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


Important: BinaryLane now only offers per-user CALs for Remote Desktop Services. Per-device CALs are no longer available. Before choosing a Windows Server version, it's essential to understand the licensing model and environmental requirements (e.g. whether you'll be using a Workgroup or Active Directory domain).

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 per-user RDS CALs.

Purchasing Remote Desktop licences


Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs are available at $10 per CAL per month. BinaryLane will configure the licensing mode during installation. 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