For any IT professional, the ability to downgrade a Windows Server from 2022 to 2019 is a must-have skill. This tutorial will provide a step-by-step guide on how to successfully downgrade Windows Server 2022 to 2019. We’ll cover the best practices for backing up your data, the necessary steps to take in order to downgrade, and the advantages of doing so. By the time you finish this tutorial, you’ll have the skills and confidence to downgrade Windows Server 2022 to 2019 with ease. Let’s get started!
How to Downgrade Windows Server 2022 to 2019?
Downgrading Windows Server 2022 to 2019 is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:
- Back up all important data and settings from Windows Server 2022.
- Download the Windows Server 2019 .iso file from the Microsoft website.
- Insert the Windows Server 2019 installation media into the server.
- Boot up the server from the installation media.
- Perform a ‘clean installation’ of Windows Server 2019.
- Restore the backed-up data and settings to the new Windows Server 2019 installation.
What is Windows Server Downgrade?
Windows Server downgrade is the process of uninstalling the newest version of Windows Server, and reinstalling the older version. This is necessary when the newer version does not meet the user’s needs, or if the user does not have the necessary hardware or software for the newer version. Downgrading Windows Server is a complex process and requires knowledge of the system components and settings.
There are a few points to consider when downgrading from Windows Server 2022 to 2019. The first is that the license keys for both versions must be registered with Microsoft. The second is that all applications, services, and settings must be compatible with the older version of Windows Server. Finally, the operating system should be backed up before beginning the downgrade process.
How to Back Up Windows Server 2022
The first step to downgrading Windows Server 2022 to 2019 is to back up the data and settings stored on the server. This can be done using Windows Server Backup, a utility built into the operating system. It is important to back up all files and folders, including system files, application settings, and user data. Once the backup is complete, the next step is to uninstall Windows Server 2022.
How to Uninstall Windows Server 2022
To uninstall Windows Server 2022, open the Control Panel and select the Uninstall a program option. Select the version of Windows Server 2022 to be uninstalled and click Uninstall. Follow the instructions to complete the uninstallation process. Once the uninstallation is complete, restart the server.
Installing Windows Server 2019
Once Windows Server 2022 is uninstalled, the next step is to install Windows Server 2019. This can be done using the installation media provided by Microsoft. Insert the media into the server and follow the instructions to install the operating system. Make sure to enter the license key during the installation process.
Configuring Windows Server 2019
Once Windows Server 2019 is installed, the next step is to configure the operating system to meet the user’s needs. This includes installing applications and services, setting up user accounts, and configuring security settings. It is important to make sure that all applications and services are compatible with the older version of Windows Server before continuing.
Restoring Backup Data
The final step is to restore the backup data created before uninstalling Windows Server 2022. This can be done using Windows Server Backup. Select the Restore option and follow the instructions to restore the data. Once the backup data is restored, the downgrade process is complete.
Few Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Windows Server?
Answer: Windows Server is a server operating system developed by Microsoft that enables users to store and access files from a centralized location, manage users and groups, and create an intranet or extranet for their businesses. It is part of the Windows NT family of operating systems and provides a secure, stable, and reliable platform for small-to-medium businesses to manage their networks and applications.
Q2. What are the differences between Windows Server 2022 and 2019?
Answer: Windows Server 2022 is the latest version of Windows Server and is the successor to Windows Server 2019. It offers several new features, such as a unified platform for both Windows and Linux applications, improved security and performance, and improved application compatibility. It also supports the latest hardware and software, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. Windows Server 2019 is the previous version of Windows Server and is more suited to traditional IT environments. It offers fewer features than Windows Server 2022, but is still a viable solution for small-to-medium businesses.
Q3. What are the advantages of downgrading Windows Server 2022 to 2019?
Answer: There are several advantages of downgrading from Windows Server 2022 to 2019. First, if a user or organization is not ready to take advantage of the new features and capabilities of Windows Server 2022, downgrading may be a better option. Additionally, if an organization is using a legacy application or hardware that is not compatible with Windows Server 2022, downgrading may be the only option. Furthermore, downgrading can help to reduce costs and ensure compatibility with existing applications and hardware.
Q4. What are the steps involved in downgrading Windows Server 2022 to 2019?
Answer: The steps involved in downgrading Windows Server 2022 to 2019 are as follows:
1. Create a backup of all data, applications, and settings on the server.
2. Uninstall the Windows Server 2022 operating system.
3. Download and install the Windows Server 2019 operating system.
4. Restore the data, applications, and settings from the backup.
5. Install any additional updates or patches for Windows Server 2019.
6. Test the installation to ensure that everything is working correctly.
Q5. What kind of hardware and software do I need to downgrade Windows Server 2022 to 2019?
