Buy Windows Server downgrade rights & Media Kit

Windows Server downgrade rights are one of the lesser-known but extremely practical features of Microsoft server licences. If you purchase a current Windows Server licence, you have the right to install and run an older version instead of the currently licensed version – covered by Microsoft's licence terms, without having to buy a separate older licence. At Lizenzindustrie you receive Windows Server downgrade rights packages including Media Kit as verified licences – by email, at an affordable price. The packages are part of our Server & CAL range.

What are Windows Server downgrade rights?

Downgrade rights are an integral part of the Microsoft licence terms for Windows Server. They allow the licensee to install and run an older version of the same edition instead of the currently licensed version. Specifically, this means:

If you own a Windows Server 2022 licence, you may also install Windows Server 2019, 2016 or older versions instead – at no additional licence cost and covered by Microsoft's licence terms. The licence for Windows Server 2022 covers the downgrade to older versions.

Downgrade rights are particularly valuable in situations where a newer Windows Server version cannot be used for compatibility reasons – for example because a business-critical application is only certified for an older Windows Server version or because the existing hardware drivers are not yet ready for the new version.

What is a Windows Server Media Kit?

Downgrade rights alone entitle you to install an older version, but they do not provide any installation media for that older version. This is exactly where the Media Kit comes in. The Windows Server Media Kit contains the complete installation software for the respective Windows Server version – as an ISO image for direct download or as a physical medium.

So if you want to use downgrade rights to install an older Windows Server version, you need two things:

A valid licence for a current Windows Server version with downgrade rights to the older version you want
The installation media (Media Kit) for the older Windows Server version to be installed

Our downgrade rights packages at Lizenzindustrie combine both in one: the licence with downgrade rights and the Media Kit for the older Windows Server version you want – all in one package.

Who are Windows Server downgrade rights relevant for?

In practice, downgrade rights are relevant for several clearly defined scenarios:

Compatibility requirements: businesses running business applications that are only certified for older Windows Server versions. The software vendor may not yet support the latest Windows Server version – downgrade rights allow legal operation on the certified older version with a current licence.

Infrastructure continuity: IT departments that buy a new Windows Server licence but still have to run the previous version because of ongoing projects or migration plans. With downgrade rights, the current licence can be purchased while the older version continues to run in the interim.

Hardware compatibility: older hardware for which no Windows Server 2022 drivers are available can be operated with downgrade rights on a licensed Windows Server 2019 or 2016 installation.

Test and development environments: developers and QA teams who need to test applications on different Windows Server versions can run legal test environments on older versions with a single current licence and downgrade rights.

All downgrade rights packages at a glance

Media Kit 2022 Downgrade Rights
Windows Server 2022 licence with downgrade rights and Media Kit – entitles you to install and run Windows Server 2019, 2016 or older versions. The first choice for businesses that need a current licence but want to run an older version in the interim or permanently.
Media Kit 2019 Downgrade Rights
Windows Server 2019 licence with downgrade rights and Media Kit – entitles you to install and run Windows Server 2016, 2012 R2 or older versions.
Media Kit 2016 Downgrade Rights
Windows Server 2016 licence with downgrade rights and Media Kit – entitles you to install and run Windows Server 2012 R2 or older versions.

Downgrade rights – important rules and limits

Downgrade rights are a powerful tool, but they come with clear rules that must be followed:

Same edition: downgrade rights only apply within the same edition. A Windows Server 2022 Standard licence entitles you to downgrade to Windows Server 2019 Standard, not to Windows Server 2019 Datacenter.
Not upwards: downgrade rights only work downwards – to older versions. A Windows Server 2019 licence does not entitle you to install Windows Server 2022.
Your own installation media: Microsoft does not provide free installation media for the downgrade – that is what our Media Kit packages are for.
Activation: a product key for the newer version does not activate an older version. The downgraded installation requires a key or activation method that matches the installed version – you will receive the details with the package.

How buying from Lizenzindustrie works

Your downgrade rights package is ordered in no time: choose the package you want, add it to your basket and complete your purchase – you will receive your licence and the Media Kit by email, usually within 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00). No physical shipping.

✔ Delivery by email – usually 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00)
✔ Verified origin – activation via Microsoft
✔ Low prices – well below the official list price
✔ Licence + Media Kit – everything in one package
✔ Traceable origin – licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe
✔ Advice included – on editions and downgrade rules

Do you have questions about downgrade rights or the right licensing strategy for your server infrastructure? Our Support & Service team will advise you free of charge.

Frequently asked questions about Windows Server downgrade rights & Media Kit

What is the difference between downgrade rights and a separate older licence?

Downgrade rights are part of your current Windows Server licence and allow you to install an older version at no separate licence cost. You buy a current licence – for example Windows Server 2022 – and legally run an older version such as Windows Server 2019 or 2016. A separate older licence would be a standalone licence for the older version only.

Do I still need CALs for the downgrade?

Yes. Even when running an older Windows Server version under downgrade rights, all users and devices that access the server need valid Windows Server CALs. The CAL version must be at least equal to the (downgraded) server version actually being run.

Can I install as many older versions as I like with downgrade rights?

No. Downgrade rights do not change the scope of the licence: you use its rights either for the current version or for an older version. Running both versions in parallel on different servers with a single licence is not permitted – that requires a corresponding number of licences. You will find new server licences without a downgrade under Windows Server.

Do downgrade rights only apply to Standard or also to Datacenter?

Downgrade rights apply to both editions – Standard and Datacenter – in each case within the same edition. A Windows Server 2022 Datacenter licence entitles you to downgrade to Windows Server 2019 Datacenter, not to Windows Server 2019 Standard.