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Hi support team,
We are going to use SQL Server 2022 Enterprise Edition. Before purchasing, may I know If we purchase SQL Server 2025 Enterprise Edition, can we see the SQL Server 2022 installation media and key in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center?
It would be great if you could deliver us an exact answer and screenshot, to support our purchase decision.
Thanks and looking forward to your reply.
Best Regards,
Runze
Additional SQL Server features and topics not covered by specific categories
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No. As a Sqlserver 2025 key will not work for Sqlserver 2022 you can not use the vl key. While you have the right to use an earlier version, you will need to contact volume licensing to get the key:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/existing-customer/activation-centers?rtc=1?rtc=1
Hi @Bruce (SqlWork.com) ,
Thanks for your reply.
Just to clarify, are you saying that after purchasing SQL Server 2025, SQL Server 2022 media will not appear in Microsoft 365 Admin Center at all, and I must contact Volume Licensing Support to obtain SQL Server 2022 installation media and key?
Or are you only referring to the product key, while SQL Server 2022 media may still be available for download through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center?
Thanks,
Runze
To be honest, I find your question strange. Do you seriously mean that if you cannot get hold of the media through the admin centre, you are not going to buy a license at all? Yes, it may be more inconvenient to contact Microsoft or a reseller than just downloading, but for a software that cost that much money, that is a small inconvenience.
But by all means get in touch with your reseller or your Microsoft contact before you pay any money.
Beware that this forum is mainly a technical forum, and not a good place to get answers about commercial questions. Myself, I know a lot about SQL Server, but I never buy SQL Server myself, so I have no idea what you will find in the admin centre.
Hi @Erland Sommarskog , that's right. contact Microsoft or reseller is probably the best way. Thanks!
Generally the previous version download is available. If not you can download Sqlserver 2022 from its site
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/sql-server-2022
But down level keys are not available.
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Yep - as per https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5625559/how-to-find-the-sql-server-licenses-in-admin-cente
To find the SQL Server product key for your core licenses, you can follow these steps:
For SQL Server, the product key is typically embedded in the software's activation wizard and is automatically detected during installation. Therefore, you may not need to manually enter a product key to activate SQL Server, especially for newer versions.
If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.
hth
Marcin
Hi @Marcin Policht ,
Thanks for your reply.
I understand how to find the key in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. But I would like to ask whether SQL Server 2022(old version) will actually be listed in the portal after purchasing SQL Server 2025?
The document said:
https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/guidance/Downgrade-rights
'In most cases, the Microsoft 365 Admin Center (MAC) allows you to download the current version (N) and the immediate prior version (N-1) of available products. Your downgrade rights still let you install any earlier version if you have access to the required media and keys.'
However, I couldn't find a SQL Server-specific example.
Our deployment target is SQL Server 2022, so before placing the order, we would like to confirm whether purchasing SQL Server 2025 will make the SQL Server 2022 installation media (and its corresponding embedded key or activation key) available in Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
If anyone has access to such a setup, a screenshot or real-world example would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Runze