Curious about Windows Server 2022 downgrade rights? Get all the details

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As customers begin thinking about migrating to Windows Server 2022 to drive innovation in security, hybrid, and containers, they may be interested in some available downgrade and down-edition licensing rights that can help them transition more easily. These downgrade and down-edition rights allow customers to license the newest Windows Server operating system (OS), while still running an earlier version of Windows Server to support legacy business applications that may not be supported by the new OS.

• Downgrade rights allow customers to use an earlier version of Windows Server instead of the one licensed.
• Down-edition rights allow customers to run an instance of a lower edition than the one licensed.
• Downgrade and down-edition rights can be combined for more flexibility, allowing customers to use an earlier version and a lower edition than the one licensed.

For example, currently supported downgrade and down-edition rights apply to:

Windows Server 2019 Datacenter

• Down-edition: Windows Server 2019 Standard
• Downgrade: Windows Server 2016 Datacenter or Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter
• Downgrade and down-edition: Windows Server 2016 Standard or Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard

Windows Server 2019 Standard

• Downgrade: Windows Server 2016 Standard or Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard

Windows Server 2022 Datacenter

• Down-edition: Windows Server 2022 Standard
• Downgrade: Windows Server 2019 Datacenter or Windows Server 2016 Datacenter
• Downgrade and down-edition: Windows Server 2019 Standard or Windows Server 2016 Standard

Windows Server 2022 Standard

• Downgrade: Windows Server 2019 Standard or Windows Server 2016 Standard

These downgrade and down-edition rights simplify application migration, removing a point of friction that might otherwise stop customers from switching to the latest OS.

See the Downgrades for HPE OEM Windows Server infographic.

Obtaining the rights

Customers can request downgrade rights when purchasing an HPE OEM Windows Server license along with a new HPE ProLiant server. The most common downgrade options are available from the factory as a kit that includes DVD installation media and an activation key. Downgrade and down-edition rights can also be requested after the server purchase through the HPE downgrade fulfillment portal. Please note that this applies only to certain products permitted under the product license terms and that downgrade kits will be fulfilled by HPE ONLY for a Windows Server license purchased directly from HP, HPE, or any of our authorized resellers.

If your customers are hesitating to adopt Windows Server 2022, be sure to let them know how HPE OEM Windows Server downgrade and down-edition rights make it possible to continue supporting legacy applications so they can migrate to the latest Windows Server product with confidence.

For more details:

• Read the HPE Microsoft OEM licensing FAQ.
• Visit the HPE Windows Server OEM products downgrade kits and replacement recovery media requests portal