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we are currently offering Windows Server 2025 licenses along with 27 users licensed under User CALs.

Anonymous
2025-01-16T06:48:39+00:00

Our organization is currently offering Windows Server 2025 licenses along with 27 users licensed under User CALs. Our customer is using our Windows Server Virtual Machine which require access to server resources via RD Web Access. While we understand that RDS CALs are generally required for RDS functionality, we would like to confirm: Is there any scenario where RD Web Access can be used legally without purchasing RDS CALs, considering our usage is limited to web-based access rather than full remote desktop sessions? Are there any alternative configurations or Microsoft solutions you would recommend that align with our use case to minimize licensing costs while remaining compliant? We aim to ensure full compliance with Microsoft licensing policies while managing costs effectively. I would greatly appreciate your guidance on the matter and any suggestions you might have for optimizing our setup.

Windows for business | Windows Server | User experience | Remote desktop services and terminal services

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T09:53:43+00:00

    Hello,

    Sorry, Even if it is limited to web-based access, RDS CALs are still required to use RD Web Access.

    If you mainly use RD Web Access to access file resources on the server, you can use the built-in file sharing services of Windows Server, such as SMB protocol, to allow users to directly access files through network drives, etc., without using RD Web Access, which can avoid the need for RDS CAL.

    For some specific applications, consider deploying them as web applications that can be accessed directly through a browser rather than connecting to a remote desktop session through RD Web Access. This eliminates the need for users to use RDS CALs and allows them to access the application.

    I hope this information helps.

    Best regards,

    Jingjing Wu

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-16T12:44:53+00:00

    Need to understand that if we need RDP, can we opt to leave User CAL license,Also all the users at customer company are using windows 10 licensed.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-20T07:55:05+00:00

    Hello,

    Sure, if multiple people are required to remotely log in (more than 2 users), you need to configure the session host role, license server, and have a sufficient number of CALs with the required version, and configure them correctly.

    Please note that the CAL version you purchased is required to be a Remote Desktop License Server ≥CAL≥ Remote Desktop Session Host Server according to the license usage rules. So the license version is generally the Windows Server version.

    Remote Desktop Server Licensing (microsoft.com)

    The ApsaraDB RDS CAL mode is divided into Per User and Per Device. If multiple people share one client or jump server, you usually need to select Per Device mode. If the user will log in through different clients, the Per User mode is usually selected. Also, Per User Cal can only be used in domain environments, while Per Device Cal can be used in domain environments and workgroup environments.

    Best regards,

    Jingjing Wu

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