Windows server 2022 downgrade

При анализе используемых серверных лицензий в сети мы обнаружили, что на одном из серверов установлена значительно более дорогая редакция Windows Server Datacenter, чем требуют задачи, запущенные на сервере (на сервере не используется виртуализация Hyper-V, S2D, Azure Stack, Storage Replica и прочее). Возникала идея изменить (понизить) редакцию установленного Windows Server 2019 Datacenter на Standard в целях экономии более дорогих лицензий. Чистую переустановку Windows Server мы не рассматривали, потому что на сервере уже настроены ряд ролей и установлено дополнительное ПО, лицензии которого жестко привязаны к ОС и железу.

Как узнать редакцию Windows Server?

Вы можете проверить редакцию Windows Server, которая установлена на хосте из панели управления. Перейдите в Control Panel –> System and Security -> System (или выполните команду
control /name Microsoft.System
).

В этом примере видно, что на хосте установлен Windows Server 2019 Datacenter.

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Также можно вывести версию и редакцию из командной строки:

systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /B /C:"OS Version"

или

wmic os get Caption, Version, BuildNumber, OSArchitecture

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Или из PowerShell:

Get-WindowsEdition –Online

Get-ComputerInfo | select WindowsProductName, WindowsVersion, OsHardwareAbstractionLayer

В этом примере видно, что на хосте установлена редакция ServerDatacenter.

Чтобы получить информацию о редакциях всех компьютеров с Windows Server в домене Active Directory можно воспользоваться командлетом Get-ADComputers:

Get-ADComputer -Filter {(Enabled -eq $True) -and (OperatingSystem -Like '*Windows Server*')} -Property * | Select-Object Name,OperatingSystem,OperatingSystemVersion

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Понижаем редакцию Windows Server со Datacenter до Standard

Ранее вы показывали, как выполнить апгрейд редакции Windows Server с младшей на старшую с помощью DISM (см. статью о конвертировании ознакомительной версии Windows Server). Вы можете выполнить и обратную процедуру – downgrade версии Datacenter до Standard с сохранением всех текущих настроек и установленных ролей, программ.

Важно! Microsoft официально не поддерживает понижение редакции Windows Server со старшей на младшую. Официально рекомендуемый способ – чистая переустановка операционной системы. Однако приведенные ниже метод даунгрейда является рабочим, хотя официально и не поддерживаемым.

Настоятельно рекомендуем перед выполнением даунгрейда создать полную резервную копию образа вашей системы (хотя бы через Windows Server Backup).

Также будьте внимательны при выполнении даунгрейда Windows Server с ролью контроллера домена AD. Перед понижением версии желательно сначала перенести с него FSMO роли (предполагаем что у вас есть как минимум один дополнительный контроллер домена) и понизить его до рядового сервера домена (предварительно сделайте резевную копию контроллера домена AD, к которой можно будет откатиться).

1. На работающем Windows Server 2019 Datacenter запустите редактор реестра и перейдите в ветку HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion;
2. Проверьте значения следующих REG_SZ параметров: EditionID = ServerDatacenter, ProductName = Windows Server 2016 Datacenter, CompositionEditionID=ServerDatacenter;

   Параметр CompositionEditionID присутствует в реестре Windows Server 2019 и 2022. В Windows Server 2016 этот параметр отсутствует (не нужно создавать его вручную).

   

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3. Измените значения параметров следующим образом: EditionID и CompositionEditionID на ServerStandard, ProductName на Windows Server 2019 Standard;

   Обратите внимание, что существует довольно редкая редакция Windows Server Essentials. Для нее нужно указывать EditionID = ServerSolution.

   

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4. Закройте редактор реестра

   Не перезагружайте сервер после смены значений указанных ключей реестра, иначе они автоматически вернуться на предыдущие значение. И при выполнении даунгрейда на следующем шагу вы получите ошибку “
   Your Files and Settings cannot be kept because you try to install an other version as the currently used
   ”.

