Microsoft Windows Server 2012 USER CAL - Product Key

Microsoft Windows Server 2012 User CAL System Requirements

Download Microsoft Windows Server 2012 User CAL:

Microsoft Windows Server 2012 User CAL is not software to be installed on the end-user’s device: it is a client access licence that authorises a specific user to connect to the services of a Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2 server, regardless of the number of devices they use to do so. After purchasing from Mr Key Shop, you will receive the product key and licence documentation via email. There is no installer file to download for the CAL itself: access licences are managed via the server’s administration console, through the TS/RDS Licence Management Service (for RDS CALs) or via the Microsoft licence compliance registers (for standard access CALs to Windows Server services).

Install Microsoft Windows Server 2012 User CAL:

Installing a User CAL does not require any action on the client device. The CAL is registered within the server’s licensing infrastructure via the Remote Desktop Services Licence Manager (in the case of RDS User CALs), which can be accessed via Administrative Tools on the Windows Server 2012 server. For standard CALs for access to Windows Server services, compliance is managed through documentation: each User CAL must be assigned to a named user and recorded in the organisation’s licence registers. Microsoft does not enforce compliance with standard CALs via automatic technical mechanisms, but verification is mandatory during audits.

Activate Microsoft Windows Server 2012 User CAL:

The product key received by email from Mr Key Shop serves as proof of purchase and the licence document for the User CAL. Keep it together with your organisation’s licence compliance documentation. For RDS User CALs, activation is carried out by entering the code into the server’s RDS Licence Manager via the licence installation wizard, selecting the correct licence programme type (Retail or other) and the number of CALs purchased. Once completed, the server recognises the available CALs and assigns them to authorised users in accordance with the policy configured by the administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft Windows Server 2012 User CAL

• What is a Windows Server 2012 User CAL?
  A Client Access Licence (CAL) is the licence document that authorises access to the services of a Windows Server. The User CAL authorises a specific user to connect to the server from any device they use: PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone or thin client. It is the right choice when the same user accesses the server from several different devices or when the number of users is fewer than the number of connected devices.

• What is the difference between a User CAL and a Device CAL?

• Does the User CAL also work with Windows Server 2012 R2?
  Yes. A Windows Server 2012 User CAL covers access to both Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2. CALs are backwards compatible: a CAL for a newer version of the server also covers earlier versions, but not the other way round.
• Is Windows Server 2012 still supported by Microsoft?
  Mainstream support for Windows Server 2012 ended on 9 October 2018. Extended support ended on 10 October 2023. Microsoft no longer releases security updates for this version, except for customers with the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU). Anyone still using Windows Server 2012 should plan to migrate to a supported version.
• How many CALs do I need for my environment?
  One User CAL is required for each user who accesses services on a Windows Server 2012 server, regardless of how many sessions or connections they open simultaneously. The number of CALs required corresponds to the number of named users authorised to access the server, not the number of simultaneous connections.
• When should you NOT choose a Windows Server 2012 User CAL?
  If your server infrastructure has already been upgraded to Windows Server 2016, 2019 or 2022, Server 2012 CALs are not compatible with the newer versions: you will need CALs for the version corresponding to the server you are using. If workstations are devices shared by multiple users working different shifts (e.g. till terminals, production terminals), the Device CAL is generally more efficient. If you are managing an environment with Remote Desktop Services (RDS), ensure that the CALs purchased are specifically RDS User CALs and not just basic access CALs for Windows Server services.