Downgrading Windows Server 2022 RDS Key to 2016

Question

We have recently purchased a Windows Server 2022 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) key for our company. However, our current remote application for the company's ERP system is still utilizing Windows Server 2016. As a result, we need to downgrade the Windows Server 2022 RDS key to a 2016 RDS key to ensure compatibility with our existing system.

Despite our efforts, we have been unable to find a way to downgrade the key successfully. We would greatly appreciate any guidance or instructions you could provide to help us resolve this issue.

Thank you for your assistance.

Answer 1

Hello, did you purchase these RDS 2022 CAL by yourself? Common ways to purchase RDS CAL include: retail channels, Microsoft volume licensing programs, Microsoft official channels, cloud solution providers (CSPS), and more.

To obtain the License Server ID(LSID), you can access the server on which the remote Desktop License service is installed and perform the following steps:

1. On the server, open Server Manager. Locate and select Remote Desktop Services.
2. In the Remote Desktop Services window, click License Manager. If you don't see this option, from the Run dialog (press 'Win + R'), type 'licmgr.exe' and press Enter.
3. When Remote Desktop License Manager opens, you will see a list of installed license servers.
4. Right-click on your license server and select "Properties". In the Properties window, you can see the ID (LSID) of the license server.

Answer 2

Hello,

For RDS CAL downgrades, contact the Microsoft Clearinghouse directly for assistance.

References:

Install Terminal Services Client Access Licenses by Using the Telephone | Microsoft Learn

License your RDS deployment with client access licenses (CALs) | Microsoft Learn

Best regards

Answer 3

Hello, Thank you for the help. However I couldn't find the way to contact them.

So, we bought this product to use RemoteApp with Windows Server 2016 for company's ERP System.

Our HQ IT Team doesn't share the LSID but asked me to downgrade the product key to 2016.

I have talked to MS Support team however, they continually asked me LSID.

HQ team re-asked me to find out if it's possible to get this product as 'License Package (Retail Purchase)' which I really didn't understand what it means.

Could you please help me on this if you are available at any time?

Thank you again.