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How many user/device CAL license is required for windows server 2022 standard to be used as ADDS for 200 domain users?

ugyen wangchuk 0 Reputation points
2024-08-14T03:13:25.9266667+00:00

I am planning to purchase windows server 2022 standard license to deploy Active Directory and DNS so that we can control 200 users through domain and use as internal DNS server for users and 100 servers. I would be grateful if some can tell me how many user/devices CAL license we need to purchase. The default 2 RDS CAL is enough to access server through RDP for management.

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  1. Yanhong Liu 12,430 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-08-15T06:50:49.6066667+00:00

    Hello,

    Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

    To determine the number of Client Access Licenses (CALs) you need when using Windows Server 2022 as an Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS) server, you should consider the following:

    1. User CALs: Each user who accesses the server requires a User CAL. If you have 200 domain users, you will need 200 User CALs. User CALs can be useful if your users need to access the server from multiple devices.
    2. Device CALs: Alternatively, you can purchase Device CALs, which allow a specific device to access the server. These are useful if you have multiple users accessing the server from a single device. For example, if you have 100 devices that will access the server, you will need 100 Device CALs.

    You cannot mix User CALs and Device CALs for the same users/devices; you can choose one type over the other based on your specific usage scenario.

    Given your needs, if you want 200 user access, you will need to purchase 200 User CALs.

    Regarding Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs, the default 2 RDS CALs are for administrative purposes only and are indeed sufficient to manage the server via RDP. If more users need to access the server via Remote Desktop for regular use, additional RDS CALs are required.

    For more details, please refer to the official documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/rds-client-access-license

    I hope the information above is helpful.

    Best Regards,

    Yanhong Liu

    ============================================

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