Downgrading a Windows 2025 licence key to 2019

Question

I work at a hospital and we received a Windows Server 2025 Standard (16 core) licence key from a partner as part of an order. Is there a way to downgrade this licence to Windows Server 2019? We use a program that supports only 2019 and we would like to use the 2025 key for installing a new server for it since we don't have any 2019 server keys available.

Answer 1

Hello, I am Henry and I want to share my insight about this issue.

You can use your Windows Server 2025 license to install a new server running Windows Server 2019, as this is permitted under Microsoft's downgrade rights. However, I understand the confusion regarding using a license key to install the software. You cannot use your license alone to install or activate the software, you must use a valid product key for that purpose. You can reference this link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/activate-windows-c39005d4-95ee-b91e-b399-2820fda32227

• Your License: This is your legal right to run the software. Your 2025 license legally permits you to run an instance of Windows Server 2025, 2022, or 2019.
• Your Product Key: This is a string of characters used for activation. The key is version-specific. Your 2025 product key will not activate Windows Server 2019.

Because you have a valid 2025 license, you are entitled to a key for Windows Server 2019. To provide you with the correct activation steps, we first need to know what kind of license you have. How did your partner provide this license to you?

• Volume License (VL): Was this purchased through a Microsoft reseller as part of your hospital's broader licensing agreement? If so, you should have access to the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) portal online. This is the most common type for organizations.
• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) License: Did this license come with a new physical server from a manufacturer like Dell, HPE, Lenovo, etc.? It might be represented by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker on the server itself.

Once you identify which type you have, please follow the matching guide below.

If You Have a Volume License (VL), you can get the key yourself from your company's Microsoft portal.

• Install Server 2019: Use the official Windows Server 2019 Standard installation media. When it asks for a key, enter this generic key to proceed with the installation: N69G4-B89J2-4G8F4-WWYCC-J464C
• Get Your Real Key: Log in to your hospital's Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). Find "Windows Server 2019 Standard" and copy its unique MAK (Multiple Activation Key).
• Activate.

If You Have an OEM License, it requires a quick phone call to Microsoft to have them issue an activation code.

• Install Server 2019: As above, use the generic key to install the OS: N69G4-B89J2-4G8F4-WWYCC-J464C
• Start Phone Activation: After installation, open Command Prompt as an Administrator and run: slui 4
• Call Microsoft: Select your country and call the number shown.
• State Your Purpose: When you speak to the agent (or automated system), you must clearly state: "I am exercising my downgrade rights from a Windows Server 2025 OEM license." They are fully prepared for this request.
• Complete Activation: Provide the Installation ID from your screen. You will be given a Confirmation ID to enter, which will activate your server.

Hope this helps you.