This article explains the basics of Remote Desktop licensing for BinaryLane Windows servers.


Important: BinaryLane offers multiple versions of Windows Server, and each version handles Remote Desktop Client Access Licences (CALs) differently.

Before choosing a Windows Server version, it’s essential to understand its licensing model and environmental requirements (e.g. whether you’ll be using a Workgroup or Active Directory domain).

Some versions (such as Windows Server 2019 and later) only support per-user CALs in Active Directory environments, while others (like Windows Server 2016) support per-user CALs in both Workgroup and AD setups. Selecting the correct version ensures your Remote Desktop licensing functions properly and remains compliant with Microsoft’s licensing terms.

For more information, please refer to Microsoft’s official documentation on Remote Desktop licensing requirements, or consider reaching out directly to Microsoft’s Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) or Microsoft Support for guidance on your specific licensing needs. Microsoft | Licensing

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What Is a Remote Desktop CAL?


A Client Access Licence (CAL) grants a person the legal right to connect to a Windows Server using Remote Desktop Services (RDS).

By default, Windows Server allows up to two concurrent Remote Desktop connections for administration only. These administrative sessions are intended exclusively for server administrators, and do not require RDS CALs. They cannot be used to provide access for standard (non-admin) users or to bypass licensing requirements.

If only a single administrator connects occasionally for maintenance, you generally don’t need additional CALs. However, if multiple users (administrators or standard users) need to sign in concurrently, or if you intend to provide non-administrative user sessions, you must install Remote Desktop Services and purchase the appropriate number of RDS CALs (e.g. per-user).

Version compatibility


Different Windows Server versions have specific licensing requirements:

  • Windows Server 2019 and newer

    • Support per-user CALs only in Active Directory environments.

    • Per-user CALs are not supported in Workgroup mode.

  • Windows Server 2016

    • Supports per-user CALs in both Workgroup and Active Directory environments.

Which licensing mode do I need: Per User or Per Device?


Microsoft offers two RDS CAL types:

  • Per User CALs: one licence per person. That user can connect from any number of devices.

  • Per Device CALs: one licence per device. Anyone using that licensed device can connect.

How to choose (quick guide):

  • Pick Per User if:

    • Each staff member has multiple devices (laptop + home PC + tablet) or may connect from varying endpoints.

    • You want simpler user-based accounting.

    • You’re joining the server to Active Directory (required for Per User CAL support on Windows Server 2019+).

  • Pick Per Device if:

    • You have a small number of shared PCs/thin clients with multiple people rotating on the same machine(s).

    • You’re running in Workgroup mode on Windows Server 2019+ (Per User CALs aren’t supported there).

    • You prefer device counting over user counting, especially in kiosk/shift environments.

Examples:

  • 15 employees, each with a laptop and home PC → Per User (most cost-effective, simpler).

  • 10 shared terminals used across three shifts → Per Device (one CAL per terminal).

Purchasing Remote Desktop licences


Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs are available at $10 per CAL per month. We’ll configure the licensing mode - Per Device or Per User - during installation based on your requirements. You can:

  • Add licences when creating your server; or
  • Any time later via Change Plan in mPanel.

Licence installation and access


If you purchase additional Remote Desktop user licences from BinaryLane:

  • BinaryLane staff will require an administrator account on the server to install Remote Desktop Services and manage license key packs.

  • Your server will be rebooted during Remote Desktop Services installation.

To create the required administrator account, follow this guide: Create an Administrator account for BinaryLane RD licence management

Service scope


BinaryLane staff will only log in to your server to install and manage Remote Desktop licence key packs that have been purchased from BinaryLane. We do not perform general administrative tasks, investigate unrelated issues, or provide troubleshooting beyond Remote Desktop licensing.

If licensing problems occur, our team can, upon request, reinitialise the local Remote Desktop Licensing database and reinstall your purchased Remote Desktop Client Access Licence (CAL) key pack in an attempt to restore proper functionality; however, troubleshooting beyond this would fall outside our scope of support.

Additional resources


If you require assistance, feel free to submit a support ticket at our helpdesk here: Submit a ticket | BinaryLane