Answer: In order to downgrade from Windows Server 2022 to 2019, you will need to have compatible hardware and software. This includes a compatible processor, RAM, hard drive, and other necessary components. You will also need to have a valid license and product key for Windows Server 2019. Additionally, if you are using any applications or software that is not compatible with Windows Server 2019, you will need to install the latest versions of these applications and software.
Q6. Are there any risks associated with downgrading Windows Server 2022 to 2019?
Answer: Yes, there are some risks associated with downgrading from Windows Server 2022 to 2019. First, if the hardware and software are not compatible with Windows Server 2019, the downgrade may not be successful. Additionally, if the data, applications, and settings are not properly backed up and restored, the downgrade may result in data loss. Finally, if any updates or patches are not installed, the downgrade may result in instability or incompatibility with existing applications and hardware.
Downgrading Windows Server 2019 Virtual Machine to Windows Server 2016
Downgrading from Windows Server 2022 to Windows Server 2019 is a relatively simple process that can be completed quickly and with minimal effort. With the right tools and steps in place, you can ensure that your system remains secure and stable while you make the switch. The process requires a few preparations, but once complete, you can enjoy the benefits of the previous version of the server with the same level of security and stability. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can easily downgrade from Windows Server 2022 to 2019 and get the best out of the server for your needs.
- Can Windows Server 2022 be downgraded to 2019?
- Does Windows Server 2022 have a GUI?
- Is Windows Server 2019 still supported?
- Is Windows Server 2022 production ready?
- How do I setup a KMS server?
- What is the difference between Windows Server Datacenter and Standard?
- Is Windows 11 launched in India?
- Will there be a Windows Server 2021?
- Is it worth upgrading to Windows Server 2022?
- What can you do with Windows Server 2022?
- What is the difference between Windows Server 2022 Datacenter and Standard?
- Can you have 2 KMS servers?
- How long does a KMS activation last?
- What is difference between MAK and KMS license?
Can Windows Server 2022 be downgraded to 2019?
There is no process to downgrade a Server key. The process to exercise your downgrade rights, as outlined above, is to use a key for the version you want from a previous purchase. If it activates, fine.
Does Windows Server 2022 have a GUI?
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter (Desktop Experience) – A complete edition with all features and GUI for server management.
Is Windows Server 2019 still supported?
As of May 11, 2021, all editions of Windows 10, version 1809 and Windows Server 2019 have reached end of servicing, except LTSC editions. Devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates containing protections from the latest security threats.
Is Windows Server 2022 production ready?
The latest version of Windows Server adds network protocols, new management tools, and better performance and security for storage. Windows Server 2022 was released this summer ready to take on production workloads with a host of new features.
How do I setup a KMS server?
Install and configure a KMS host
Select Key Management Service (KMS) as the activation type and enter localhost to configure the local server or the hostname of the server you want to configure. Select Install your KMS host key and enter the product key for your organization, then select Commit.
What is the difference between Windows Server Datacenter and Standard?
The Standard edition is designed for small-to-medium-sized organizations that need no more than two instances of the server software in a virtual operating system. The Datacenter edition is optimized for large-scale virtualization; its license allows one server to run an unlimited number of Windows Server instances.
Is Windows 11 launched in India?
Microsoft launched Windows 11 on October 5 as a free upgrade, though some people were able to install it a day early on October 4. Microsoft will be rolling out the update to eligible devices over the coming months, with users being notified when the update is available for them.
Will there be a Windows Server 2021?
The next version of Windows Server will be known as 2022 and it’s in public preview since Ignite in March 2021. The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC=five years mainstream + five years extended support) release is planned for later in 2021.
Is it worth upgrading to Windows Server 2022?
A Better Network And Connectivity. When it comes to connectivity, Windows Server 2022 has the upgraded and newest version of the internet protocol TLS (Transport Layer Security), which is used to create and maintain a more secure connection between two nodes.
What can you do with Windows Server 2022?
The new security capabilities in Windows Server 2022 combine other security capabilities in Windows Server across multiple areas to provide defense-in-depth protection against advanced threats. Advanced multi-layer security in Windows Server 2022 provides the comprehensive protection that servers need today.
What is the difference between Windows Server 2022 Datacenter and Standard?
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter – Designed for highly virtualized datacenters and cloud environments. Windows Server 2022 Standard – Designed primarily for physical or minimally virtualized environments. Windows Server 2022 Essentials – Intended for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices.
