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Device CAL for Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services

🖥 Windows Server — Remote Desktop Services

How to Apply & Activate RDS CALs
on Windows Server

Complete step-by-step guide to installing prerequisites, configuring the RD Licensing role, and activating your Windows Server RDS User or Device Client Access License (CAL). Genuine CAL key — instant delivery across USA & Canada.

🖥 Server 2016 · 2019 · 2022 👤 User CAL & Device CAL ⚡ Instant Delivery 🔑 Genuine Microsoft CAL 🛡 Lifetime Warranty

🖥 What Is a Windows Server RDS CAL?

A Remote Desktop Services Client Access License (RDS CAL) is a legal requirement for any user or device that connects to a Windows Server via Remote Desktop Services (RDS). By default, Windows Server allows only 2 simultaneous administrative Remote Desktop connections without additional licensing. To allow more than 2 concurrent remote connections, every connecting user or device requires a separate RDS CAL.

RDS CALs come in two types: User CAL (one licence per user, regardless of how many devices they use) and Device CAL (one licence per device, regardless of how many users share it). Both must be installed and activated through the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager on your Windows Server. This guide covers the complete process.

CAL Types
User CAL vs Device CAL — Which Do You Need?

👤 User CAL

One licence per named user account

  • Licensed per user: One CAL covers a single user connecting from any number of devices.
  • Example: An employee who uses a desktop at work, a laptop at home, and a mobile device — covered by one User CAL.
  • Better for: Organisations where each user connects from multiple devices, or remote workers.
  • Harder to track: Requires a named user account associated with the licence.
👤 Best for: Remote/hybrid workforces, BYOD environments

🖥 Device CAL

One licence per physical device

  • Licensed per device: One CAL covers a single device regardless of how many users log in from it.
  • Example: A shared workstation in a call centre used by multiple shift workers — covered by one Device CAL.
  • Better for: Shared workstations, kiosk environments, or shift-based work where multiple staff share one device.
  • Easier to track: Tied to the physical machine, not user accounts.
🖥 Best for: Shared computers, kiosks, shift-work environments
Why RDS
Benefits of Windows Server Remote Desktop Services

🌐 Centralised Access from Anywhere

Allow users to access their full Windows desktop and applications from anywhere in the world — on any device — with a secure, consistent experience hosted centrally on your server.

💰 Lower IT Costs

Centralise applications on a single powerful server instead of maintaining individual software licences and hardware upgrades for every workstation — significantly reducing total IT expenditure.

🔐 Enhanced Security

Keep sensitive data on the server rather than on individual client machines. Data never leaves the data centre — reducing risk of data loss, theft, or leakage from endpoint devices.

⚡ Simple Deployment & Management

Deploy, update, and patch applications on the server once — all users get the update immediately. Reduces IT administration time and ensures software consistency across all users.

Step 0 — Before You Start
Prerequisites: Roles & Features Required on Your Server

Before you can activate your RDS CAL, you must ensure the correct Server Roles, Features, and Role Services are installed and running on your Windows Server. The activation wizard will not function correctly without these components.

✅ Required Roles, Features & Role Services

🟦 Server Role Required

R
Remote Desktop Services

Install via Server Manager → Add Roles and Features → Role-based installation → Remote Desktop Services

🟦 Role Services Required

✓
Remote Desktop Licensing

This installs the RD Licensing Manager — the tool used to activate and manage your CAL keys on the server.

✓
Remote Desktop Session Host

This role service enables clients to connect to the server via RDS. Required for multi-user Remote Desktop sessions.

🟦 Features Required

✓
Remote Desktop Licensing Diagnoser Tool

Install via Server Manager → Add Roles and Features → Features → Role Administration Tools → Remote Desktop Services Tools → Remote Desktop Licensing Diagnoser Tool

✓
Remote Desktop Licensing Tools

Install alongside the Diagnoser Tool. Path: Features → Role Admin Tools → RDS Tools → Remote Desktop Licensing Tools

🟦 Group Policy Configuration Required

✓
Specify Your Server as the RD Licence Server in Group Policy

Path: Group Policy Management → Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Session Host → Licensing. Enable "Use the specified Remote Desktop license servers" and enter your server name. Also set "Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode" to Per User or Per Device based on your CAL type.

💡 Tip: Once you have confirmed all roles, features, and Group Policy settings are correctly configured, restart the Remote Desktop Services service in Services.msc before proceeding with the activation wizard. This ensures all configuration changes are applied before you begin.

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Step-by-Step Activation Guide
How to Apply & Activate RDS CALs on Windows Server
1

Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager

Once all prerequisites are installed and verified, open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager to begin the activation process:

1

Open Server Manager from the taskbar or Start menu.

2

In Server Manager, click the Tools menu in the top-right corner.

3

From the Tools menu, navigate to Terminal Services (or Remote Desktop Services) and select Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

Server Manager→ Tools→ Remote Desktop Services→ RD Licensing Manager
💡 You can also open RD Licensing Manager directly by pressing Windows + R and typing licmgr.exe, then pressing Enter.
2

Activate Your Server

Before installing CALs, your server itself must be activated with Microsoft. This is separate from your Windows Server OS activation.

1

In the RD Licensing Manager window, you will see your server listed. Right-click on your server name and select "Activate Server" from the context menu.

2

The Activate Server Wizard will open. Click Next to begin.

3

On the Connection Method page, select "Automatic connection (recommended)" for online activation via the internet — this is the fastest and easiest method.

4

Click Next. The wizard will contact Microsoft's activation servers automatically.

5

Fill in the required company information fields (Company Name, Country/Region). These are used for the Microsoft Volume Licensing database.

6

Continue through the wizard. At the final screen, ensure the checkbox "Start Install Licenses Wizard now" is checked before clicking Finish.

✅ Once server activation is complete, the server status in RD Licensing Manager will show "Activated". The Install Licenses Wizard will launch automatically if you checked the option.
⚠ No internet access? If your server cannot connect to the internet, select "Web Browser" or "Telephone" as the connection method. Both allow you to activate manually through Microsoft's website or phone system.
3

Install the RDS CAL Licences

With the server activated, use the Install Licenses Wizard to apply your RDS CAL key from MMKeys:

1

The Install Licenses Wizard should launch automatically. If it does not, right-click your server in RD Licensing Manager and select "Install Licenses".

2

On the Licence Program page, select "License Pack (Retail Purchase)" from the dropdown list and click Next.

3

Enter your RDS CAL product key from MMKeys in the field provided. Copy and paste it directly from your order confirmation email to avoid any typos.

4

Click Next. Microsoft will verify the key and confirm the number of CALs and licence type (User or Device) associated with it.

5

Review the confirmation showing the CAL quantity, type (Per User or Per Device), and Windows Server version covered. Click Finish to install the licences.

RD Licensing Manager→ Right-click Server→ Install Licences→ License Pack (Retail)→ Enter Key→ Finish
✅ Activation complete! Your RDS CALs are now installed and active. The Activation Status of your server in RD Licensing Manager should show "Activated" with the correct number of available licences.
4

Verify RDS CAL Activation & Available Licences

After completing the activation wizard, verify that your CALs are correctly installed and showing the expected number of available licences:

1

In RD Licensing Manager, expand your server node. You should see your installed licence packs listed under the server.

2

Confirm the Activation Status shows "Activated" and the Available Licences column shows the correct number of CALs purchased.

3

To run a full diagnostic, open Remote Desktop Licensing Diagnoser from Server Manager → Tools. This tool checks that the licensing configuration is correct and all CALs are properly allocated.

4

Once confirmed, your server is fully licensed for the number of concurrent remote desktop connections matching the number of CALs installed.

💡 Monitoring usage: Use the RD Licensing Manager regularly to monitor CAL usage. If available licences reach zero, additional users or devices will be denied Remote Desktop access until more CALs are added.
Troubleshooting
Common RDS CAL Activation Issues
1

Remote Desktop Licensing Manager Cannot Activate Server — Connection Error

Cause: The server cannot reach Microsoft's activation servers — typically caused by firewall rules blocking outbound connections, or the server not having internet access.

Solution:

  1. Verify the server has an active internet connection by opening a browser or pinging an external address.
  2. Ensure outbound TCP port 443 (HTTPS) is open in your firewall for connections to activate.microsoft.com and licencing.microsoft.com.
  3. If internet access is blocked by policy, select "Web Browser" as the connection method in the Activate Server Wizard — this generates a URL to complete activation on a different internet-connected device.
  4. Alternatively, select "Telephone" to activate by phone without any internet access.
2

Remote Desktop Licensing Grace Period Has Expired — Users Cannot Connect

Cause: Windows Server RDS provides a 120-day grace period during which clients can connect without a valid RDS CAL. If this period expires before CALs are installed and activated, Remote Desktop connections will be refused for all non-administrative users.

Solution:

  1. Purchase and activate RDS CALs through the RD Licensing Manager immediately — the grace period cannot be extended or reset.
  2. Ensure your server is listed as the RD Licence Server in Group Policy — incorrect Group Policy configuration is a common cause of CAL-related connection refusals even when CALs are installed.
  3. After installing CALs, open Remote Desktop Licensing Diagnoser (Server Manager → Tools) to verify there are no remaining licensing configuration errors.
  4. Restart the Remote Desktop Services service in services.msc to force CAL assignment to refresh.
3

"No Remote Desktop Licence Server Is Available" Error on Client Connection

Cause: The Remote Desktop Session Host cannot locate the RD Licence Server — either the licensing role is not installed, Group Policy is not configured correctly, or the licence server is not reachable on the network.

