Which option fits?
Choose User CALs for named people who use several devices. Choose Device CALs for shared computers used by several people. RDS CALs add Remote Desktop Services access; they generally sit alongside base Windows Server CALs and the server license.
Find my CALs & remote access option →Compare the differences
| Your setup | Useful access model | What you count |
|---|---|---|
| Each employee uses a laptop and a home PC | User CAL | Each named person needing access |
| Several shifts share the same workstations | Device CAL | Each shared device needing access |
| File, print or directory services | Base Windows Server CAL | Users or devices under the chosen model |
| Remote desktop sessions or published apps | Appropriate base CALs plus RDS CALs | Required access coverage for both layers |
| A SQL database application | Check SQL licensing separately | SQL CALs are not interchangeable with Windows Server CALs |
Count access, not concurrent connections
List the people or devices that require access. Do not use the number connected at one moment as a substitute for the licensed count. In a mixed workplace, document which people use multiple devices and which devices are shared across shifts.
For the five-license packs linked here, eleven named users need three User CAL packs, supplying fifteen licenses. Eleven shared devices likewise require three five-Device-CAL packs. The calculation rounds up the number of packs; it does not change the chosen licensing metric.
Keep base access and Remote Desktop access distinct
A normal Windows Server CAL does not grant all Remote Desktop Services session-host rights. An RDS CAL is an additional license for the remote-desktop scenario; buying it does not supply the underlying server operating-system license.
Choose “Remote Desktop Services only” in the finder if your base Windows Server CAL coverage is already in place. Choose “both” when you need to plan both layers. The recommendation then shows the stated pack quantity for each required type.
Match version, type and deployment
A CAL for an older version does not cover access to a newer Windows Server version. Newer CAL versions can support earlier servers under the relevant terms, and RDS license-server compatibility must also be checked. The finder keeps 2022 and 2025 listings separate to make your selected version clear.
For an unfamiliar environment, get the server version and remote-access setup from the administrator before ordering. If you operate a public-facing or hosted service, additional rights or different licensing arrangements may apply; a simple employee-count calculation may not describe that deployment.
Matching SoftwareKeep listings
Browse the stated editions and pack sizes. Each link opens its product listing.
Current prices and stock load from SoftwareKeep. You can also open any listing directly.
Windows Server 2025 5 User CALs
Named people using multiple devices
5 user CALs · 2025View current price at store
Check the current listing for stockView Windows Server 2025 5 User CALs
Windows Server 2025 5 Device CALs
Shared devices used by multiple people
5 device CALs · 2025View current price at store
Check the current listing for stockView Windows Server 2025 5 Device CALs
Windows Server 2025 RDS 5 User CALs
Named people using multiple devices
5 user CALs · 2025View current price at store
Check the current listing for stockView Windows Server 2025 RDS 5 User CALs
Windows Server 2025 RDS 5 Device CALs
Shared devices used by multiple people
5 device CALs · 2025View current price at store
Check the current listing for stockView Windows Server 2025 RDS 5 Device CALs
Windows Server 2022 5 User CALs
Named people using multiple devices
5 user CALs · 2022View current price at store
Check the current listing for stockView Windows Server 2022 5 User CALs
Windows Server 2022 5 Device CALs
Shared devices used by multiple people
5 device CALs · 2022View current price at store
Check the current listing for stockView Windows Server 2022 5 Device CALs
Windows Server 2022 RDS 5 User CALs
Named people using multiple devices
5 user CALs · 2022View current price at store
Check the current listing for stockView Windows Server 2022 RDS 5 User CALs
Windows Server 2022 RDS 5 Device CALs
Shared devices used by multiple people
5 device CALs · 2022View current price at store
Check the current listing for stockView Windows Server 2022 RDS 5 Device CALsCommon questions
Do I need both User CALs and Device CALs for everyone?
These are different access models. Choose the appropriate model for the coverage you need, or plan a justified mix. Do not automatically buy both for the same requirement.
Are RDS CALs the same as normal Windows Server CALs?
No. RDS CALs concern Remote Desktop Services access and are additional to the applicable base access coverage. Neither type replaces the server’s core licenses.
How many five-CAL packs cover eleven users?
Three packs supply fifteen User CALs. Use the number of named users requiring coverage, rather than a count of simultaneous sessions.
Sources and scope
Feature and licensing facts were checked against these Microsoft references. Product availability, price and fulfillment are supplied by SoftwareKeep. The finder uses product rules and your answers; it does not inspect your device or existing license rights.