   ;

5. Смонтируйте установочный ISO образ с Windows Server 2019 и запустите мастер установки (setup.exe);
   

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6. При выборе вариантов установки в окне Windows Server Setup выберите Upgrade и редакцию Windows Server 2019 Standard (Desktop Experience);
   

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7. Укажите, что вы хотите сохранить персональные данные и установленные программы — Keep personal files and apps (если эта опция недоступна, проверьте каталог установки Windows);
   

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8. Нажмите на кнопку Confirm у каждого обнаруженного пункта. В моем случае в первом пункте было указано, что апгрейд версии Windows Server не рекомендуется, лучше выполнить чистую установку; во втором – в этой версии Windows по-умолчанию отключены PnP и RemoteFX USB перенаправление устройств; перенаправление устройств;
   

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9. Запустите обновление Windows, дождитесь его окончания и после нескольких перезагрузок проверьте, что теперь на сервере запущена редакция Windows 2019 Standard.

Данный способ даунгрейда работает для всех поддерживаемых версиях Windows Server (2012R2/2016/2019/2022).

Можно ли выполнить даунгрейд Windows Server 2022 до 2019/2016?

Правила лицензирования Microsoft разрешают вам использовать предыдущие версии Windows Server, если у вас имеется лицензия на более новую версию продукта. Например, вы можете запустить Windows Server 2019 или 2019, если у вас есть необходимые коммерческие лицензии на Windows Server 2022.

Для активации предыдущей версии Windows Server через downgrade вам нужно получить ключ продукта в личном кабинете VLSC (Volume Licensing Service Center). Если такого ключа нет, обратитесь в службу поддержки Microsoft для генерации ключа продукта в рамках права downgrade.

Если у вас развернута служба KMS для активации Windows Server, вы можете установить Windows Server с публичным GVLK ключом и заме активировать ваш хост на KMS. В этом случае не нужно обращаться в службу поддержки Microsoft (см. FAQ по KMS активации).

Невозможно понизить версию уже установленной ОС (in-place dowgrade). Т.е. если вы установили Windows Server 2022, но вам для совместимости с усраревшимми программами вам нужнен Windows Server 2016, вы не сможете понизить версию развернутой ОС. Придется выполнить новую установки Windows Server 2016 и выполнить ее активацию соотвествующим ключом продукра.

Buy Windows Server product key from

Windows Server licensing can feel daunting, especially when juggling upgrade paths and downgrade rights. This article aims to ease those concerns and help you navigate your transition to the version that fits your needs.

TOC

Understanding Downgrade Rights for Windows Server

When Microsoft releases a new Windows Server edition, organizations often wonder if they need to install and license the newest version—like Windows Server 2022—before using its downgrade rights to run an older version such as Windows Server 2019. Let’s break down exactly how this works, why it matters, and the steps involved.

What Are Downgrade Rights?

Downgrade rights refer to Microsoft’s policy that allows you to use a valid license for a newer Windows Server edition to run a previous version on the same hardware. In other words, if you purchase Windows Server 2022 Standard, you may be entitled to install Windows Server 2019 instead, without needing an additional license for 2019—provided you follow Microsoft’s official licensing terms.

Key Licensing Principle

• You must own a valid Windows Server 2022 license to take advantage of the downgrade rights to Windows Server 2019.
• The licensed machine must be properly activated with the correct software license key for the version that you choose to run.

For instance, you purchase Windows Server 2022 Standard. This gives you the right to either run Windows Server 2022 itself or, by leveraging downgrade rights, install a legally licensed copy of Windows Server 2019 on the same hardware. However, you must ensure that you have the necessary product keys or volume licensing files to activate Windows Server 2019 properly.

Why Might You Downgrade?

It might seem backward to opt for an older operating system when you can have the latest release. Nonetheless, certain business or technical requirements can make this path necessary:

1. Application Compatibility: Critical applications might not be supported on Server 2022.
2. Hardware Limitations: Legacy hardware drivers may not work optimally with newer OS releases.
3. Organizational Stability: Some IT teams prefer to wait until a new server OS matures before moving critical workloads to it.

Must You Install Server 2022 First?

According to Microsoft’s usual licensing structure, you typically apply the Server 2022 license to your hardware first, then proceed with installing Windows Server 2019 under downgrade rights. However, in practice, many organizations skip actually installing the newer OS and directly install Server 2019 using the relevant product key. The critical point is that the license for Server 2022 must be acquired and valid.