Solution:

  1. Verify Remote Desktop Licensing role service is installed on the server (Server Manager → Local Server → Roles and Features).
  2. Open Group Policy Management and confirm:
    • Path: Computer Configuration → Admin Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → RD Session Host → Licensing
    • "Use the specified Remote Desktop license servers" is Enabled and set to your server name/IP.
    • "Set the Remote Desktop licensing mode" is Enabled and set to Per User or Per Device to match your CAL type.
  3. Run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt on the server after making Group Policy changes.
  4. Restart the Remote Desktop Licensing service in services.msc.
Why Choose MMKeys
Trusted by IT Professionals Across USA & Canada
🔑

100% Genuine CAL Keys

Official Microsoft Client Access License keys — authentic and guaranteed to activate.

⚡

Instant Delivery

Your digital CAL key arrives by email seconds after payment — 24/7.

💰

Best Price Guarantee

Discounted Microsoft CAL keys — best price without compromising authenticity.

🛡️

Lifetime Warranty

Every key carries a lifetime warranty. If it ever fails, we replace it free.

↩️

Money-Back Guarantee

Not satisfied? We offer a full money-back guarantee — no questions asked.

🎧

24/7 Support

Our technical team is always ready to help with installation or any issue.

FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About RDS CALs
A Windows Server CAL licences a user or device to access general Windows Server services (file sharing, print services, etc.). An RDS CAL (Remote Desktop Services CAL) is an additional licence specifically required for users or devices that connect to the server via Remote Desktop Services for full interactive remote desktop sessions. Both CAL types are required if users connect via Remote Desktop.
No — Windows Server allows up to 2 simultaneous administrative Remote Desktop connections (for server administration purposes) without requiring RDS CALs. RDS CALs are only required when you need more than 2 concurrent connections, or when you are deploying Remote Desktop for end-user access (not just server administration). These admin connections require the Remote Desktop Session Host role NOT to be installed — once RDSH is installed, all connections require CALs.
Choose User CAL if your users connect from multiple devices (laptops, home PCs, mobiles) — one User CAL covers all connections for that user. Choose Device CAL if multiple users share a single device (e.g. shift workers at a shared terminal) — one Device CAL covers all users of that specific device. In general, User CALs are more flexible for modern hybrid/remote workforces, while Device CALs are more cost-effective in shared-device environments.
Yes — Microsoft RDS CALs are generally backward compatible. A Windows Server 2022 RDS CAL can be used on 2022, 2019, and 2016 servers. A Windows Server 2019 CAL can be used on 2019 and 2016 servers. However, a Windows Server 2016 CAL cannot be used on a 2019 or 2022 server — you must purchase the correct CAL version matching your server edition or higher. Always purchase CALs equal to or newer than your server version.
You need one RDS CAL for each user (if using User CALs) or each device (if using Device CALs) that will connect via Remote Desktop Services. For example, if 10 employees will access your server via RDS, you need 10 User CALs. If 5 shared computers will connect, you need 5 Device CALs. Contact MMKeys for bulk pricing if you need multiple CALs.
Retail RDS CALs (License Pack/Retail Purchase) do not expire — they are permanent. However, if all available CALs are in use (consumed by current users or devices), new connections will be denied. Monitor your available CAL count in RD Licensing Manager and purchase additional CALs when approaching capacity.
Yes — every RDS CAL key sold on MMKeys.com is a 100% genuine, official Microsoft Client Access License that activates directly through the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager and Microsoft's official activation servers. We provide authentic software at the best price, backed by a lifetime warranty and money-back guarantee on every purchase.

🔑 If you don't have a CAL key yet — get your genuine Windows Server 2016 RDS Device CAL at the best price. Instant delivery across USA & Canada.

Get Your CAL Key Here →

Buy Windows Server RDS CAL — Genuine User & Device Client Access License at the Best Price in USA & Canada

MMKeys.com is your trusted source for genuine Microsoft Client Access License keys across the USA and Canada. Windows Server RDS CALs are required for every user or device connecting to Windows Server via Remote Desktop Services — available as User CALs or Device CALs for Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022. This guide covers the complete setup: prerequisites, RD Licensing Manager configuration, server activation, and CAL installation.


All our Microsoft RDS CAL keys are 100% authentic and activate directly through Microsoft's official Remote Desktop Licensing system. Buy your cheap Windows Server RDS Device CAL or RDS User CAL today and receive your digital activation key instantly by email. Every purchase includes a full lifetime warranty and money-back guarantee — making MMKeys the most trusted source for discounted Microsoft software keys in North America.

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