Windows Server 2025 CAL: Everything you need to know

Managing IT infrastructures in modern companies requires powerful, reliable, and flexible server solutions. One of the best solutions on the market is Windows Server 2025. In this comprehensive guide, we highlight all aspects of client access licenses (CALs) for Windows Server 2025, including the different versions and programs. If you are looking for detailed information on user CALs, device CALs, Microsoft RDS 2025 user CALs, and device CALs, you have come to the right place.

What are CALs?

CALs (Client Access Licenses) are licenses that enable devices or users to access server services. Windows Server 2025 requires different CALs depending on how users and devices are to access the server.

Types of CALs

There are two main types of CALs: user CALs and device CALs. These differ mainly in how they provide licenses for access to the server:

1. User CAL (user access license): This license allows a single user to access the server from any device.
2. Device CAL (device access license): This license allows a specific device to access the server, regardless of which user is using the device.

Windows Server 2025 User CAL

The Windows Server 2025 User CAL is ideal for companies where employees access the server from multiple devices. This access license offers flexibility and is particularly useful in environments where users work from different locations and devices.

Advantages of the User CAL

• Flexibility: Since the license is tied to the user, they can access the server from different devices.
• Scalability: Suitable for companies with many mobile or remote employees.
• Simplicity: License management is easier because there are fewer devices than users.

Windows Server 2025 Device CAL

The Windows Server 2025 Device CAL is better suited for companies where multiple users share a single device, such as employees working in shifts.

Advantages of Device CAL

• Cost efficiency: Ideal for companies where multiple employees use the same device.
• Easy management: Less administrative effort for licensing when the number of devices is limited.
• Consistency: Same user experience for all users of a device.

Microsoft RDS 2025 User CAL

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) enable users to remotely access desktop and application sessions. The Microsoft RDS 2025 User CAL is specifically designed for users who work remotely and access the server from different devices.

Advantages of the RDS User CAL

• Remote work support: Enables flexible working from different locations.
• Access to applications: Users can access remote desktops and applications as if they were local.
• Scalability: Ideal for companies that support remote working and flexible working models.

Microsoft RDS 2025 Device CAL

The Microsoft RDS 2025 Device CAL is designed for companies that want to provide access to remote desktops and applications via specific devices.

Advantages of the RDS Device CAL

• Access control: Allows access to remote desktops and applications to be restricted to specific devices.
• Easy management: License management is straightforward when specific devices are designated for remote access.
• Cost efficiency: Particularly advantageous in environments with shared devices.

Differences and use cases

The choice between User CALs and Device CALs depends on the specific IT infrastructure and working habits in your company.

User CAL vs. Device CAL

• User CALs are advantageous if:
• Your employees work from different devices (e.g., PC, laptop, tablet).
• Your company promotes flexible working and home office.
• You have many mobile employees.
• Device CALs are advantageous if:
• Your employees mainly work from fixed workstations.