Buy Windows Server 2019 downgrade rights – incl. Media Kit

The Windows Server 2019 downgrade rights package is the ideal solution for businesses that need a valid Windows Server 2019 licence but, for technical or organisational reasons, still have to run an older Windows Server version. With this package you receive a full Windows Server 2019 licence including downgrade rights and Media Kit – allowing you to legally install and run Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2 or older versions. Lizenzindustrie delivers the package directly by email – verified and affordable.

Note: if you are looking for a licence with more downgrade options, we recommend the Windows Server 2022 downgrade rights package – it also entitles you to downgrade to Windows Server 2019, 2016 and older versions.

What is included in the Windows Server 2019 downgrade rights package?

The package combines everything you need to legally run an older Windows Server version under a Windows Server 2019 licence:

• Windows Server 2019 licence – the full, perpetual licence for Windows Server 2019 in the edition you choose (Standard or Datacenter). This licence entitles you both to install Windows Server 2019 and – thanks to the included downgrade rights – to install older versions.
• Downgrade rights – the contractually established right to install and run an older version of the same edition instead of Windows Server 2019.
• Media Kit – the installation media for the older Windows Server version you want. Because Microsoft does not offer free installation media for downgrades, the Media Kit for 2016 or older is included.

Which Windows Server versions can I downgrade to?

With Windows Server 2019 downgrade rights, you can legally install and run the following older versions:

• ✔ Windows Server 2016 – Standard or Datacenter (depending on the edition purchased)
• ✔ Windows Server 2012 R2 – Standard or Datacenter
• ✔ Windows Server 2012 – Standard or Datacenter
• ✔ Windows Server 2008 R2 and older versions
• ✗ Windows Server 2022 – running Windows Server 2022 requires a Windows Server 2022 licence

Downgrade rights always apply within the same edition. A Windows Server 2019 Standard licence entitles you to downgrade to Windows Server 2016 Standard – not to Windows Server 2016 Datacenter.

Who is the Windows Server 2019 downgrade rights package the right choice for?

Compatibility requirements: businesses running applications that are certified for Windows Server 2016 or 2012 R2 but need a current Windows Server 2019 licence. With the downgrade rights package, you buy an up-to-date licence and legally run the older, certified version.

Migration projects: IT departments migrating to Windows Server 2019 step by step. During the migration, all new server licences can already be procured at Windows Server 2019 level while the actual installations are still running the old version.

Hardware compatibility: older hardware for which fully compatible Windows Server 2019 drivers are not yet available can be operated with a compatible older Windows Server version – with the licence already at Windows Server 2019 level.

Downgrade rights – the most important rules in brief

• Edition stays the same: switching between Standard and Datacenter is not possible.
• Direction: only a step back is allowed, never to 2022 or newer.
• One installation: one licence entitles you to one installation – either the current version or an older version under downgrade rights.
• CALs still required: all users and devices still need valid Windows Server CALs for access – at least matching the (downgraded) version actually installed.

Windows Server 2019 downgrade rights package – editions at a glance

• Windows Server 2019 Standard – downgrade rights & Media Kit
  For physical servers with little or no virtualisation (up to two VMs). Entitles you to downgrade to Windows Server 2016 Standard, 2012 R2 Standard and older Standard versions.
• Windows Server 2019 Datacenter – downgrade rights & Media Kit
  For heavily virtualised environments with an unlimited number of VMs. Entitles you to downgrade to Windows Server 2016 Datacenter, 2012 R2 Datacenter and older Datacenter versions.

How buying from Lizenzindustrie works

Here is how to order the 2019 package: choose your edition, 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 – licence and Media Kit usually 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00)
• ✔ Verified keys – activatable via Microsoft
• ✔ Price advantage – cheaper than the list price
• ✔ Standard & Datacenter – both editions available
• ✔ Audit-proof – downgrade within the licence terms
• ✔ Perpetual use – buy once, no subscription
• ✔ Support with migrations – we help with the planning

For pure 2012 R2 environments, the Media Kit 2016 Downgrade Rights package is often sufficient. You will find an overview of all packages under Windows Server Downgrade Rights / Media Kit.

Frequently asked questions about Windows Server 2019 downgrade rights

Can I run Windows Server 2016 with Windows Server 2019 downgrade rights?

Yes. Windows Server 2019 downgrade rights entitle you to install and run Windows Server 2016 in the same edition. The Media Kit for Windows Server 2016 is included in our package.

Do I still need CALs if I use downgrade rights?

Yes. Even with downgraded installations, all users and devices need valid Windows Server CALs. A Windows Server 2019 CAL also applies to older versions and is therefore the recommended choice.

Can I upgrade to Windows Server 2019 later?

Yes. As you already own a Windows Server 2019 licence, you can upgrade to Windows Server 2019 at any time – without having to buy a new licence. You install Windows Server 2019 and activate it with the same licence key.

Do downgrade rights also apply to virtual machines?

Yes. VMs may also be run with the older version, within the scope of the edition's virtualisation rights.

What is the difference from the Windows Server 2022 downgrade rights package?

The Windows Server 2022 downgrade rights package is the newer option and additionally entitles you to downgrade to Windows Server 2019. For new investments with a long-term perspective, we recommend the Windows Server 2022 package.

How quickly will I receive my package?

Usually 5 to 30 minutes after payment is received (daily 9:00–21:00) – the licence key and Media Kit are sent by email. If you have any questions, our Support & Service team will help.