Downgrade - Windows & SQL Server 2025 Data Centre Edition

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Thank you for sharing the details of your three-node Hyper-V cluster.

Based on the information provided, both scenarios are generally supported, subject to the applicable licensing terms.

1. Can Windows Server 2022 VMs run on a Windows Server 2025 Hyper-V cluster?

Yes. A Hyper-V cluster running Windows Server 2025 can host virtual machines running supported earlier guest operating systems, including Windows Server 2022.

You can therefore have some VMs running Windows Server 2022 and others running Windows Server 2025 within the same Hyper-V cluster. Ensure that the VM configuration and any required Hyper-V features are supported by the selected guest operating system.

2. Are separate Windows Server 2022 and SQL Server 2019 licenses required?

In most cases, you do not need to purchase separate “downgrade licenses.” However, the exact rights depend on the products purchased and the licensing channel.

• Windows Server: Windows Server 2025 Datacenter generally includes downgrade rights. If every physical host in the cluster is correctly licensed for all physical cores with Windows Server 2025 Datacenter, you may run earlier Windows Server versions, such as Windows Server 2022, in the VMs under those license rights. A separate Windows Server 2022 license is generally not required.
• SQL Server: Eligible SQL Server licenses acquired through Microsoft Commercial Licensing generally include version downgrade rights. This may allow you to deploy SQL Server 2019 instead of the licensed newer version. The deployment must remain within the edition, licensing model, and use rights permitted by the SQL Server license you purchased.

Please also keep the following points in mind:

• Downgrade rights do not necessarily provide older installation media or product keys. You may need to obtain the Windows Server 2022 and SQL Server 2019 media and keys through the Microsoft 365 admin center, your CSP provider, OEM, Volume Licensing portal, or licensing reseller.
• The licensing terms of the product originally purchased continue to apply when downgrade rights are exercised.
• Each cluster node should be appropriately licensed for the workloads that may run on it, including workloads moved to that node during failover.
• SQL Server must be licensed separately from Windows Server. The required SQL Server coverage depends on whether it is licensed per core or under the Server/CAL model, as well as how the SQL Server VMs can move between cluster nodes.

Because licensing rights can vary between OEM, CSP, Volume Licensing, Enterprise Agreement, and other purchasing programs, it would be best to confirm the final configuration with your Microsoft licensing reseller or Microsoft Licensing Support.

References: Downgrade Rights Licensing Guidance

In-place change of SQL Server edition - SQL Server | Microsoft Learn

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