Are device CALs required to upload files to a Windows file share server?

Question

I am wondering if it is necessary to use a device CAL for a user to simply upload a file into a server that is not going to be remotely accessed by anyone other then the IT technicians. I was reading up on the device CALs and it indicates that I need to have RDS (remote desktop service) feature added to the server in order to assign the device CALs to the proper workstations. But if those workstations are only uploading files and don't have any reason to remotely access the server, do we really need a device CAL? I am not too sure if it is necessary but assistance would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Hello   TonyG22，

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

If the users are only accessing the Windows file share server to upload files and not remotely accessing the server, then a device CAL is not required. Device CALs are typically required for devices that are accessing the server remotely, such as through Remote Desktop Services or other remote access tools.

However, if the users are accessing the server through a network share, then they are not considered to be remotely accessing the server and therefore a device CAL is not required.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Haijian Shan

Answer 2

Awesome, I appreciate your assistance with this!