Can I install SQL server 2016 from licensed SQL 2017 Installer?

Question

I need to install SQL server 2016 on a server. We have a licensed SQL server version 2017. Is it possible to downgrade the 2017 installer to install version 2016.

Answer 1

Thanks all for your comments, I called Microsoft today and our license is under volume licensing so it can be downgraded. The product key for version 2016 should be able to downloaded from the Volume Licensing Portal. but all the license number and authorized account is required.

Answer 2

Only when you have software assurance, the you can ask you reseller to provider you a license key for version 2016.
Otherwise: The license key is bound to the version, you can not install 2016 with a 2017 license key.

Why do you need 2016 instead 2017? For client applications the version is transparent and in common it don't matter.

Answer 3

Version Downgrade rights are not dependent on Software Assurance. Please refer to the licensing guide here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/sql-server-2019-pricing Note this unrelated to the installers. If you're licensed for SQL Server 2017 you are entitled to install SQL Server 2016 instead, but you have to go get the installer from the volume licensing site or from Visual Studio Online Download Center.

Answer 4

As an alternative, you can install MS SQL Server 2017 instance, and switch all user databases to compatibility mode of SQL Server 2016.

Answer 5

Hi LertprasertwechKrissada,

No. SQL server 2017 license can only be used for SQL server 2017. If you want to apply a license to SQL server 2016, you need to buy SQL server 2016 license.

Best regards,
Cathy
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