can you help me how to use the downgrade rights for Windows Server Standard 2022 COEM (P73-08328) ?

Question

I have a customer that is in need of WIndows Server Standard 2019, since Windows Server Standard 2022 COEM has downgrade rights, how can i use that licence to activate and install Windows Server Standard 2019? I already have an instalation disk of Windows Server Standard 2019, and a valid licence for Windows Server Standard 2022 COEM that is not yet used, how can i use the downgrade rights? Simply using the key on the 2019 version installation doesnt work...

Answer 1

Hi DjO),

to use the downgrade rights, you will need to obtain a product key for Windows Server Standard 2019. This key can be obtained from the Volume Licensing Service Center (Volume Licensing Service Center (microsoft.com)) or from your Microsoft reseller. Once you have the product key, you can use it to activate the Windows Server Standard 2019 installation.

To activate the installation, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Install Windows Server Standard 2019 using the installation disk.
2. During the installation process, do not enter a product key.
3. Once the installation is complete, go to the Activation page in the Settings app.
4. Click on the "Change product key" link and enter the product key for Windows Server Standard 2019.
5. Click on the "Activate" button to activate the installation.

If you encounter any issues during the activation process, you can contact Volume Licensing Support Info. | Microsoft Learn for further assistance.

Hope it helps.

Kind regards,

Lei

Answer 2

Hello Lei, thank you for the answer.

I have a question regarding the Windows Server Standard 2019 key. How can i obtain it since the 2019 version is End of Life and we cannot buy it anywhere. Can i use an already used 2019 key? How can i get a new one? Besides, that would mean i would have to buy a new license again?

Answer 3

Hi DjO),

you can obtain a valid product key for Windows Server Standard 2019 by contacting Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (Volume Licensing Support Info. | Microsoft Learn) or your Microsoft reseller.

Using an already used 2019 key is not recommended as it may violate the terms of the license agreement and may cause activation issues.

Please note that purchasing a new license for Windows Server Standard 2019 may be required if you do not have a valid license for it.

Answer 4

Hello Lei,

I cannot obtain a new license from a Microsoft reseller because 2019 version is end of life(end of sales) since 30.06.2023. so it is not available to buy anywhere.

I already have a 2022 version that is new and unused. I don't want to buy a new license, i just want to use the downgrade right to activate and use 2019 version. What is the point of the downgrade right of 2022 if i can't use it and have to buy a new license anyway...