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

Question

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.)

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

If you buy your OEM license through Dell, HP or Lenovo, they do offer downgrade kit that can guide you through the process.

For others, in my experience they'll just tell you to activate the server with "another OEM key that you own for the server version that you're about to downgrade to", then when the activate fails you call the activation center as instructed by the activation wizard. After they verify you got the proper license (may need to email them the invoice and COA photo) for the correct server product with downgrade right, they'll help you activate.

Answer 3

Hello Khawar Pasha,

did you solve your problem with Downgrade Key?
I have the same problem so it would be helpful if you can give me some information.
I am trying to activate WS 2012 R2 standard, and I bought WS 2019. The key is not working. Also I have been calling Microsoft for weeks, they are keep refering me to my vendor, and vendor is pushing me back to Microsoft.

I would apriciate any info