Microsoft is licensing Windows Server 2022 using a per-core licensing model, with CALs required for users and devices accessing your servers. Like Windows Server 2019, licenses are sold in 2- and 16-core packs with a minimum of 8 cores per processor and 16 core licenses per server. Essentials: $501 (per server licensing). No CALs required.

The Windows Server 2022 licensing model includes both Cores + Client Access Licenses (CALs). A Windows Server CAL allows access to any edition of Windows Server of the same or earlier version. Each Window Server CAL provides access to multiple licenses of Windows Server.

CAL is required when to access server software or services legally, such as file and print sharing. You will need CALs for file services, since it means you will have users/devices accessing that server. User CALs allow a single user access to Windows Server from an unlimited number of devices.