Purchasing RDS CAL License for Azure Virtual Machine

Darshan-S 10 Reputation points
2023-11-21T09:42:58.83+00:00

I am running a Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Edition on an Azure Virtual Machine, and would like to purchase an RDS CAL License for remote desktop use. Can I purchase the license separately and install it on the server, or is it only available as a part of the Windows Server 2022 Remote Desktop Services CAL?

Azure Virtual Machines
Azure Virtual Machines
An Azure service that is used to provision Windows and Linux virtual machines.
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Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Remote desktop services and terminal services
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  1. Darshan-S 10 Reputation points
    2023-11-22T04:51:21.9033333+00:00

    I actually researched on this and found out an article.. This seems to be very helpful for those who are searching for answers just like me..

    https://www.hostgator.com/help/article/client-access-license-cal-for-windows-dedicated-servers

    Client Access License (CAL) for Windows Dedicated Servers

    A Client Access License (CAL) permits client computers to legally connect to Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) via the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). CALs apply to either a "user" or "device" (as defined in the license agreement) A business is free to choose either mode.

    In Per-User Mode

    A CAL is purchased to allow one user to connect to the server software. Any user can connect, but only one user may use a given CAL at any given time.

    Any number of CALs can be purchased to allow any number of users to simultaneously connect to the server. Any number of devices may connect to the server software, but only a set number of users can connect to it at once.

    In Per-Device Mode

    One CAL enables one device to connect to and use the server software, regardless of how many users are connecting. It limits connections made by devices rather than users.

    Although User and Device CALs are currently the same price, they may not be used interchangeably, and cannot be switched without buying a new CAL.

    For further information regarding Client Access Licenses, please read the following article from Microsoft:

    Link to purchase the CAL License.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/windows-remote-desktop-server-cal-2022/dg7gmgf0d7hx

    1 person found this answer helpful.

  2. Anonymous
    2023-11-29T22:50:08.53+00:00

    You'll need RDS SALs (Subscriber Access Licenses) through a Microsoft Services Provider License Agreement or you could also use RDS Cals in a volume contract with active Software Assurance.

    Effective January 1, 2014, Volume Licensing customers who have active Software Assurance on their Remote Desktop Services User CALs are entitled to Remote Desktop Services CAL extended rights, which allow use of their Remote Desktop Services User CAL with Software Assurance against a Windows Server running on Azure or other service providers’ shared server environments. This Remote Desktop Services User CAL Software Assurance benefit allows each User to access Remote Desktop Services functionality only on one shared server environment (i.e. Azure or a third-party server) in addition to accessing the respective on-premise servers. To avail this benefit, please complete and submit the License Mobility Verification form to either Azure or an Authorized Mobility Partner where the hosted graphical user interface will be running. More details are available in Appendix 2 of the Software Assurance benefit section of the Product Use Rights.

    https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/licensing-faq/

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