Activating Windows Server 2022 (Evaluation) with Windows Server 2019 Retail Key

Question

Hi all,

I have a Dell server and a Windows Server Standard 2019 retail key. Recently, I installed Windows Server Standard 2022 (Evaluation).

Here are my questions:

1. Is it possible to activate the Windows Server 2022 Evaluation using my Windows Server 2019 Standard retail key?
2. If not, how can I find the correct Windows Server 2019 Standard ISO for installation? I don’t have the original purchase details, but I do have the key noted down.

I would appreciate any guidance on how to proceed with either activating 2022 or finding the correct ISO for 2019.

Answer 1

Hello,

Unfortunately, you cannot activate Windows Server 2022 Evaluation with a Windows Server 2019 Standard retail key. Retail keys are typically version-specific, meaning a key for Windows Server 2019 will not work for Windows Server 2022.

If you prefer to use your existing Windows Server 2019 Standard key, you can download the ISO from the Microsoft Evaluation Center. Here’s how:

Visit the Microsoft Evaluation Center. Windows Server 2019 | Microsoft Evaluation Center

Select the appropriate edition and download the ISO file.

Create a bootable USB drive or DVD with the ISO file.

Install Windows Server 2019 on your server and use your retail key for activation.

Best Regards,

Yanhong Liu

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Answer 2

Hi Yanhong,

Thank you for your response.

In that case, the Microsoft Server License (Retail) are not upgradable, right?

As per the following post, it seems it is upgradeable.

Can you please guide?

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windowserver/forum/all/windows-server-free-upgrade-costs-from-windows/9c06469c-1c22-42f8-8297-806a96c34399#:~:text=According%20to%20Microsoft's%20policy%2C%20you,without%20paying%20any%20additional%20fees.

Thank you.