Can you have 2 KMS servers?
We recommend only having a single KMS host for both Windows and Office. Having more than one KMS host on a network is not necessary and it adds more administration work to implement. The additional work involves preparing DNS to let multiple computers manage _VLMCS records.
How long does a KMS activation last?
According to the Microsoft article: Understanding KMS, in the KMS Activation Renewal section, it states that «KMS activations are valid for 180 days—the activation validity interval. To remain activated, KMS client computers must renew their activation by connecting to the KMS host at least once every 180 days.».
What is difference between MAK and KMS license?
Key Management Service (KMS) allows organizations to activate systems within their own network. Multiple Activation Key (MAK) activates systems on a one-time basis, using Microsoft’s hosted activation services.
I bought a windows server 2022 OEM license through a re-seller who told it was possible to downgrade to use with a windows server 2019. After reading the «downgrade rights» document, I found the information to be true, but no indication on how to actually do it, so I tried calling Microsoft which proved to be a terrible experience, and after long wait times and being transferred several times from one department to another I was told that Microsoft does not provide support in this scenario and that I would have to seek the vendor, who said the same thing and pointed me towards Microsoft, again.
So far the information that I have is that it is possible to downgrade, but still have no idea on how to do it.
Have you done it, and can you help me?
check
Best Answer
Da_Schmoo
This person is a verified professional.
Verify your account
to enable IT peers to see that you are a professional.
mace
Windows Server Expert
-
check
154
Best Answers -
thumb_up
759
Helpful Votes
There is a process to downgrade RDS CAL keys which is probably what the support person was talking to.
There is no process to downgrade a Server key.
The process to exercise your downgrade rights, as outlined above, is to use a key for the version you want from a previous purchase. If it activates, fine. You are are done. (Remember, a key is just a key, it’s not a license. As long as you are licensed properly, the key used doesn’t matter.) If the key you use is accepted when you input it but will not activate for whatever reason (usually because it’s already been activated more than allowed), that’s the point where you choose telephone activation, call and explain you are exercising your downgrade rights. After they verify the key you have from your new purchase is good and not from Billy Joe Bob’s shady cheap keys.com, they will issue an unlock code to complete the activation process.
1 found this helpful
thumb_up
thumb_down
View Best Answer in replies below
Read these next…
Which network diagram (SAN to LAN) would you say is correct?
Networking
Which is best practice and why? Is it done one way over the other to avoid potential issues or is it just good housekeeping . . . or both?Edit for context . . . To the left — 3-node Hyper-V failover cluster connected to shared dual-controller storage via …
What kind of logs, data, or tooling do you have that need better visibility?
Windows
Hey,
I was part of a mass lay off awhile back, I am looking for work and
solutions to keep me busy while I continue to apply for jobs. Before I
was laid off I put together a small app that aggregated a lot of data
from GitLab with a simple sea…
Snap! — Keyboard Hat, Emotional AI, US High-Speed Trains, Astronaut Wears Prada
Spiceworks Originals
Your daily dose of tech news, in brief.
Welcome to the Snap!
Flashback: October 6, 1942: Photocopying Patented (Read more HERE.)
Bonus Flashback: October 6, 1992: US-Russia Human Spaceflight Agreement (Read more HERE.)
You need to hear…
Time Clocks
Hardware
We’re looking for a solution that would allow clients who participate in certain services to punch in and punch out on a time clock with a PIN versus fingerprint or prox card. We’d prefer the solution to be entirely local versus cloud based. We did look…
Alternative to Sophos central
Security
Hi there, I am a Sophos partner and currently have clients that run Sophos Essentials on their work machines — and it looks like our licenses are due for expiry soon. Would you guys suggest any alternative vendors that offer the same functionality as Soph…
The server operating system of Windows is quite popular among server management techies. The latest Windows Server 2022 OS was expected to perform a lot. But due to issues in storage and compatibility, many users are preferring the previous 2019 version and seeking to downgrade it. But can you downgrade it to a lower version without purchasing a new OS?
In this article, we are about to discuss the possibilities of downgrading Windows Server 2022 to 2019 and the procedure to perform a downgrade.
You can downgrade the Windows Server 2022 to 2019 with the help of a new key for the 2019 version if you already have an existing license. Microsoft provides downgrade rights to the users of Windows Server 2022, and you are free to downgrade. But you must fetch a key from Microsoft since the key provided with 2022 may not work.
Let us discuss the downgrade rights of the Windows Server 2022 and the procedure to downgrade from 2022 to 2019.
