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RDS Windows 10 VDI licensing

Joaquin Gomez 1 Reputation point
2020-08-18T19:03:45.727+00:00

Hi community, thanks for reading,

I have a question about RDS lisensing for a Windows 10 VDI deployment project using Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Virtualization Host role.

As per this documentation: rds-client-access-license

Seems that RDS CAL are only required when users connect to a RD Session Host server not when you connect to a VM running in a RD Virtualization Host...

In fact, I have implemented several times RD GW and RD Web to connect to physical/virtual servers that were not RDSH servers and I did not even needed to install the RD Licensing role.

My problem is that, I also have read several blogs and articles stating that is required for a VDI deployment when using RD Web to access the Win10 Vms plus the VDA which seems to be an overkill...

So, my question is:

Do I need a RDS CAL if I use RD Web and RD Gateway to connect to VMs running in a RD Virtualization Host?

Or a VDA (Virtual Desktop Access) license for each Win10 VM would be sufficient?

Please provide some documentation if possible!

Thanks in advance,
Best regards

Azure Virtual Desktop
Azure Virtual Desktop
A Microsoft desktop and app virtualization service that runs on Azure. Previously known as Windows Virtual Desktop.
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  1. vipullag-MSFT 26,171 Reputation points
    2020-08-19T06:47:11.92+00:00

    @Joaquin Gomez

    To access VDI, you need Windows Software Assurance on the client device or Microsoft Virtual Desktop Access licenses. RDS CALs are not used in this case. Windows Software Assurance and Virtual Desktop Access licenses include home use rights.

    You can buy either Windows Software Assurance or VDA license. You don’t need both. The license is assigned to the client device.

    RDS CAL will only come into picture when you use Sever based OS and create the Pooled VDI which can host multi-session and you install RDSH role on those VDI's.

    Here is the link for your reference.

    Hope the provided information is helpful.

    Please 'Accept as answer' if the provided information is helpful, so that it can help others in the community looking for help on similar topics.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Rob Helm 1 Reputation point
    2020-08-19T17:07:31.667+00:00

    Disclaimer: I do not speak for Microsoft
    For Remote Desktop Service CALs, I would check the Microsoft Volume Licensing Product Terms, Windows Server section, 3.1.1 (page 49 of Aug. 2020, Worldwide English edition).
    "*Also required for use of Windows Server to host a graphical user interface (using the Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services functionality or other technology)."
    For what Microsoft thinks that means, see question 5, page 5 of the white paper listed below:
    "If the solution uses any RDS roles (Remote Desktop (RD) Gateway, RD Web Access, RD Connection Broker, RD Session Host, or RD Virtualization Host), then an RDS CAL is required."
    Rob
    Product terms download: https://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/Downloader.aspx?documenttype=PT&lang=English
    White paper: https://download.microsoft.com/download/3/D/4/3D42BDC2-6725-4B29-B75A-A5B04179958B/Licensing-Windows-Server-2012-R2-RDS-and-Desktop-Apps-for-RDS.pdf

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