If you purchased a Windows Server 2025 Standard OEM license and installed it on your physical server, you can legally downgrade to Windows Server 2022—but the activation process is not as straightforward. Many users discover that the OEM key does not activate the downgrade inside a virtual machine.
Does Windows Server 2025 OEM Allow Downgrade Rights?
Yes. Microsoft allows downgrade rights from:
- WS 2025 → WS 2022
- WS 2025 → WS 2019
- WS 2025 → WS 2016
- etc.
But downgrade rights only allow installation, not activation.
That’s where the confusion begins.
Why Your Windows Server 2025 OEM Key Will NOT Activate Windows Server 2022 in a VM
OEM licensing has strict rules:
1. The OEM product key activates only the physical host
This is hard-coded in Microsoft’s licensing model.
2. OEM keys CANNOT activate any virtual machines
Even if:
- the VM is a downgraded version
- the VM is running on the same hardware
- the OEM license has downgrade rights
3. To activate a downgraded OS inside a VM, you need a Volume Licensing key
Microsoft only provides downgrade activation keys via:
- MAK (Multiple Activation Key)
- KMS (Key Management Service)
This is confirmed directly in the Microsoft Advisor explanation in your file.
So How Do You Properly Activate Windows Server 2022 in a Hyper-V VM?
Step 1: Install Windows Server 2022 on Hyper-V (Downgrade Installation)
- Download the Windows Server 2022 ISO from Microsoft Evaluation Center or Volume Licensing portal.
- Create a new VM in Hyper-V.
- Boot the VM using the ISO.
- Install Windows Server 2022 Standard or Datacenter (your choice).
- Skip activation when prompted.
You can legally install WS2022 because the WS2025 OEM license includes downgrade rights.
Step 2: Attempting to Use the OEM Key Will Fail (Expected)
When you try activating with your WS2025 OEM key, Windows will return:
“This key cannot be used to activate this edition.”
This is normal.
OEM keys activate only hosts, never VMs.
Step 3: Get a Valid Activation Key for WS 2022
You have three valid paths, depending on your organization.
Option A: Use a Volume Licensing MAK or KMS key (Recommended)
If your company has Volume Licensing:
- Log in to VLSC (Volume Licensing Service Center)
- Locate the WS2022 Standard activation keys
- Use:
- MAK key (direct activation), OR
- KMS client key with your existing KMS host
This is the method Microsoft recommends for OEM-downgraded VMs.
Option B: Request Downgrade Activation Support from Microsoft Licensing
If you have a WS2025 OEM license and want a downgrade activation key, you can contact:
Microsoft Volume Licensing Support
They can generate a downgrade key only if your organization’s license type qualifies.
Be aware:
OEM-only customers usually do not qualify for downgrade activation keys.
They must purchase a proper activation key (Option C).
Option C: Purchase a Windows Server 2022 License for the VM
If you do NOT have Volume Licensing:
- Buy a WS 2022 Standard Retail license, or
- Buy Volume Licensing (KMS/MAK), or
- Upgrade your environment to Datacenter Volume Licensing (if many VMs needed)
This is often the only option for small businesses.
Step 4: Activate Windows Server 2022 in the VM
After obtaining a valid MAK/KMS key:
For MAK Key:
Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
slmgr /ipk YOUR-MAK-KEY-HERE
slmgr /atoFor KMS Client Setup:
Add your KMS host and activate:
slmgr /skms kms.yourcompany.com
slmgr /atoYour WS2022 VM will activate successfully.
Step 5: Verify Activation Status
Run:
slmgr /dliOr check via:
Settings → System → Activation.
You should now see the activation as successful.
FAQs: Downgrade Windows Server 2025 to 2022 Activation
Q. Can I activate unlimited VMs with WS2025 Standard OEM?
No. OEM Standard includes two VM rights, but activation requires Volume keys, NOT the OEM key.
Q. Does Datacenter OEM activate unlimited VMs?
No. Datacenter OEM gives install rights for unlimited VMs, but activation still requires KMS/MAK or AVMA.
Q. Can I use AVMA keys?
Yes, if:
- Your host is Windows Server Datacenter, and
- The VM is running a supported Windows version (WS 2022 is supported)
But Standard OEM hosts do not support AVMA activation.
Read More:
