Windows Server 2016 RDS Device CAL

Secure Centralised Access for Your Entire Team

Imagine a workspace where every application, file, and desktop environment lives securely on your central server, not on vulnerable local hard drives. With the Microsoft Windows Server 2016 RDS Device CAL (10-Pack), you license 10 specific devices—such as shared workstations, warehouse terminals, or hospital kiosks—to connect to your Windows Server 2016 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) deployment. This is a perpetual, one-time licence purchase, not a recurring subscription, providing long-term value and predictable budgeting for your organisation.

This licence pack is designed for businesses with shift workers, thin-client environments, or any scenario where multiple employees share the same physical device. Unlike a User CAL, which follows a named individual, a Device CAL is assigned to a specific piece of hardware. Any number of users can then log in from that licensed device, making it the most cost-effective and administratively simple choice for shared workstations. It unlocks the full multi-session capabilities of Windows Server, moving you beyond the default two-connection administrative limit to a true enterprise-grade remote working solution.

Key Features and Benefits

• Perpetual Device-Based Licensing: Purchase once and own the licence permanently. This 10-pack assigns RDS access to 10 specific devices, allowing an unlimited number of users to connect from those terminals. Ideal for shift work, call centres, and shared desks, eliminating the need to track individual user licences.
• Unlock Full RDS Session Host Functionality: Move beyond the built-in two-session administrative limit. This CAL legally enables multiple concurrent user sessions on a single Windows Server 2016, providing full remote desktops or individual published applications to your workforce.
• Support for All RDS Deployment Scenarios: The licence covers every standard RDS configuration. Deploy session-based desktops for a consistent user experience, publish individual applications via RemoteApp to integrate seamlessly with local desktops, or build a full Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) with both personal and pooled virtual desktops.
• Downward Compatibility: While licensed for Windows Server 2016, these RDS Device CALs are fully compatible with connections to older Windows Server versions. This protects your investment and provides flexibility during phased server upgrades or mixed-environment operations.
• Secure Centralised Data Storage: Enhance your security posture by keeping all corporate data and applications on the central server. Remote Desktop Services transmits only screen updates, keystrokes, and mouse clicks, meaning no sensitive data resides on the endpoint device. This drastically reduces the risk of data breaches from lost, stolen, or compromised laptops.
• Optimised for Thin-Client and BYOD Strategies: Empower your remote workers, branch offices, and contractors to use their own devices without compromising security. Applications run with full performance on the server, requiring minimal processing power on the client side, which extends the life of older hardware and supports a wide range of endpoint devices.
• Full Remote Desktop Gateway Support: Securely connect remote users over the public internet without a VPN. The licences cover connections through Remote Desktop Gateway, which encapsulates RDP sessions within HTTPS, providing a secure, encrypted tunnel through corporate firewalls.
• Comprehensive Access Methods: Users can connect via direct RDP, through the Remote Desktop Web Access portal using a standard web browser, or via the Remote Desktop Gateway, ensuring flexible and convenient access from any location.

What's Included with Your Purchase

Your purchase from Lizensa provides everything needed to legally activate and use your Remote Desktop Services environment. You will receive a genuine, verified Microsoft licence key delivered instantly via email. This is a full, perpetual licence with no expiry date, not a temporary subscription.

• Licence Type: This is a Volume Licence MAK (Multiple Activation Key) designed for organisations needing to activate multiple devices. A single key activates all 10 RDS Device CALs against your Windows Server 2016 RDS licence server. This is a permanent, one-time activation.
• Licence Duration: Perpetual. The licence rights do not expire. Once activated, the 10 devices are permanently licensed to access RDS on your Windows Server 2016.
• Delivery: Instant digital delivery. Your licence key, along with a comprehensive activation guide, is sent to your email address within seconds of a completed payment.
• Invoice: A detailed VAT invoice is provided with every order, suitable for business accounting and tax purposes. For B2B customers with a valid EU VAT ID, the reverse charge mechanism is applied automatically.
• Activation Process: You will install the RDS role on your Windows Server 2016, install the RDS licensing role, and then activate the licence server with the provided MAK key. The activation guide included with your purchase provides clear, step-by-step instructions.
• Compatibility: This licence is specifically for Windows Server 2016 RDS deployments but is downward-compatible with older server versions. It requires that all connecting users or their devices already possess a standard Windows Server Client Access Licence (CAL) in addition to this RDS CAL.

Which Windows Server RDS CAL is Right for You?

Choosing the correct Client Access Licence is critical for compliance and cost management. Microsoft offers two primary types of RDS CALs, and the right choice depends entirely on how your users connect.

• RDS Device CAL (This Product): A Device CAL is assigned to a specific physical device. Once a device is licensed, any number of users can access the RDS environment from that device. This is the most economical and practical choice for organisations where multiple employees share a single workstation, such as in shift-based roles, healthcare stations, retail points-of-sale, or classroom labs. Administration is simple, as you are licensing hardware, not tracking individual user accounts.
• RDS User CAL: A User CAL is assigned to a specific user. This allows a single named user to access the RDS environment from any number of devices—their office desktop, a personal laptop, a home computer, or even a mobile device. This model is ideal for organisations with a mobile workforce where each employee has multiple dedicated devices, or for knowledge workers who need flexible, anywhere-access. It requires user identity tracking but provides maximum flexibility for the individual.

Critical Prerequisite: Regardless of whether you choose Device or User RDS CALs, you must also have a corresponding standard Windows Server CAL for every user or device accessing the server. The RDS CAL is an additional requirement on top of the base server access licence.

System Requirements and Compatibility

This product is a licence key and does not have hardware requirements of its own. It is designed to activate the licensing server component of a Windows Server 2016 RDS deployment. The core requirement is a functioning Windows Server 2016 environment with the Remote Desktop Services roles installed and configured.

• Server Operating System: Requires a Windows Server 2016 Standard or Datacenter edition with the Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) role and Remote Desktop Licensing (RD Licensing) role installed.
• Prerequisite Licences: All connecting users or their devices must be covered by a standard Windows Server 2016 CAL. This RDS CAL is an additional, mandatory licence for remote desktop or RemoteApp access.
• Client Compatibility: Users can connect from any device running a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client. This includes natively supported Windows operating systems, macOS (via Microsoft Remote Desktop client), iOS, and Android. Linux clients can connect using compatible RDP clients like Remmina or FreeRDP, though this licence does not provide support for those tools.
• Language Support: The licence key itself is language-agnostic and will activate a server running any of the supported languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, and Japanese.
• Important Note: This licence is for the server-side access rights. It does not include a client operating system licence. Always verify the specific RDP client requirements on the manufacturer's website for non-Windows devices.

Installation and Activation

Activating your RDS Device CALs is a straightforward process managed through the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager on your Windows Server. The process is well-documented, and Lizensa provides a detailed guide with your purchase.

1. Instant Delivery: After your payment is securely processed, you will receive an email containing your unique MAK licence key and a link to our step-by-step activation guide. Delivery typically occurs in under 60 seconds.
2. Install the RDS Licensing Role: On your Windows Server 2016, use Server Manager to install the Remote Desktop Licensing role service. This is the component that manages and enforces your RDS CALs.
3. Activate the Licence Server: Open the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, right-click your server, and select "Activate Server." Follow the wizard, choosing an automatic connection to Microsoft's activation servers.
4. Install Your Licences: Once the licence server is activated, right-click it again and select "Install Licences." Enter the MAK key provided by Lizensa. The wizard will contact Microsoft, validate the key, and install the 10 Device CALs onto your licence server.
5. Configuration: The final step is to configure your RDS Session Host servers to point to this new licence server, ensuring they are operating in "Per Device" licensing mode. Our included guide covers this in detail.

Reinstallation and Transfer: As a perpetual MAK licence, you can reactivate the licence server on the same hardware if you need to rebuild the server OS. The MAK has a predetermined number of activations. If you exhaust these due to major hardware changes, Lizensa support can assist you in requesting an activation increase from Microsoft. As Device CALs, the licences are tied to the server infrastructure, not a single user identity.

