Is Microsoft Windows Server 2019 license can be used for Microsoft Windows Server 2016

Question

Hello, A client of ours have an HP DL380 Gen9 server installed with 1 Intel XEON E5-2687WV4 (3.0GHz/12-core/30MB/160W) processor and Windows Server 2016 Standard Edition. Now the client upgraded their Server with a second processor of the same spec above. In-order to activate and use all cores of the two processors they have ordered additional Microsoft Server License; and they received Windows Server 2019 Standard because Windows server 2016 is not anymore available on market. The client is not ready (doesn't want) to migrate to 2019. How can they use the license on the Server 2019 to upgrade number of license on the Server 2016? Thanks.

Answer 1

This should not be a problem, just contact the seller about a downgrade product key, or optionally contact microsoft directly.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/existing-customer/activation-centers

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Answer 2

Windows Server 2019 keys cannot be used to activate Windows Server 2016. But Windows Server 2019 comes with downgrade rights, meaning that your 2019 license allows you to run earlier versions of the operating system, what you need to do is obtaining activation keys in order to activate the earlier versions.
Please contact the Server 2019 license seller or Microsoft activation center for help.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/existing-customer/activation-centers

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Answer 3

Thank you all. I got the answer. I will contact the MS Activation center as the local reseller has no idea about license type.

RGDS