What's the differencebetween Windows Serve USER CALS and Windows Serve DEVICE CALS?

2024-04-15

Windows Server CALs (Client Access Licenses) are a type of license required by Microsoft for accessing certain services provided by Windows Server software. There are two main types of CALs: User CALs and Device CALs.

  1. User CALs (Client Access Licenses):

    • User CALs license individual users to access the services provided by Windows Server from any device.
    • With a User CAL, a licensed user can access the server's services from multiple devices, such as a work computer, home computer, or mobile device.
    • Each individual user accessing the server requires a separate User CAL.

  2. Device CALs (Client Access Licenses):

    • Device CALs license individual devices (such as computers or smartphones) to access the services provided by Windows Server.
    • With a Device CAL, any user who uses the licensed device can access the server's services.
    • Device CALs are typically used in environments where multiple users share the same devices to access the server.
    • Each individual device accessing the server requires a separate Device CAL.
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