Whether or not you physically install Windows Server 2022 depends on your IT policies and how strictly you adhere to Microsoft’s official guidelines. Below is a quick breakdown:

Purchasing Server 2019 Licenses Directly

Sometimes, you might not need or want to go through the extra step of acquiring the newest Windows Server version if you know you’re going to run 2019. In this case, buying Windows Server 2019 licenses directly can be simpler. Here’s why:

1. Immediate 2019 Access: You can install and activate Windows Server 2019 without worrying about downgrade rights or the necessity of a 2022 license.
2. In-Place Upgrades from Older Versions: If you are upgrading from Windows Server 2012 R2 or 2016, you can more seamlessly perform an in-place upgrade to 2019 (assuming your hardware supports it).
3. License Clarity: Purchasing the exact version you intend to run can simplify your documentation and compliance.

However, if you anticipate upgrading to Windows Server 2022 in the near future, purchasing Windows Server 2022 now—and using its downgrade rights—could be more cost-effective in the long run, as you would not need to re-purchase a separate 2022 license later.

Understanding Microsoft’s Licensing Approach

Windows Server licensing differs from standard desktop OS licensing, with considerations for the number of cores, the number of Client Access Licenses (CALs), and edition type (Standard or Datacenter).

Core-Based Licensing

Starting with Windows Server 2016, Microsoft moved to a core-based licensing model. Each physical CPU core in the server must be covered. For Standard and Datacenter editions, Microsoft requires a minimum of 16 cores to be licensed per server and a minimum of 8 cores per physical processor. This requirement remains the same for both Windows Server 2019 and 2022.

CALs for Users and Devices

A Windows Server CAL is required for every user or device that accesses or uses the server software. This also applies to any previous version you run under downgrade rights. If you have 50 user accounts that regularly connect to the server, for instance, you need 50 CALs. CALs are typically backward compatible, meaning if you have a Windows Server 2022 User CAL, it usually covers access to older versions like Windows Server 2019. However, it is crucial to check the exact terms of your agreement or confirm with your Microsoft reseller.

Upgrading from Older Versions

When it comes to moving from Windows Server 2012 R2 or 2016 to a newer version, there are two main upgrade paths:

1. In-Place Upgrade: Upgrading on the same hardware without reinstalling the OS from scratch. This is often simpler but can carry forward accumulated settings, drivers, or issues.
2. Clean Installation: Wiping the server or using new hardware. Although more time-consuming, this often results in better performance, fewer legacy issues, and a cleaner environment.

Choosing Between Server 2019 and 2022

For those on older systems (like 2012 R2 or 2016) who can’t jump straight to Windows Server 2022 due to hardware or application issues, installing Server 2019 is a natural middle step. The question becomes whether you purchase 2019 licenses outright or buy 2022 licenses and downgrade. Ultimately, the right choice depends on:

• Future Plans: Will you eventually move to 2022 or beyond?
• Budget Constraints: Can you afford to purchase 2022 and potentially not use it immediately?
• Organizational Policy: Do you require the newest licenses as part of company-wide IT standards?

Support Timelines

Microsoft ends mainstream support for older versions of Windows Server after a certain number of years. Extended support continues for a longer period, but with more limited updates. You should consult Microsoft’s product lifecycle information to ensure that the version you choose will continue receiving security updates for as long as you need.

Comparing Windows Server 2019 and 2022

Below is a comparison table that may help you decide whether to jump to Windows Server 2022 immediately or stay with Windows Server 2019:

Both versions share the core-based licensing model and require that each user or device connecting to the server has a valid CAL.

Hardware and Software Compatibility Considerations

When upgrading or downgrading your server OS, compatibility is crucial. Here are key areas to evaluate:

1. Drivers: Ensure that your hardware vendor provides drivers for the specific version of Windows Server you’ll be running.
2. Firmware: Check for BIOS and firmware updates that may be required for stable operations.
3. Third-Party Applications: Some mission-critical applications might only certify certain versions of Windows Server.
4. Hypervisor and Virtualization: If you use Hyper-V or other virtualization platforms, confirm your chosen server OS supports the desired virtualization features.

Best Practices for Server Upgrades

When changing your server OS—whether upgrading or downgrading—follow these best practices to minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother transition:

1. Perform a Full Backup

Before any OS change, back up your server data and system state. This safeguard helps you quickly restore operations if something goes wrong during the installation or upgrade.

