How to Check Cal License in Windows Server 2016?

If you’re looking for an easy way to check if your Windows Server 2016 has a valid license, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to check your CAL license in Windows Server 2016. We will cover how to access the licensing feature, the different types of licenses available, and how to check if your license is still valid. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of how to manage the licenses associated with your Windows Server 2016. Let’s get started!

What is Cal License?

A CAL (Client Access License) is a type of license that enables access to a licensed server product for a specific user or device. Microsoft Server products require a CAL for each user or device that accesses the server to use services such as file storage, printing, email, or other network functions. CALs are available in two forms, User CALs and Device CALs.

A User CAL license is assigned to a specific user. This means that regardless of how many devices the user may use to access a server, they will still require only one User CAL. A Device CAL license is assigned to a specific device, regardless of the user who is using the device. This means that regardless of how many users access the server from the same device, they will still require only one device CAL.

How to Check Cal License in Windows Server 2016?

Windows Server 2016 includes a feature called the License Manager Tool (LMT), which can be used to view the licenses that are installed on the server. This feature can be used to view the details of the CALs that are installed on the server, including the type of CAL, the number of licenses installed, and the expiration date of the license.

The License Manager Tool is located in the Windows Server 2016 Tools menu. To access the LMT, open the Tools menu, and then select the License Manager Tool from the list of options.

Once the License Manager Tool is open, the licenses that are installed on the server can be viewed by selecting the “View Installed Licenses” option. This will bring up a list of all of the licenses that are installed on the server, including the type of CAL and the number of licenses that are installed.

Viewing Details of Installed Licenses

The details of each license can be viewed by selecting the license from the list. This will bring up a window with the details of the license, including the type of CAL, the number of licenses installed, and the expiration date of the license.

It is important to note that the license details may not be the same for each license. For example, the expiration date of a User CAL may be different than the expiration date of a Device CAL.

Managing Installed Licenses

The LMT can also be used to manage the licenses that are installed on the server. This includes the ability to add or remove licenses, as well as to transfer licenses between users or devices.

To add or remove licenses, select the “Manage Installed Licenses” option from the LMT. This will bring up a window with a list of all of the licenses that are installed on the server. From here, licenses can be added or removed as needed.

Transferring Licenses

When a license is transferred from one user or device to another, it must first be removed from the original user or device and then added to the new user or device.

To transfer a license, select the “Manage Installed Licenses” option from the LMT. This will bring up a window with a list of all of the licenses that are installed on the server. Select the license that needs to be transferred, and then select the “Transfer License” option.

Transferring to a Different User

To transfer a license to a different user, enter the username of the new user in the “To User” field. The license will then be transferred to the new user, and the old user will no longer be able to access the server with that license.

Transferring to a Different Device

To transfer a license to a different device, enter the name of the new device in the “To Device” field. The license will then be transferred to the new device, and the old device will no longer be able to access the server with that license.

Related FAQ

What is a Windows Server 2016?

Windows Server 2016 is a server operating system developed by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems, released in October 2016. It is the successor to Windows Server 2012 and the predecessor to Windows Server 2019. It is the server version of Windows 10 and is based on the Windows 10 kernel. Windows Server 2016 is designed to power the next generation of cloud-based workloads and to help organizations transform their IT infrastructure. It includes a number of new features, including cloud-readiness, scalability, security, and performance improvements.

What are CALs?

CALs (Client Access Licenses) are licenses that allow a user to access a Windows Server. A CAL is required for each device or user that connects to a Windows Server. CALs are typically purchased in addition to the Windows Server license and are required in order to use the server. They are available in a variety of options, including a per-user license or a per-device license.

How can I check if I have a valid CAL?

To check if you have a valid CAL for a Windows Server 2016, you must first open the Server Manager. On the left-hand side of the Server Manager, click on the Licensing node. Under the Licensing node, you will find the License Summary. This will show the number of licenses you have installed, as well as their status. If you have a valid CAL, it will be listed in the License Summary.

Where can I buy CALs?

CALs for Windows Server 2016 can be purchased from Microsoft or an authorized reseller. When purchasing from Microsoft, you can select from a variety of CALs, including per-user, per-device, and enterprise options. When purchasing from a reseller, you may be able to get a discounted price.

Do I need to install CALs?

Yes, in order to use a Windows Server 2016, you must install the appropriate CALs. Once you have purchased the CALs, you need to install them on the server. This can be done through the Server Manager. Under the Licensing node, click on the Install License option. You will then be prompted to select the type of CALs you want to install.

How can I monitor my CAL usage?

You can monitor your CAL usage in the Server Manager. Under the Licensing node, you will find the License Summary. This will show the number of licenses you have installed, as well as their status. If you have exceeded the number of CALs you have installed, you will need to purchase additional CALs.

Windows Server CALs Explained

Your Windows Server 2016 license is an essential part of your server infrastructure, and it’s important to stay on top of its status. Thankfully, checking your license status is a simple process that won’t take long. With these steps, you’ll be able to quickly check and make sure your license is still active, and your server is running as it should.