RDP CAL Downgrade

Question

Hello,

Has the process for downgrading RDP Cals changed recently? I have a system that is using server 2019 but the CALs that were provided for 2022. I was told that these are able to be downgraded, but when I attempt to do so through the website, I receive an error. I have tried using the provided phone number but it sends me directly back to the website.

Does anyone know how to downgrade the RDP CALS as of Jan 1, 2026?

Answer 1

Hello Conte, Robert,

This issue is directly related to Windows Server licensing for business environments, not Windows 365 Enterprise. Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs are version‑specific, and while Microsoft grants downgrade rights, the process is not automatic through the licensing website. As of January 2026, the downgrade procedure has not fundamentally changed, but the self‑service portal does not allow you to apply a Server 2022 RDS CAL key directly to a Server 2019 licensing server. That is why you are seeing the error.

The supported path is to request a downgrade key from Microsoft or your licensing reseller. CAL product keys are bound to the version they were issued for, so a 2022 CAL key will not be recognized by a 2019 license server. Microsoft Licensing Support must issue you a 2019‑compatible key after validating your entitlement. The phone system often redirects to the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC), but the downgrade keys are not published there; they are provided only through direct support channels. If you are hitting a loop between the website and the phone number, the most reliable method is to open a case through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center portal under “License Keys” and explicitly request “RDS CAL downgrade from 2022 to 2019.” Your reseller can also escalate this request if you purchased through them.

In short, the downgrade right exists, but you cannot perform it yourself through the portal. You need Microsoft Licensing Support to generate the correct 2019 key for your entitlement. Without that, the 2019 license server will continue to reject the 2022 key.

I hope you've found something useful here. If it helps you get more insight into the issue, it's appreciated to accept the answer. Should you have more questions, feel free to leave a message. Have a nice day!

Domic Vo.