User CAL for Windows Server 2022 Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

Windows Server 2022 introduces advanced features, including Remote Desktop Services (RDS), which enable secure remote access to graphical desktops and Windows applications. To take advantage of centralized application provisioning, Client Access Licenses (CALs) are required. When you purchase a Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 2022 User CAL, you grant a specific user the right to connect to a Remote Desktop Session Host. The licensed user can freely choose any device to establish this connection—whether for remote support, accessing a physical workstation, or using a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). This flexibility makes User CALs ideal for dynamic corporate environments and modern workforces.

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What Are the Benefits of the Latest Version?

Windows Server 2022 RDS is the newest release of Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services, bringing several enhancements over its predecessor. Key improvements include easier license management, enhanced security, and better performance for remote workloads.

• Forward Compatibility: Continue using your RDS infrastructure even with future Windows Server versions.
• Improved Security: Enhanced isolation for virtual machines and an optimized Windows Defender for RDS environments.
• Single Sign-On: Provides greater convenience and improved security for end users.
• Data Encryption: Built-in options for protecting sensitive information during remote sessions.
• Optimized Graphics Processing: New technology significantly reduces network usage while improving graphical performance.

These innovations ensure that Windows Server 2022 RDS delivers a smoother, more efficient remote desktop experience for both users and IT administrators.

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Understanding Microsoft’s Licensing Model

When using Windows Server, it’s not enough to license just the operating system itself. You also need to license access for users or devices that connect to it through Client Access Licenses (CALs). The term “CAL” stands for Client Access License, and Microsoft offers two main types:

• User CAL: Licenses a specific user to access the server from multiple devices.
• Device CAL: Licenses a single device that can be used by multiple users.

Choosing between them depends on your organization’s structure and how users access the network. Both license types ensure compliance and secure access under Microsoft’s official licensing model.

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Why Choose a User CAL?

A Windows Server 2022 RDS User CAL is ideal for organizations where employees use multiple devices or need flexible access. If users regularly connect from various endpoints—such as office PCs, laptops, tablets, or smartphones—this licensing model provides the most cost-effective and scalable solution. Each user only needs a single CAL, regardless of how many devices they use. This makes User CALs perfect for companies that value mobility, remote work, and multi-device flexibility.

“Empower your users with secure and flexible access — Windows Server 2022 RDS User CALs make remote productivity effortless and compliant.”

How to Apply and Activate RDS CALs on Windows Server

1. Make sure you have the following Roles and Features installed and running on your server:
   • Role: Remote Desktop Services
   • Features: Role Administration Tools → Remote Desktop Services Tools:
     • Remote Desktop Licensing Diagnoser Tool
     • Remote Desktop Licensing Tools
   • Role Services:
     • Remote Desktop Licensing
     • Remote Desktop Session Host
   • Ensure your Server is specified as the Remote Desktop License Server under your Group Policies.
2. After you have verified all the requirements described above:
   • Open Server Manager
   • Expand the Tools submenu
   • Select Terminal Services → Remote Desktop Licensing Manager
   • Right-click your server name and choose “Activate Server”
3. Activate Server Wizard Steps:
   • Select your connection method — we recommend choosing “Automatic connection”.
   • Fill in your company information as requested.
   • At the end of the wizard, check the option “Start Install Licenses Wizard now”.
   • Under License Program, select “License Pack (Retail Purchase)” and click Next.
   • Enter and apply your license key.
   • Your server should now display its activation status as “Activated”.

“Once activated, your Windows Server is ready to manage RDS CALs — enabling secure, compliant, and seamless remote access for all licensed users.”

System Requirements for User CALs in Windows Server 2022 Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

Below are the system requirements for running and managing Remote Desktop Services (RDS) with User CALs on Windows Server 2022.

Requirement	Details
Operating System	Windows Server 2022 Standard or Datacenter (64-bit)
Processor	1.4 GHz 64-bit processor with support for NX/DEP, SLAT, CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF, and PrefetchW
RAM	512 MB minimum (2 GB recommended for installations with Desktop Experience)
Disk Space	Minimum 32 GB of available disk space
Display	1024 × 768 resolution or higher
Network	Gigabit Ethernet adapter
License Server	Remote Desktop Licensing role installed and activated on a Windows Server 2022 machine
Client Access	Each user accessing RDS must have a valid User CAL assigned
CAL Compatibility	RDS User CALs must match or be newer than the version of Windows Server being accessed

Ensure your infrastructure meets these requirements before deploying or activating RDS User CALs to guarantee optimal performance and compliance.