Regarding CAL License Policy

Question

Regarding CAL License Policy

Subhendu Singha 0

I have an Azure virtual machine running Windows Server 2025 with Active Directory and a Domain Controller . All Computer and Physical server connect on same domain .

( What License Policy used for SMB File Sharing within this environment )

Nikhil Duserla 8,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-08T20:03:37.64+00:00

Hello @Subhendu Singha,

In a Windows Server environment, you generally need to obtain Client Access Licenses (CALs) for each user or device that connects to the server for SMB file sharing. The exact licensing requirements depend on your organization's configuration and the number of users or devices accessing the server. It’s essential to have the correct number of CALs to stay compliant with Microsoft’s licensing policies. Furthermore, if you're using features like Remote Desktop Services or particular server roles, additional licenses may be necessary.

Make sure that the versions of the client access licenses (CALs) that you're using are compatible with both your RD Session Host versions and your RD Licensing server versions. For more information, see License your RDS deployment with client access licenses (CALs): RDS CAL version compatibility.

If you have any further queries, do let us know.
Nikhil Duserla 8,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-10T14:49:22.8133333+00:00

Hi @Subhendu Singha,

Checking to see whether you have resolved the issue with the solution provided above, or if you need any further assistance, please let us know. We are happy to help.
Subhendu Singha 0 Reputation points

2025-04-14T09:02:27.5566667+00:00
As Per Microsoft For accessing a Windows Server running Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) on an Azure VM, you do not need to purchase Client Access Licenses (CALs), as access rights are included in the per-minute charge for the virtual machines.

In My Scenario I am using Active Director Domain Service on a Azure Virtual Machine then what License Policy is used for Device CAL / User CAL
Nikhil Duserla 8,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-14T15:40:37.62+00:00

Hello @Subhendu Singha,

If you are allowing users to access the AD DS environment, you may need to purchase client access licenses (CALs) are required for every user or device that connects to the server. A Device CAL is assigned to each accessing device, while a User CAL covers an individual user, no matter how many devices they use.
Nikhil Duserla 8,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-15T11:07:00.7066667+00:00

Hi @Subhendu Singha,

We haven't heard back from you so hopefully everything is going well. If you still need assistance, please let us know in the comments and we'll be happy to help you.

Thank You!
Nikhil Duserla 8,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-16T13:56:30.1033333+00:00

Hello @Subhendu Singha,

Just checking in to see if the answer I provided above helped resolve your query. If not, please let me know—I'm happy to assist further.

Thank You!
Subhendu Singha 0 Reputation points

2025-04-22T10:48:55.7033333+00:00

i am not clear about below reply what is the meaning of

If you are allowing users to access the AD DS environment ,

In my environment :

we were doing authenticate users on Domain, within my work environment some files and applications are used which is shared on computer or server within our organisation .
Nikhil Duserla 8,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-24T13:28:07.56+00:00

Hi @Subhendu Singha,

In an Active Directory setup, users or devices accessing SMB file shares generally need Client Access Licenses (CALs). If you're using features such as Remote Desktop Services, you may also need separate RDS CALs.

Your answer

Nikhil Duserla 8,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-08T20:03:37.64+00:00

Hello @Subhendu Singha,

In a Windows Server environment, you generally need to obtain Client Access Licenses (CALs) for each user or device that connects to the server for SMB file sharing. The exact licensing requirements depend on your organization's configuration and the number of users or devices accessing the server. It’s essential to have the correct number of CALs to stay compliant with Microsoft’s licensing policies. Furthermore, if you're using features like Remote Desktop Services or particular server roles, additional licenses may be necessary.

Make sure that the versions of the client access licenses (CALs) that you're using are compatible with both your RD Session Host versions and your RD Licensing server versions. For more information, see License your RDS deployment with client access licenses (CALs): RDS CAL version compatibility.

If you have any further queries, do let us know.
Nikhil Duserla 8,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-10T14:49:22.8133333+00:00

Hi @Subhendu Singha,

Checking to see whether you have resolved the issue with the solution provided above, or if you need any further assistance, please let us know. We are happy to help.
Subhendu Singha 0 Reputation points

2025-04-14T09:02:27.5566667+00:00

As Per Microsoft For accessing a Windows Server running Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) on an Azure VM, you do not need to purchase Client Access Licenses (CALs), as access rights are included in the per-minute charge for the virtual machines.

In My Scenario I am using Active Director Domain Service on a Azure Virtual Machine then what License Policy is used for Device CAL / User CAL
Nikhil Duserla 8,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-14T15:40:37.62+00:00

Hello @Subhendu Singha,

If you are allowing users to access the AD DS environment, you may need to purchase client access licenses (CALs) are required for every user or device that connects to the server. A Device CAL is assigned to each accessing device, while a User CAL covers an individual user, no matter how many devices they use.
Nikhil Duserla 8,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-15T11:07:00.7066667+00:00

Hi @Subhendu Singha,

We haven't heard back from you so hopefully everything is going well. If you still need assistance, please let us know in the comments and we'll be happy to help you.

Thank You!
Nikhil Duserla 8,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-16T13:56:30.1033333+00:00

Hello @Subhendu Singha,

Just checking in to see if the answer I provided above helped resolve your query. If not, please let me know—I'm happy to assist further.

Thank You!
Subhendu Singha 0 Reputation points

2025-04-22T10:48:55.7033333+00:00

i am not clear about below reply what is the meaning of

If you are allowing users to access the AD DS environment ,

In my environment :

we were doing authenticate users on Domain, within my work environment some files and applications are used which is shared on computer or server within our organisation .
Nikhil Duserla 8,180 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-04-24T13:28:07.56+00:00

Hi @Subhendu Singha,

In an Active Directory setup, users or devices accessing SMB file shares generally need Client Access Licenses (CALs). If you're using features such as Remote Desktop Services, you may also need separate RDS CALs.

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Regarding CAL License Policy

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