Share via

Downgrade RDS CAL License from 2019 to 2025

Gieniusz Marcin 0 Reputation points
2026-02-12T09:56:32.12+00:00

I can't downgrade RDS CAL License from 2025 to 2019 by my self. That is why I tried many times to contact Microsoft and our partner but I find it very hard to get help from them. Microsoft techincal was supposed to call us and help with that but I don't hear anything from them since then. Does anyone know the solution for this topic?

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Licensing and activation
0 comments

3 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. VPHAN 24,285 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-13T05:53:22.45+00:00

    Hello again Gieniusz Marcin,

    Just following up. Please clarify your specific licensing channel and the exact Operating System version of your RD Licensing Server, as attempting to install Windows Server 2025 CALs onto a Windows Server 2019 Licensing Server will invariably fail via 'Automatic' or 'Web' methods due to the older server's inability to interpret the newer 2025 product schema.

    Your immediate resolution path involves changing the connection method in the RD Licensing Manager (licmgr.exe) properties to 'Telephone' to access the direct line for the Microsoft Clearinghouse. This specific activation center is the only entity authorized to validate your 2025 entitlement and manually issue a corresponding Windows Server 2019 Key Pack ID that your older Licensing Server can successfully install. While waiting for general technical support is often futile for this specific transaction, the Clearinghouse operators are uniquely equipped to generate the required down-level license token in real-time once you provide your License Server ID and the original 2025 agreement details.

    VP

    0 comments
  2. VPHAN 24,285 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-12T10:33:57.5166667+00:00

    Hello Gieniusz Marcin,

    Your description lacks the specific Licensing Program details, such as whether these CALs were purchased via Cloud Solution Provider (CSP), Enterprise Agreement (EA), or Retail, which are critical for determining the precise downgrade authority. Windows Server 2019 RD Licensing servers simply do not possess the schema extensions to cryptographically validate or parse Windows Server 2025 license keys, rendering the "Automatic" and "Web" connection methods in licmgr.exe functionally useless for this specific version mismatch.

    You must force the connection method in the RD Licensing Manager properties to "Telephone" to locate the correct regional Clearinghouse number; this specific support tier is the only entity capable of manually validating your 2025 entitlement and generating a functionally distinct Windows Server 2019 Key Pack ID that your older server can accept. Before calling, however, I strongly advise checking your Microsoft 365 Admin Center (if CSP) or Volume Licensing Service Center portal, as downgrade keys are often pre-provisioned under the specific product entry, which would eliminate the need for telephone intervention. If those specific downgrade keys are absent, proceed with the Clearinghouse call and explicitly request a "down-level" license activation for your specific License Server ID.

    Do you find this answer useful? Should you have more questions, feel free to leave a comment. Have a nice day!

    VP

    0 comments
  3. Q&A Assist
    2026-02-12T09:56:43.0833333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Downgrading Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs) can be complex, and typically, Microsoft does not allow direct downgrades from a higher version to a lower version. However, you may have options depending on your licensing agreement and the specific circumstances.

    1. Contact Microsoft Support: Since you mentioned difficulty in reaching Microsoft support, it might be worth trying again or escalating the issue through your partner or reseller. They may have specific procedures for handling such requests.
    2. Review Licensing Terms: Ensure that you understand the terms of your licensing agreement, as some agreements may allow for downgrades under certain conditions.
    3. Use the Migration Methods: If you are looking to migrate licenses, you could explore the migration methods available, which include automatic connections, web browser methods, or telephone support, as outlined in the documentation.
    4. Check Compatibility: Ensure that the version of the RDS CALs you are trying to downgrade to is compatible with your current server setup.

    If you continue to face challenges, consider documenting your attempts to contact support, as this may help in escalating the issue further.

    References:

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.