Buy Windows Server 2025 CALs – User or Device?
Why do I need CALs? Buying a Windows Server license (Standard or Datacenter) alone is not legally sufficient to let employees work. The server license only covers the installation. For access to services such as file shares, print servers or Active Directory, every client needs a license.
The golden rule: New servers need new CALs. An old 2022 CAL does not entitle you to access a 2025 server. Conversely, a 2025 CAL does allow you to access older servers (backward compatibility).
Which option is right for me?
1. User CAL (per-user license)
- The principle: A user is licensed. They may use any number of devices to access the server.
- Ideal for: Office workers, field staff and home-office users. If an employee uses a PC, laptop, tablet and smartphone, you only need 1 User CAL.
- Advantage: The simplest administration in modern companies.
2. Device CAL (per-device license)
- The principle: A device is licensed. Any number of users may work on it.
- Ideal for: Shift operations (manufacturing, hospitals, reception desks) or public PCs. If three shift workers share one PC, you only need 1 Device CAL (instead of 3 User CALs).
- Advantage: Cost-efficient for workstations with high turnover or shared use.
Important note on Remote Desktop (RDS): These are the "standard" access licenses. If your employees are to work on the server via remote access (terminal server), you need, in addition to these CALs, the special RDS CALs.
System requirements / compatibility
- Server version: Compatible with Windows Server 2025 (Standard & Datacenter).
- Backward compatible: Also entitles you to access Server 2022, 2019 and 2016.
- License type: "Paper license" (right of use). No software is installed on the client. The licenses simply need to be kept on file for an audit (User CAL) or registered on the server.













