
For question regarding pricing / licensing please contact a Microsoft sales partner or licensing expert.
Call (1-800-426-9400), Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM PST to speak directly to Microsoft licensing specialist.
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Joseph Mohr 0 Reputation points
2024-10-28T21:00:14.5933333+00:00 Hello. That phone number was not helpful - an automated response indicates that opening a case ID online is necessary - it was not possible to speak to a real person.
I am seeking technical guidance on how to enable 3 or more concurrent users on Windows Server 2022 running on an Azure virtual machine. I do not mind purchasing CAL licenses if required, but do not want to needlessly purchase them if they are not necessary on Azure VMs and enabling 3 concurrent users is simply a configuration issue I need to address.
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