Please explain why RDP cals are so high?

Question

Please explain why RDP cals are so high?

Keith Boddy 26

Was just looking at upgrading our licensing for our RDP servers, and the RDP user CALs are almost $400 Canadian.

That's crazy. What's the reasoning there? Is there an upgrade path for a discount? They're all used internally for AppV connections mostly - Are there specific versions for that?

Just curious (and frustrated).

Thanks.

Answer accepted by question author

0 additional answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Daphne Huynh (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 585 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A Platform!

You are not wrong to be frustrated, RDS CAL pricing feels wild when you first look at it. There is logic behind it, but it is very much “Microsoft licensing logic,” not “this feels reasonable” logic. I will break it down plainly and then answer your upgrade/discount/App‑V questions.

1. RDS CALs are not for “remote access”

Microsoft treats graphical multi‑user Windows access as a premium capability, not a basic server feature. An RDS CAL is required whenever a user:

Opens a Remote Desktop session
Launches a RemoteApp
Streams apps via RDSH (including App‑V via RDS)

Even if it’s just one app, Microsoft licenses it the same as a full desktop session.

2. The price reflects perpetual licensing

RDS CALs are:

One‑time purchases
Per‑user or per‑device
Valid for the life of that Windows Server version (and backwards compatible)

You’re not paying $400/year. You are paying once and keeping it for the server lifecycle. That doesn’t make it feel good, but that is how Microsoft justifies the price model.

3. App‑V does not get a cheaper CAL

This is the painful part. There is NO cheaper “App‑V‑only” or “RemoteApp‑only” RDS CAL. Microsoft explicitly licenses:

Full desktop
RemoteApp
App‑V streamed apps

All the same under RDS CAL rules. Users only launch one internal app

No desktop shell
No file access

You still owe a full RDS CAL per user/device.

4. Upgrade or discount path

No, there’s no upgrade discount. But there are a few ways to soften the blow:

Buying through Enterprise Agreement (EA) and CSP (New Commerce Experience)

It can reduce per‑CAL pricing compared to retail, especially in bundles or multi‑year deals. There is no technical upgrade, but there may be a commercial discount.

Per‑Device CALs

Per‑Device CALs are often significantly cheaper overall than per‑user licensing.

Reference: License Remote Desktop Services with Client Access Licenses (CALs) | Microsoft Learn

Hope it helps a little bit. I hope you have a great day!

Keith Boddy 26 Reputation points

2026-02-27T15:47:24.9766667+00:00

It's always a bit of sticker shock for small businesses when you have to tell them their new RDP licenses to connect to a 2025 server is now in the 6 figure pricing. Server OS per core, User / Device CALs, RDP User / Device CALs, Application License, etc. Ouch.
Daphne Huynh (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 585 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-02T05:41:11.4966667+00:00

Hi Keith, thank you for your kindly response.

Actually, the sticker shock is real, especially for small businesses. When moving to newer Windows Server versions, the total cost can feel dramatic because modern environments combine several required licensing layers, including per-core server licensing, User/Device CALs, RDS User/Device CALs, and in some cases application-specific licenses.

It often helps to step back and look at who actually needs RDP access and how that access is used. Not every user requires RDS and in many scenarios per-device licensing or alternative access models can be more cost-effective. Taking this approach can significantly reduce the initial licensing footprint, even though the raw list pricing can be quite jarring at first glance.
Keith Boddy 26 Reputation points

2026-03-03T14:52:48.8466667+00:00

With the retirement of RemoteApp, What's the recommended on prem solution going forward?
Daphne Huynh (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 585 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-03-04T07:21:16.9566667+00:00

Currently, Microsoft has not introduced a new on‑premises replacement for RemoteApp. On‑premises Remote Desktop Services (RDS), including RemoteApp, remain supported on Windows Server and I suggest you should continue using the built‑in Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe) to connect to RDS. The retirement of the Microsoft Store Remote Desktop app does not affect RDS connections. Microsoft’s strategic direction and ongoing innovation are focused on cloud and hybrid solutions such as Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, which provide the modern replacement for RemoteApp‑style application delivery.

Reference: Windows App to replace Remote Desktop app for Windows - Windows IT Pro Blog

Share via

Please explain why RDP cals are so high?

0 additional answers

Your answer