Microsoft Server 2019 Datacenter Media Kit

Microsoft Server 2019 Datacenter Media Kit with downgrade rights – new licence, older version

With this item you receive a licence for Windows Server 2019 Datacenter which, thanks to downgrade rights, you may also use on an earlier version, for example Windows Server 2016 or 2012 R2. This lets you run a specialist application that requires an older server version with a proper, current licence.

Later you can switch to Windows Server 2019 without buying a new licence.

Your benefits

• Licence for Windows Server 2019 Datacenter
• Downgrade rights to earlier versions such as Windows Server 2016 or 2012 R2
• Unlimited virtual instances with fully licensed cores
• Later switch to version 2019 without a new licence
• Installation medium by download

Who is the Media Kit with downgrade rights for?

• companies with specialist software for older servers
• IT service providers during migrations
• environments being modernised step by step
• test environments with older versions

New in Windows Server 2019

• Windows Admin Center for browser-based management
• Storage Migration Service for moving old servers
• System Insights for predictive analytics
• Linux and Kubernetes containers
• Storage Replica also in the Standard edition (limited)

What do downgrade rights mean?

Downgrade rights allow you to install an earlier version of the same edition instead of the licensed version. The licence remains a licence for Windows Server 2019. Important: the edition must match – with a Datacenter licence you also install the Datacenter edition of the older version.

How core licensing works

Since Windows Server 2016, licensing has been based on processor cores. All physical cores of a server must be covered, with at least 8 cores per processor and at least 16 cores per server. A licence with 16 cores therefore covers a typical server with one or two processors and up to 16 cores in total. If the server has more cores, cover the missing ones with an add-on licence or choose the 24-core variant.

Media Kit or regular licence?

You will find more licences in the category Media Kit 2019 downgrade rights.

Don’t forget client access licences (CALs)

Every user or device that accesses the server needs a client access licence (CAL). For Remote Desktop sessions, RDS CALs are also required. You will find the right licences under Windows Server CAL and Remote Desktop Services CAL.

Typical scenarios

• Specialist software approved only for an older server version
• Gradual migration with a later switch to the new version
• Uniform licensing for mixed server versions
• Restoring an older server with a valid licence

Proof of licence and planning

Keep your invoice and licence documents safe – in a software audit they prove that your server is correctly licensed. Also document how many physical cores your servers have and which virtual machines run on them. If you are unsure which licences you need for your environment, we will be happy to advise you before you buy.

System requirements

• Processor: 64-bit processor, 1.4 GHz or faster
• Memory: 512 MB (Server Core), 2 GB for Desktop Experience
• Hard disk: at least 32 GB
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet adapter
• Other features: TPM 2.0 and UEFI with Secure Boot for certain security features

Installation and activation

1. Download the installation file (ISO) of the desired server version via the link in our email.
2. Install the server – either the version purchased or an older version within the downgrade rights.
3. Activate with the key supplied.
4. Keep the proof of licence for your records.

Frequently asked questions

Which versions may I downgrade to?

To earlier versions of the same edition, for example Windows Server 2016 or 2012 R2.

Can I switch to Windows Server 2019 later?

Yes, without a new licence. You then simply install Windows Server 2019.

Are CALs included?

No. Order user or device CALs for the version you use separately.

How is the server activated?

With the product key you receive by email after purchase. Our support team will help with any questions about activation.

Will I receive an invoice?

Yes, you receive a proper invoice with VAT shown for every order, with your company address on request.

Do I need additional licences for Remote Desktop?

Yes. For Remote Desktop sessions you need RDS CALs in addition to the Windows Server CALs.

Delivery, invoice and support

• Delivery by e-mail: you will usually receive the product key, download link and notes on downgrade rights within 5 to 30 minutes of payment (daily 09:00–21:00 CET). More under Shipping & payment.
• Invoice: every order comes with a proper invoice, with your company address on request.
• Origin of the licence: we source our licences from distributors and wholesalers in Europe. We explain exactly how this works on the page Buying legal software.
• Support: if you have questions about installation or activation, we help by e-mail (Mon–Sun 09:00–21:00 CET), phone (Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00 CET), live chat or remote support with TeamViewer.

Our goodwill promise

If the server version or edition you ordered is ever no longer available, we will supply the next higher version or edition with the same number of cores at no extra charge. You never pay more than the price at which you ordered.