Downgrade Rights
Users who buy Windows Server 2022 with an authentic license are entitled to a downgrade. Microsoft mentions this in its licensing manual, and you can find it online.
Downgrade rights enable a user to revert or install the previous version of the OS without buying a new license. But you must buy a new key for the downgrading version with the existing license.
You can get a new key for the downgrade from Microsoft customer service. If you call them and ask for a downgrade, they will provide you with a key and help you with the downgrade.
Sometimes, you can use the existing key for 2019 also, but some users couldn’t get it done. So, it is better to get a new key for the 2019 version and complete the downgrade process.
Downgrading Windows Server 2022 to 2019
The procedure to downgrade Windows server 2022 to 2019 can be very tedious, extensive, and risky. Because a downgrade is similar to completely installing a new OS and it will wipe away all the present data. So, carefully follow the procedure guided below and make sure to perform a successful downgrade.
- Approach Microsoft and get a new key for the 2019 version of the Windows Server
- Now, perform a complete backup of the server and make sure to have a copy of the backup for safety reasons.
- Now you can either restore the OS to 2019 if you have upgraded from it or completely perform a new installation of the 2019 OS.
- To restore to the older version, you can go to settings and click on Backup and Restore
- Here you can find an option to restore which will get you back to the older 2019 version with the existing license and without the need to use a new key.
- But if you are performing a complete OS change to 2019, then you need to create a bootable USB recovery drive and then install the new OS.
- For installing it as a new OS, you will need a new key and you have to activate it when prompted.
- After installation and activation of the new OS, you can restore the components, settings, and data to the server from the backup.
Things to consider before a downgrade
- Don’t do a downgrade without backing up your data and setting the server
- If you don’t have a license, you cannot get a new key for your 2019 installation
- You may not be able to use the existing 2022 key for the 2019 downgrade
- The downgrade might take a long time and you have to inform the users of the server regarding the installation time
- You can always restore the file from the backup to the newly installed OS without any issues
Advantages of Windows Server 2022 Downgrade to 2019
People request a downgrade from 2022 to 2019 due to the following benefits they gain from it:
Simple Windows Admin Centre
The management of servers, clusters, and PCs can be easily done with the browser-based application called the Windows Admin Centre. It is easy to download it and use it on your Server OS without any additional costs.
Desktop Experience
Windows Server 2019 has the Long-Term Servicing Channel which includes Desktop experience. You can choose to install it during the downgrade from 2022.
Insights
The Windows Server 2019 is equipped with predictive analytics capabilities which are backed by machine learning models and they can analyse the server data. This can educate you about how the servers function and help you to cut down operational costs and manage issues with the server without any difficulty.
Efficient Data Storage
You can store data efficiently and move data between volumes, servers, clusters, etc. with the help of data deduplication. The DataPort API is optimized for making storage more efficient and this is the major advantage of 2019. 2022 doesn’t have this feature and people downgrade to Windows Server 2019 because of this issue.
Disadvantages of Windows Server 2022 Downgrade to 2019
While a downgrade to 2019 can be advantageous, there are also some demerits to it. Users might consider these demerits before performing a downgrade:
Security Update
Windows Server 2022 will have the latest security updates and a more enhanced security feature when compared to the 2019 version. It has been updated to the latest issues with malware and security threats which might not be efficiently combated by the 2019 version.
There are many security features with 2022 like Firmware attack prevention, Hypervisor security, secure connectivity, and the Server Message Block.
Cloud Management and Networking Improved
The 2022 version has a better cloud management platform which is more efficient and easier. You can easily apply security fixes without restarting the server and much more. Also, they have improved two major protocols with the 2022 server called the UDP and TCP.
Conclusion
Downgrading Windows Server 2022 to 2019 is possible without buying a new key. Since the downgrade rights enable you with the permissions, you can approach Microsoft for a new key and perform the downgrade easily. But make sure to perform all the necessary backups before the downgrade.
When we analyzed the server licenses in use, we found that one of the servers had a much more expensive edition of Windows Server Datacenter installed than the tasks running on the server required (no Hyper-V virtualization, S2D, Azure Stack, Storage Replica, etc.). It was considered to change (downgrade) the edition of the installed Windows Server 2019 Datacenter to Standard to save on more expensive licenses. We did not consider a clean reinstall of Windows Server because the server already has a number of roles configured and additional software installed that is strictly licensed to the operating system and hardware.
Contents:
- Check Windows Server Edition
- How to Downgrade Windows Server Datacenter to Windows Server Standard
- Downgrade Rights: Windows Server 2022 to 2019/2016
Check Windows Server Edition
You can use the Control Panel to check which edition of Windows Server is installed on the host. Navigate to Control Panel –> System and Security -> System (or run the command: control /name Microsoft.System).
