Windows Server 2019 User CAL

Windows Server 2019 User CAL – user-based access right for a variety of devices.

With the Windows Server 2019 User CAL, you license a named user who accesses your Windows Server. This is practical when employees use several devices – for example a desktop, laptop or tablet. The licence is user-based and independent of the device in use.

The User CAL complements your existing Windows Server licence and ensures lean, easily planned licensing. No additional software installation is needed: CALs regulate the right of access and ensure licence-compliant use of your server. Delivery is digital by email and includes brief instructions.

Features

• User CAL for Windows Server 2019: 1 named user with access from several of their own devices
• Perpetual licence: usable for an unlimited time, no subscription
• No installation effort: CALs serve as an access right, not as software
• Editions: suitable for Windows Server 2019 Standard and Datacenter
• Backward compatible: usable for older server versions such as 2016 or 2012 R2
• Flexible for modern working: practical for home working, hybrid or mobile scenarios
• Digital delivery: licence information sent by email
• Language/region-independent: CALs are not tied to a specific language

Benefits & value

If a person uses several devices, the User CAL is often the most efficient choice. Instead of licensing individual devices, the user receives the access right – regardless of which personal device they work from. This simplifies licence planning in teams with changing workplaces.

Management stays clear: CALs are assigned to individual users and can be documented within your internal processes. In combination with Device CALs, you can adapt your licensing model to mixed scenarios – for example office PCs (Device CAL) plus mobile users (User CAL).

It is important to keep the licence types clearly separate: this CAL covers access to the Windows Server. Separate CALs are required for special server roles or additional services (e.g. Remote Desktop Services).

Compatibility & licence notes

• Version: Valid for Windows Server 2019; backward compatible with earlier versions such as 2016 or 2012 R2.
• Not forward compatible: Corresponding 2022/2025 CALs are required for Windows Server 2022 or 2025.
• User vs. Device: User CAL = 1 user, several devices. Device CAL = 1 device, several users. Choose according to your usage pattern.
• Server licence required: CALs complement the server licence. A correctly licensed Windows Server is a prerequisite.
• Essentials exception: Windows Server 2019 Essentials needs no separate CALs for up to 25 users/50 devices.
• RDS note: This licence is not an RDS CAL. Additional RDS CALs are required for Remote Desktop functions.

Alternatives & recommendations

Planning the server base or a newer generation? These products fit:

• Windows Server 2019 Standard – solid base for many workloads
• Windows Server 2019 Datacenter – optimised for virtualisation
• Windows Server 2022 Standard – current server generation
• Windows Server 2025 Standard – latest generation

System requirements

Order Windows Server 2019 User CAL now and license access on a per-user basis.