Licensing Windows Server Remote Desktop Services

[This report was edited after initial publication. See notes in italics below.]

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) describes a Windows Server role that provides centrally managed server-based desktops and remote applications. The model for licensing RDS appears simple: Every computer running Windows Server requires a Windows Server license, and when the RDS role is enabled every device or user accessing RDS server-based desktops or remote applications must have a Windows Server Client Access License (CAL) and an RDS CAL. But organizations need to understand additional specific scenarios where RDS CALs or the alternative RDS External Connectors for nonemployees are required to comply with licensing rules.

Windows Server uses roles to package Windows Server features and functionality together. For example, to use the Windows Server Active Directory features, the Active Directory role must be enabled. Likewise, to use the RDS features, the RDS role must be enabled. This report outlines the licensing of server-based desktops and applications when the RDS role has been enabled on servers that are running on-premises in an organization’s data center.