Windows Server 2019 Remote Desktop Services Device Connections 50 CAL is a perpetual license pack that grants 50 devices the legal right to connect to a Windows Server 2019 RDS environment – get an affordable Windows Server 2019 RDS Device CAL with a one-time payment, no subscription, no recurring fees. Designed for organizations running shared workstations, kiosk terminals, or shift-based environments, this Device CAL pack ensures your RDS deployment stays fully compliant with Microsoft licensing requirements. Browse our Microsoft license key store for the full range of Windows Server licenses and CAL packs.

What’s included in your Windows Server 2019 RDS 50 Device CAL license

Your purchase includes one Windows Server 2019 RDS 50 Device CAL license key covering 50 devices. The license is perpetual and does not expire. Each Device CAL authorizes one specific device to connect to the RDS session host – any user can connect from that licensed device regardless of how many different people share it. The key must be installed on a Remote Desktop Licensing Server using the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager before licenses can be issued to connecting devices.

Key facts

• Product – Windows Server 2019 RDS 50 Device CAL
• License type – Perpetual, per device
• Devices covered – 50 devices
• Compatible server – Windows Server 2019 and earlier versions
• License model – Per device – any user can connect from a licensed device
• Activation – Via Remote Desktop Licensing Manager on your license server
• Delivery – By email, fast delivery
• Previously activated – No – unused key
• Windows Server license required – Yes, sold separately

What is a Windows Server 2019 RDS Device CAL

Remote Desktop Services allows users to connect remotely to a Windows Server session host and access a full desktop or published applications from any location. Microsoft requires that every device connecting to an RDS environment holds a valid Client Access License – without one your deployment is out of compliance and connections will be blocked once the 120-day licensing grace period expires.

A Device CAL is assigned to a specific device rather than a specific person. Once a device is licensed, any number of different users can connect from that device to the session host. This makes Device CALs the right model for shared workstations, kiosk terminals, and shift-based environments where the device is the fixed point of access.

RDS Device CAL vs User CAL – which do you need

Choosing between Device and User CALs is one of the most common questions in RDS licensing. The right choice depends entirely on how your users access the environment:

Device CALs are the right choice when multiple different users share the same physical workstations – factory floors, hospital terminals, call centers, or any shift-based environment. If your users each work from their own dedicated device and connect from multiple locations, Windows Server 2019 RDS 50 User CAL may be the more cost-effective option.

RDS CAL version compatibility

RDS CAL version compatibility is strictly enforced by Microsoft and is one of the most important things to get right before purchasing:

• RDS 2019 CALs work with – Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, and earlier versions
• RDS 2019 CALs do NOT work with – Windows Server 2022 or 2025
• Upgrade planning – If you plan to upgrade to Windows Server 2022 in the future, Windows Server 2022 RDS 50 Device CAL is backward compatible and will work on your current 2019 environment – purchasing 2022 CALs now is a valid future-proofing strategy
• Grace period – Windows Server 2019 allows a 120-day grace period for new RDS deployments – after this period expires a valid license server with sufficient CALs is required or connections will be denied

Who needs this license

Windows Server 2019 RDS 50 Device CAL is the right choice for:

• Organizations running Windows Server 2019 as a Remote Desktop Session Host for remote desktop or published application access
• Environments where multiple users share the same physical devices across different shifts or time slots
• Kiosk deployments, factory floors, hospital terminals, or any scenario where the device is the consistent point of access rather than the individual user
• IT administrators adding RDS capacity to an existing compliant Windows Server 2019 deployment
• Medium-sized deployments where a 50-pack provides cost-effective per-device licensing

Before you buy

• Windows Server 2019 license – confirm you already have a licensed Windows Server 2019 installation – this CAL pack does not include a server license
• RDS Session Host role – the Remote Desktop Session Host role must be installed on the server users will connect to
• Remote Desktop Licensing Server – the Remote Desktop Licensing role must be installed, activated with Microsoft, and reachable by the session host
• CAL count planning – count the number of unique devices that will connect and ensure you have sufficient CALs for your environment
• Version compatibility – confirm your server is running Windows Server 2019 or earlier – these CALs do not work on Windows Server 2022

How to install your Windows Server 2019 RDS Device CALs

Step 1 – Activate your license server: Open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager from Server Manager. Right-click your license server and select Activate Server. Follow the Activate Server Wizard, choose Automatic connection as the connection method, and complete the activation process with your company information.

Step 2 – Install the CALs: After activation, right-click the license server and select Install Licenses. Select License Pack (Retail Purchase) as the program type. Enter your product key when prompted, select Windows Server 2019 as the product version and Per Device as the license type, then click Next to complete installation.

Step 3 – Configure your session host: Using Group Policy navigate to Computer Configuration – Administrative Templates – Windows Components – Remote Desktop Services – Remote Desktop Session Host – Licensing. Set the license server address and confirm the licensing mode is set to Per Device.

If you experience any issues during installation or activation, reach our support team by email. We respond on the same day and will assist until your licenses are correctly installed and issuing to devices.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Windows Server license in addition to these CALs?
Yes. The Windows Server 2019 RDS 50 Device CAL pack licenses the Remote Desktop Services connection rights only. A separately licensed Windows Server 2019 installation is required as the foundation. The server license and RDS CALs work together – one without the other is not a compliant deployment.

Can different users connect from the same licensed device?
Yes. A Device CAL is tied to the device, not the person using it. Once a device holds a valid RDS Device CAL, any number of different users can connect from that device to the session host. This is exactly what makes Device CALs the preferred choice for shared workstations and shift environments.

What happens if my license server goes offline?
If the Remote Desktop Licensing Server becomes unreachable, Windows Server 2019 enters a temporary grace period to allow time for the issue to be resolved. Prolonged license server downtime can eventually result in connections being denied. Ensuring high availability for your license server is recommended for production RDS deployments.

Will these CALs work after I upgrade to Windows Server 2022?
No. RDS 2019 Device CALs are not forward compatible with Windows Server 2022 or later versions. After upgrading the server to 2022 you will need RDS 2022 CALs. RDS 2022 CALs are backward compatible with Windows Server 2019, so purchasing 2022 CALs ahead of a planned upgrade is a practical option.

Do I need Active Directory for Device CALs to work?
No. Device CALs do not require Active Directory domain membership, making them suitable for workgroup-based environments. User CALs require Active Directory for proper enforcement by the licensing server.

What if my key does not install or activate correctly?
Send us an email and we will resolve the issue on the same day.