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Q: What downgrade rights do I have with Windows Server 2012?
Learn about Windows Server 2012 downgrade rights.
John Savill
November 1, 2012
1 Min Read
A: With the release of Windows Server 2012, it's no longer possible to purchase earlier versions of Windows Server. However, the Windows Server 2012 license has downgrade and down-edition rights (whether it is covered by Software Assurance or not). Microsoft's Product Use Rights document covers the downgrade rights (see pages 28 and 29). Essentially, the following applies:
Windows Server 2012 Datacenter - Can run any earlier version of Windows Server Datacenter in addition to being able to run Standard or Enterprise in the virtual instances associated with the Datacenter license
Windows Server 2012 Standard - Can run any earlier version of Windows Server Standard or Enterprise edition (since it's no longer possible to buy Enterprise edition)
Using the downgrade or down-edition rights doesn't mean you can't use the license for Windows Server 2012 on the hardware.
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