Buy Windows Server 2016 Downgrade Rights – Run older versions legally with a current license

The Windows Server 2016 Downgrade Rights Package is the solution for companies that need a Windows Server 2016 license but, for technical or organizational reasons, must continue to run an older version of Windows Server. With this package, you receive a full Windows Server 2016 license, including downgrade rights and a media kit—allowing you to legally install and run Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, or older versions. At Lizenzindustrie, you’ll receive your package immediately via email—verified, legally compliant, and at an affordable price.

Recommendation: For new investments requiring a longer support period and more downgrade options, we recommend the Windows Server 2022 Downgrade Rights Package or the Windows Server 2019 Downgrade Rights Package. Both can also be used for older versions and offer longer support periods.

What’s included in the Windows Server 2016 Downgrade Rights Package?

The package combines everything needed to legally run an older version of Windows Server under a Windows Server 2016 license:

• Windows Server 2016 License – the full, perpetual license for Windows Server 2016 in the selected edition (Standard or Datacenter). This license entitles you to install both Windows Server 2016 and—through the included downgrade right—older versions.
• Downgrade right – the contractually guaranteed right to install and run an older version of the same edition instead of Windows Server 2016.
• Media Kit – the installation media for the desired older version of Windows Server. Since Microsoft does not provide free installation media for older versions as part of the downgrade right, our package includes the corresponding Media Kit for the target version.

Which Windows Server versions can I downgrade to?

With the Windows Server 2016 downgrade right, you can legally install and run the following older versions:

• ✔ Windows Server 2012 R2 – Standard or Datacenter (depending on the edition purchased)
• ✔ Windows Server 2012 – Standard or Datacenter
• ✔ Windows Server 2008 R2 and older versions
• ✗ Windows Server 2019 – a Windows Server 2019 license or newer is required to run Windows Server 2019
• ✗ Windows Server 2022 – a Windows Server 2022 license is required to run Windows Server 2022

The downgrade right always applies within the same edition. A Windows Server 2016 Standard license entitles you to downgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard—not to Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter.

Who is the Windows Server 2016 Downgrade Right Package the right choice for?

Compatibility requirements: Companies that run business applications certified for Windows Server 2012 R2 but require a Windows Server 2016 license. With the Downgrade Rights Package, you purchase the license at the Windows Server 2016 level and legally run the older, certified version.

Existing Infrastructures: IT departments with existing Windows Server 2012 R2 infrastructures that must meet new licensing requirements without immediately migrating their current systems. The Downgrade Rights Package meets the licensing requirements while allowing existing installations to continue running.

Hardware Compatibility: Older hardware for which fully compatible Windows Server 2016 drivers are not yet available can be run with a compatible older version of Windows Server—with the license already at the Windows Server 2016 level.

Downgrade Rights—The Most Important Rules at a Glance

• Same Edition: Standard remains Standard; Datacenter remains Datacenter.
• Downward only: The downgrade right applies exclusively to older versions.
• One installation: A license entitles you to one installation—either the current version or an older version via the downgrade right.
• CALs still required: All users and devices still require valid Windows Server CALs for access—at least matching the actually installed (downgraded) version.

Windows Server 2016 Downgrade Rights Package – Editions at a Glance

• Windows Server 2016 Standard – Downgrade Rights & Media Kit
• For physical servers with little or no virtualization (up to two VMs). Entitles you to downgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard, Windows Server 2012 Standard, and older Standard versions.
• Windows Server 2016 Datacenter – Downgrade Rights & Media Kit
• For highly virtualized environments with an unlimited number of VMs. Entitles you to downgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter, Windows Server 2012 Datacenter, and older Datacenter versions.

How to Purchase from Lizenzindustrie

Purchasing a Windows Server 2016 Downgrade Right package from Lizenzindustrie is incredibly simple. Select an edition, add it to your cart, and complete the purchase—you’ll receive your license and Media Kit immediately and automatically via email. No waiting, no physical shipping.

• ✔ B Immediate deliveryB of license and Media Kit via email
• ✔ B Verified licensesB – 100% activatable via Microsoft servers
• ✔ B Affordable pricesB – significantly below the official list price
• ✔ B Standard & DatacenterB – both editions available
• ✔ Legally compliant – fully in accordance with Microsoft’s license terms
• ✔ Permanent use – one-time purchase, no subscription
• ✔ Fast support – we’ll help you immediately with any licensing questions

Questions about the downgrade right or the correct edition? Contact us—we’ll advise you for free and directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Windows Server 2016 Downgrade Right

Can I run Windows Server 2012 R2 using the Windows Server 2016 downgrade right?

Yes. The Windows Server 2016 downgrade right entitles you to install and run Windows Server 2012 R2 in the same edition. The Media Kit for Windows Server 2012 R2 is included in our package.

Do I still need CALs if I use the downgrade right?

Yes. Even when running a downgraded version, all users and devices accessing the server require valid Windows Server CALs. A Windows Server 2016 CAL is also valid for older versions and is therefore the recommended choice—a Windows Server 2022 CAL would be even more future-proof.

Can I upgrade to Windows Server 2016 later?

Yes. Since you already own a Windows Server 2016 license, you can upgrade to Windows Server 2016 at any time—without having to purchase a new license. You install Windows Server 2016 and activate it using the same license key.

What is the difference between the Windows Server 2022 and 2019 Downgrade Rights Packages?

The Windows Server 2022 Downgrade Rights Package offers the longest support period, through October 2034, and the most downgrade options. The Windows Server 2019 Downgrade Rights Package offers support through January 2029. The Windows Server 2016 package has the shortest remaining support period, through January 2027. For new investments, we recommend the Windows Server 2022 or Windows Server 2019 package.

Does the downgrade right also apply to virtual machines?

Yes. The downgrade right applies to both physical servers and virtual machines—within the scope of the respective virtualization rights of the selected edition.

How quickly will I receive my package?

Immediately after purchase—the license key and media kit are automatically delivered via email.