Share via

How can I properly contact Microsoft Clearinghouse to downgrade RDS CALs?

Mishael John Calaunan 0 Reputation points
2025-09-20T02:03:56.4533333+00:00

Hi everyone,

I understand that the only way to downgrade Remote Desktop Services CALs is by contacting the Microsoft Clearinghouse. However, I’ve been struggling to reach them.

When I call the Microsoft Clearinghouse number from this page: https://activate.microsoft.com/Help.aspx?locale=en-US, I’m first greeted by an AI voice system that always redirects me to what seems like a random call center agent. Every time, the agent tells me that I haven’t reached the Clearinghouse at all. I end up in a loop: the automated system → agent → told it’s not Clearinghouse or refers us to [aka.ms/support] → no progress.

Because of this, I haven’t been able to complete the downgrade process.

  • Is there a direct way to reach the Microsoft Clearinghouse (e.g., a specific phone option, email, or updated number)?

Has the process for downgrading RDS CALs changed recently?

What’s the correct path for escalating this if the AI voice system keeps redirecting incorrectly?

Any guidance or up-to-date contact details would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
MJ

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Set up, install, or upgrade
0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Henry Mai 6,585 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-09-20T02:52:33.1366667+00:00

    Hello Mishael John Calaunan, I am Henry and I want to share some thoughts about your issue.

    I understand your frustration with reaching the correct department. Downgrading RDS CALs indeed requires specific assistance. My recommendation is to reach the correct team for RDS CAL issues, including downgrades, is through Microsoft's dedicated support channels, specifically for Volume Licensing or RDS Licensing queries, rather than directly trying to bypass the automated system to a "Clearinghouse" line.

    1. Use the Microsoft 365 Admin Center Support:
    • Log into the Microsoft 365 admin center.
    • Go to Support > New service request.
    • Clearly state your issue: "Need to downgrade Remote Desktop Services CALs and require assistance from the RDS Licensing team or a Volume Licensing specialist."
    • Provide your licensing agreement number and details of the CALs you need to downgrade.
    1. Request Escalation via Phone Support:
    • Call Microsoft Support via the main business support number for your region (often found in the M365 admin center or on Microsoft's contact page).
    • Crucially, when interacting with the AI or initial agent, specifically ask to be transferred to the "Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Licensing team" or "Volume Licensing Support." Avoid using "Clearinghouse" initially, as it might lead to misdirection. Emphasize you have a licensing issue related to RDS CALs.

    Hope this clears things up.

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.