Windows Server 2022 Device CAL

Windows Server 2022 Device CAL – access per device, license flexibly. Get yours now.

With the Windows Server 2022 Device CAL, you license a specific device's access – for example a PC, thin client or terminal – to the services of your Windows Server environment. This is particularly worthwhile when several people use the same device. The Device CAL brings clarity: one device, one access licence, regardless of the number of users.

Device CALs help you control licence costs in a targeted way and implement compliance transparently. For shift work, kiosk or branch workstations, device-based licensing is often more economical than user-based licensing. Device and User CALs can be combined within your organisation, so you can choose the right model for each workstation.

Features

• Device-based access licence: One CAL per device that accesses Windows Server.
• Unlimited use: Designed for Windows Server 2022 and usable for the long term.
• Backward compatible: Access to equivalent or earlier server versions (e.g. 2019, 2016).
• Ideal for shared devices: Perfect for shift models, kiosk environments and terminals.
• Easy management: Assignment per device, clear separation of Device and User CALs.
• Combinable: Device and User CALs can be mixed within one organisation.
• Scalable: Licensing stays lean as the number of users on the same devices grows.
• No installation needed: No software installation is required on the client.
• Wide validity: Access to several server instances within the same organisation.
• Note: Additional RDS CALs are required for Remote Desktop Services (RDS).

Benefits & value

When several employees use a single device, the Windows Server 2022 Device CAL scores with high cost efficiency. Instead of licensing each person separately, only the device is equipped. This reduces complexity, makes inventory easier and makes access rights traceable – ideal for standardised workstations in organisations.

At the same time, you stay flexible: you can combine Device and User CALs depending on role, workstation type or location. This way your licence mix adapts to actual usage patterns, without unnecessary reserves. Thanks to backward compatibility, the 2022 Device CAL also covers mixed server landscapes with earlier versions consistently.

Compatibility & licence notes

• Required base: A validly licensed Windows Server edition (e.g. Standard, Datacenter) is a prerequisite. The Device CAL complements the server licence and entitles a specific device to access.
• Versioning: A Windows Server 2022 CAL entitles access to Windows Server 2022 and, as a rule, to older versions (e.g. 2019/2016). The reverse is not permitted.
• Use cases: Particularly worthwhile for shared devices, terminal workstations, manufacturing, call centres, libraries or branch environments.
• Mixed use: A combination of Device CALs and User CALs is possible. A matching CAL is required for each access – per device or per user.
• Remote Desktop Services: For RDS/Terminal Services, separate RDS CALs are needed in addition to the Windows Server CALs.
• External users: Depending on the scenario, an External Connector licence may be required for access by external third parties.
• Essentials note: Windows Server 2022 Essentials does not require separate CALs (note the edition limits).
• Reassignment: Under Microsoft guidelines, a Device CAL can be reassigned to another device under certain conditions (e.g. permanent device replacement).

Alternatives & recommendations

Planning the right server edition or a version change? These options are often requested together:

• Windows Server 2022 Standard – versatile base for common workloads.
• Windows Server 2022 Datacenter – ideal for highly virtualised environments.
• Windows Server 2022 Essentials – compact solution for small businesses.
• Windows Server 2019 Standard – proven previous version for established setups.
• All Windows Server 2022 products – complete overview in the shop.

System requirements

Get Windows Server 2022 Device CAL now and license access per device cleanly.