Downgrade Key: Windows Server 2019 Standard OEM License to Windows Server 2016 Standard

2021-05-02T06:48:43.663+00:00

I purchased a OEM License from a reseller for Windows Server 2019 Standard since Microsoft is not selling license for Windows Server 2016. Now I need downgrade key for Win Svr 2016 std since my applications are running on it (evaluation).
Problem: reseller telling me to call Microsoft and downgrade key, Microsoft telling me that reseller will provide the downgrade key. I don't who to ask now. Please help!
(Being successful to talk a Microsoft Agent is also a big task since calls will cut abruptly.)

Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2019
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
3,397 questions
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Accepted answer
  1. 2021-10-26T11:01:56.397+00:00

    Hi DragutinKrstaji-9179, Same happened to me. I had a terrible time calling Microsoft, waiting long, transferred from one department to another and at the end calls cut abruptly. Vendor tells me to check with Microsoft, and Microsoft tells me check with vendor. At the end one Microsoft guy listened to me carefully and replied properly.
    The answer is, Microsoft does not provide downgrade key for OEM license purchased from re-sellers. If your OEM license came with hardware, there is a possibility of downgrade kit provided by the manufacturer. So I had to upgrade the server from Windows 2016 Standard to Windows 2019. The upgrade was smooth, all of the applications kept working fine. But yes, it is a risk, your applications may stop working.
    It was a cheap tactic on vendor side to sell the license without telling that is not down gradable. There is a document which tells downgrade rights, but it is not as clear as I mentioned above after going through the experience. Good Luck

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6 additional answers

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  1. Dave Patrick 425.7K Reputation points MVP
    2021-05-02T13:16:58.467+00:00

    You can also try calling the activation center.
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/existing-customer/activation-centers
    http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/8/9/68964284-864d-4a6d-aed9-f2c1f8f23e14/Downgrade_Rights.pdf

    but the OEM should have handled this one.

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--


  2. Yuhan Deng 3,761 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2021-05-03T07:04:43.68+00:00

    Hi,
    I would suggest that you contact Microsoft Customer Support and Services where more in-depth investigation can be done so that you would get a more satisfying explanation and solution to this issue. In addition, if the issue has been proved as system flaw, the consulting fee would be refund. You may find phone number for your region accordingly from the link below.
    Global Customer Service phone numbers:
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13948/global-customer-service-phone-numbers

    Thanks for your time.
    Best regards,
    Danny

    -----------------------------

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  3. Dave Patrick 425.7K Reputation points MVP
    2021-05-03T13:01:31.63+00:00

    The only other option may be to start a case here with product support.
    https://support.serviceshub.microsoft.com/supportforbusiness

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--


  4. Yuhan Deng 3,761 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2021-05-04T07:57:09.927+00:00

    Hi,
    Please try this link:
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/servicedescriptions/office-365-platform-service-description/support
    93533-image.png

    Thanks for your time.
    Best regards,
    Danny

    -----------------------------

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