2. Test in a Non-Production Environment

If possible, replicate your server environment in a test lab. Conduct a trial run of the upgrade or downgrade to identify any application breakages or hardware issues.

3. Document Everything

Keep a record of:

• License information
• Product keys
• Any scripts or processes used during installation
• Driver details and versions

This documentation not only helps with compliance but also assists future administrators in understanding the system history.

4. Validate After Migration

After completing the upgrade or downgrade:

• Check all services and applications for proper functionality.
• Monitor event logs and performance counters to catch any anomalies early.
• Update your disaster recovery plans with new configuration details.

5. Stay Compliant

Even if you are using downgrade rights, you must remain compliant with Microsoft’s licensing terms. Keep your proof of purchase and any related agreements. If your organization undergoes a software audit, you’ll need to demonstrate that you properly licensed your servers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Is it legal to skip physically installing Windows Server 2022 if I have purchased its license?
   A: Most organizations directly install Windows Server 2019 using the product key or volume license for 2019 that Microsoft or a reseller provides under the 2022 license’s downgrade rights. However, the license for Windows Server 2022 must be valid and associated with your server.
2. Q: Do I need new CALs when I downgrade?
   A: Generally, CALs must be the same version or newer than the Windows Server version you’re running. If you have 2022 CALs, they typically cover 2019 servers. If you only have 2019 CALs, you cannot use them to access a 2022 server. Always verify your CAL versioning to ensure compliance.
3. Q: Can I upgrade later from Windows Server 2019 to 2022 without buying a new license?
   A: Yes, if your organization already has Windows Server 2022 licenses and you are using downgrade rights to run 2019, you can later install 2022 on the same hardware. Just ensure your environment and applications are compatible and that you follow Microsoft’s guidelines for activation.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition

If you decide to purchase Windows Server 2022 for future-proofing, you gain the flexibility to install Windows Server 2019 first under the downgrade rights. Conversely, if you only need 2019, buying it directly often simplifies the process. Here are a few final tips:

1. Consult Official Sources: Microsoft documentation and trusted resellers can offer the most up-to-date and accurate licensing information.
2. Plan for the Future: Consider hardware refresh cycles, application roadmaps, and your IT strategy to choose the right Windows Server edition.
3. Calculate Total Costs: Factor in not only the license price but also CALs, potential hardware upgrades, and the manpower needed for migration.
4. Remember Hybrid and Cloud Options: If you plan to integrate with Azure or other cloud services, both Server 2019 and 2022 have features that can streamline hybrid deployments.

Conclusion

Navigating Windows Server licensing and deciding whether to install the newest version or directly purchase an older edition depends on your specific business needs, future plans, and budget. If you want to maintain the freedom to move to Windows Server 2022 later, purchasing it now and using its downgrade rights for 2019 on existing hardware could be a strategic choice. Alternatively, if you know you’ll remain on 2019 for the foreseeable future, buying licenses for 2019 might be simpler. Either way, always confirm your understanding of Microsoft’s licensing terms, especially regarding downgrade rights, and keep detailed records to stay compliant.

Ultimately, whether you install Server 2022 first or jump directly into 2019, the key is to carefully plan your migration, ensure compatibility across all components, and maintain full documentation. By doing so, you’ll minimize downtime, protect your data, and set a solid foundation for your IT infrastructure for years to come.

When we analyzed the server licenses in use, we found that one of the servers had a much more expensive edition of Windows Server Datacenter installed than the tasks running on the server required (no Hyper-V virtualization, S2D, Azure Stack, Storage Replica, etc.). It was considered to change (downgrade) the edition of the installed Windows Server 2019 Datacenter to Standard to save on more expensive licenses. We did not consider a clean reinstall of Windows Server because the server already has a number of roles configured and additional software installed that is strictly licensed to the operating system and hardware.

Check Windows Server Edition

You can use the Control Panel to check which edition of Windows Server is installed on the host. Navigate to Control Panel –> System and Security -> System (or run the command: control /name Microsoft.System).

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In this example, Windows Server 2019 Datacenter is installed on the host.

