About CALL in Windows Server 2022

Question

Hi,

I want to know what CAL should i buy when i install windows server 2022 for 5 users. and the server is operate for RDP server too?

can more than 1 users to remote to a windows server 2022 without license?

regards

johnny

Answer 1

Hello johnny -,

thank you for posting on the Microsoft Community Forums.

When setting up a Windows Server 2022 environment for 5 users, especially if it will function as a Remote Desktop (RDP) server, you will need several types of licenses:

1. Windows Server 2022 Client Access Licenses (CALs): You need Windows Server CALs for each user or device that accesses the server. Since you have 5 users, you would need 5 User CALs or Device CALs, depending on whether you want the CALs to be assigned to users or devices.
2. Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses (RDS CALs): In addition to the standard Windows Server CALs, you will also need RDS CALs for each user or device that will connect to the server via Remote Desktop.
   • RDS User CAL: Allows a user to establish an RDP session with the server from any device.
   • RDS Device CAL: Allows a device to establish an RDP session with the server, regardless of the number of users.

Since you have 5 users that will use RDP, you need 5 RDS User CALs, you will need:

1. 5 Windows Server 2022 User CALs (or Device CALs if you prefer to license per device).
2. 5 RDS User CALs (or Device CALs if you prefer to license per device).

More Than One User RDP Connection Without License:

By default, Windows Server allows only 2 simultaneous Remote Desktop connections for administrative purposes without requiring RDS CALs. These connections are generally intended for server management and administrative tasks.

For additional users or to use the server as a true Remote Desktop server for regular user activities, you must set up Remote Desktop Services and purchase the necessary RDS CALs. This is essential for compliance and to ensure that each user can connect seamlessly without license violations.

Hope it helps.

Best regards,

Lei

Answer 2

ok thx u Lei,

further question about RDP connection without license. should i install role of RDP or just after install windows server and just activate remote desktop setting? so 2 users can use RD connection

regards

johnny

Answer 3

Hello johnny,

here's how you can proceed:

1. Ensure your Windows Server operating system is installed and configured.
2. Activate Remote Desktop:
   • Open Server Manager.
   • Navigate to Local Server in the left-hand panel.
   • In the properties section, find Remote Desktop and click on the link next to it (which might say "Disabled").
   • In the "System Properties" window, under the Remote tab, select "Allow remote connections" to this computer.
   • Optionally, add specific users who are allowed to connect by clicking on "Select Users...".
3. You do not need to install the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) role if you only require the basic administrative access for up to two users. The built-in Remote Desktop feature in Windows Server supports this scenario without the need for additional licensing.