In this example, Windows Server 2019 Datacenter is installed on the host.
You can also view the version and edition of Windows from the command line:
systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /B /C:"OS Version"
or
wmic os get Caption, Version, BuildNumber, OSArchitecture
Or with PowerShell:
Get-WindowsEdition –Online
Get-ComputerInfo | select WindowsProductName, WindowsVersion, OsHardwareAbstractionLayer
The ServerDatacenter edition is installed on the host in this example.
You can use the Get-ADComputers cmdlet to get the edition of all the Windows Server hosts in an Active Directory domain:
Get-ADComputer -Filter {(Enabled -eq $True) -and (OperatingSystem -Like '*Windows Server*')} -Property * | Select-Object Name,OperatingSystem,OperatingSystemVersion
How to Downgrade Windows Server Datacenter to Windows Server Standard
Previously, we discussed upgrading a Windows Server edition from lower to higher using DISM (see the post How to convert Windows Server Evaluation to Full). You can also do the reverse procedure by downgrading from Datacenter edition to Standard, keeping all your current settings, installed roles, and applications.
Important! Downgrading Windows Server from a higher edition to a lower one is not officially supported by Microsoft. The officially recommended method is to perform a clean re-install of the operating system. However, downgrading as described in this article works, although this is not officially supported.
Before performing a downgrade, we strongly recommend that you create a full image backup of your operating system (at least using Windows Server Backup).
You should also be careful if you are downgrading a Windows server with the ADDS domain controller role installed. It is recommended that you transfer FSMO roles from the Windows Server host (it is assumed that you have at least one additional domain controller) and demote it to a domain member server before downgrading. Back up your Domain Controller so that you can restore the DC from a backup in the event of a problem.
- On a host running Windows Server 2019 Datacenter, start Registry Editor and navigate to the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion;
- Check the values of the following REG_SZ parameters: EditionID = ServerDatacenter, ProductName = Windows Server 2019 Datacenter, CompositionEditionID=ServerDatacenter;
The CompositionEditionID setting is present in the registry for Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022. This registry parameter is missing in Windows Server 2016 and doesn’t need to be created manually.
- Change the values as follows:
EditionIDandCompositionEditionIDto ServerStandard,ProductNameto Windows Server 2019 Standard;It should be noted that there is a fairly rare edition of Windows Server Essentials available. To downgrade to Essential Edition, you must specify EditionID = ServerSolution.
;
- Close the Registry Editor;
Do not restart the server after changing the values of the specified registry keys, otherwise, they will automatically revert to the previous values and you will get an error when trying to perform a downgrade in the next step “
Your Files and Settings cannot be kept because you try to install an other version as the currently used“. - Mount the Windows Server 2019 installation ISO image and run the setup wizard (setup.exe);
- When you select the installation options in the Windows Server Setup window, select Upgrade and Windows Server 2019 Standard (Desktop Experience);
- Check the option Keep personal files and apps. If this option isn’t available and you get the message “
You can’t keep Windows settings, personal files, and apps because your current version of Windows might be installed in a unsupported directory”, check the values of theProgramFilesPath,ProgramFilesDir(x86), andProgramW6432Dirregistry parameters under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion registry key); - Click the Confirm button for each item found. In my case, the first item said that a Windows Server upgrade is not recommended, and it was better to clean install the OS, and the second one said that PnP and RemoteFX USB device redirection was disabled by default in this Windows version;
- Start the Windows Server offline upgrade process. Wait for it to finish, and after a few restarts, check that Windows 2019 Standard Edition is now running on the host.
This downgrade method works for all supported versions of Windows Server (2012R2/2016/2019/2022).
Downgrade Rights: Windows Server 2022 to 2019/2016
Microsoft license agreements allow you to use earlier versions of Windows Server if you have a license for a newer version of the product (downgrade rights). For example, if you have the required commercial licenses for Windows Server 2022, you can run Windows Server 2019 and 2016.
To activate a previous version of Windows Server through a downgrade, you need to get a valid product key from your Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) account. If you do not have such a key, you can contact Microsoft support to generate a product key under the downgrade right.
It is not possible to perform an in-place downgrade of an already installed Windows operating system version. This means that if you have Windows Server 2022 installed but need Windows Server 2016 for legacy compatibility, you will not be able to downgrade your deployed operating system version. You will need to perform a fresh installation of Windows Server 2016 and activate it with the appropriate product key.