You can also view the version and edition of Windows from the command line:

systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /B /C:"OS Version"

or

wmic os get Caption, Version, BuildNumber, OSArchitecture

Or with PowerShell:

Get-WindowsEdition –Online

Get-ComputerInfo | select WindowsProductName, WindowsVersion, OsHardwareAbstractionLayer

The ServerDatacenter edition is installed on the host in this example.

You can use the Get-ADComputers cmdlet to get the edition of all the Windows Server hosts in an Active Directory domain:

Get-ADComputer -Filter {(Enabled -eq $True) -and (OperatingSystem -Like '*Windows Server*')} -Property * | Select-Object Name,OperatingSystem,OperatingSystemVersion

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How to Downgrade Windows Server Datacenter to Windows Server Standard

Previously, we discussed upgrading a Windows Server edition from lower to higher using DISM (see the post How to convert Windows Server Evaluation to Full). You can also do the reverse procedure by downgrading from Datacenter edition to Standard, keeping all your current settings, installed roles, and applications.

Important! Downgrading Windows Server from a higher edition to a lower one is not officially supported by Microsoft. The officially recommended method is to perform a clean re-install of the operating system. However, downgrading as described in this article works, although this is not officially supported.

Before performing a downgrade, we strongly recommend that you create a full image backup of your operating system (at least using Windows Server Backup).

You should also be careful if you are downgrading a Windows server with the ADDS domain controller role installed. It is recommended that you transfer FSMO roles from the Windows Server host (it is assumed that you have at least one additional domain controller) and demote it to a domain member server before downgrading. Back up your Domain Controller so that you can restore the DC from a backup in the event of a problem.

1. On a host running Windows Server 2019 Datacenter, start Registry Editor and navigate to the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion;
2. Check the values of the following REG_SZ parameters: EditionID = ServerDatacenter, ProductName = Windows Server 2019 Datacenter, CompositionEditionID=ServerDatacenter;

   The CompositionEditionID setting is present in the registry for Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022. This registry parameter is missing in Windows Server 2016 and doesn’t need to be created manually.

    

   

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3. Change the values as follows: EditionID and CompositionEditionIDto ServerStandard, ProductName to Windows Server 2019 Standard;

   It should be noted that there is a fairly rare edition of Windows Server Essentials available. To downgrade to Essential Edition, you must specify EditionID = ServerSolution.

   ; 

4. Close the Registry Editor;

   Do not restart the server after changing the values of the specified registry keys, otherwise, they will automatically revert to the previous values and you will get an error when trying to perform a downgrade in the next step “Your Files and Settings cannot be kept because you try to install an other version as the currently used“.

5. Mount the Windows Server 2019 installation ISO image and run the setup wizard (setup.exe);
   

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6. When you select the installation options in the Windows Server Setup window, select Upgrade and Windows Server 2019 Standard (Desktop Experience); 
   

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7. Check the option Keep personal files and apps. If this option isn’t available and you get the message “You can’t keep Windows settings, personal files, and apps because your current version of Windows might be installed in a unsupported directory”, check the values of the ProgramFilesPath, ProgramFilesDir(x86), and ProgramW6432Dir registry parameters under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion registry key);
8. Click the Confirm button for each item found. In my case, the first item said that a Windows Server upgrade is not recommended, and it was better to clean install the OS, and the second one said that PnP and RemoteFX USB device redirection was disabled by default in this Windows version;
   

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9. Start the Windows Server offline upgrade process. Wait for it to finish, and after a few restarts, check that Windows 2019 Standard Edition is now running on the host.

This downgrade method works for all supported versions of Windows Server (2012R2/2016/2019/2022).

Downgrade Rights: Windows Server 2022 to 2019/2016

Microsoft license agreements allow you to use earlier versions of Windows Server if you have a license for a newer version of the product (downgrade rights). For example, if you have the required commercial licenses for Windows Server 2022, you can run Windows Server 2019 and 2016.

To activate a previous version of Windows Server through a downgrade, you need to get a valid product key from your Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) account. If you do not have such a key, you can contact Microsoft support to generate a product key under the downgrade right.

It is not possible to perform an in-place downgrade of an already installed Windows operating system version. This means that if you have Windows Server 2022 installed but need Windows Server 2016 for legacy compatibility, you will not be able to downgrade your deployed operating system version. You will need to perform a fresh installation of Windows Server 2016 and activate it with the appropriate product key.