Why Choose Lizensa for Your Software Licences

Securing your IT infrastructure with genuine software is a non-negotiable business decision, and the source of your licences matters as much as the software itself. At Lizensa, we have built our reputation on being a trusted, transparent, and customer-focused partner for businesses across the European Union. We don't just sell licence keys; we provide the confidence and support that comes with a legitimate purchase.

When you order from us, your licence key is dispatched instantly via an automated digital delivery system, arriving in your inbox in under a minute on average, so you can continue your deployment without delay. Every key we sell is 100% genuine and sourced directly from authorised European distribution channels, ensuring full compliance and validity. As an EU-based company, your purchase is fully protected by European consumer law, including a no-quibble 14-day right of refund, giving you peace of mind that your investment is safe. We provide a full VAT invoice with every order, with automatic reverse-charge application for B2B customers with a valid VAT ID, simplifying your accounting. Your payment security is paramount, which is why our checkout is powered by Stripe, supporting SEPA, iDEAL, BLIK, Google Pay, and major credit cards in a PCI-DSS compliant environment. Should you have any questions during installation, our free multilingual technical support team is on hand to help you navigate any challenge. Your licence is valid for activation across all 27 EU member states, ensuring a consistent and compliant software estate for your entire organisation.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a subscription or a one-time purchase?

This is a perpetual, one-time purchase. You pay once and own the right to use these 10 RDS Device CALs indefinitely. There are no monthly or annual recurring fees.

What is the difference between an RDS Device CAL and an RDS User CAL?

An RDS Device CAL licences a specific physical device (e.g., a shared office computer), allowing any number of users to connect from it. An RDS User CAL licences a specific user, allowing them to connect from any number of devices. Device CALs are best for shared workstations; User CALs are best for mobile employees with multiple devices.

Do I still need standard Windows Server CALs?

Yes. RDS CALs are an additional requirement. Every user or device that connects to a Windows Server, whether locally or remotely, must first be licensed with a standard Windows Server CAL. The RDS CAL grants the additional right to use Remote Desktop Services functionality.

How fast will I receive my licence key?

Our delivery is fully automated and instant. In most cases, you will receive your email containing the licence key and activation guide within 60 seconds of completing your payment.

Is this a genuine and legal Microsoft licence?

Absolutely. Every licence sold by Lizensa is 100% genuine, legally sourced from authorised European distributors, and verified by Microsoft. You will receive a valid activation key and a proper VAT invoice.

What if I have trouble with the activation process?

We provide a detailed, step-by-step activation guide with your purchase. If you encounter any issues, our free multilingual technical support team is available to assist you. We can help diagnose common configuration problems and guide you through the activation of your licence server.

Can I reinstall or transfer this licence to a new server?

This is a MAK key used to activate a licence server. You can reinstall the licence server role on the same physical or virtual machine. The MAK has multiple activations. If you need to move it to entirely new hardware and exhaust the activations, contact our support team, and we can assist with the process of requesting an increase from Microsoft.

Does this licence work in my country?

Yes. Your licence is valid for activation and use in all 27 member states of the European Union. Lizensa provides licences specifically for the EU market.

What payment methods do you accept?

Our Stripe-secured checkout supports a wide range of payment methods, including SEPA direct debit, iDEAL, BLIK, Google Pay, and all major credit and debit cards like Visa and Mastercard.

Do you provide a VAT invoice?

Yes, a detailed VAT invoice is automatically generated and included with every order. For business customers within the EU who provide a valid VAT ID, the invoice is issued with the reverse charge applied, meaning no VAT is charged upfront.

What is your refund policy?

We offer a 14-day right of refund in accordance with EU consumer protection law. If you have not activated the key and it is unused, you can request a full refund within 14 days of purchase.

Is this licence compatible with Windows Server 2019 or 2022?

No, this is a Windows Server 2016 RDS CAL. While it provides downward compatibility to older server versions, it does not provide access rights for Windows Server 2019 or 2022. You would need the corresponding RDS CAL version for those servers.