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How to activate SQL 2025 license on SQL2022

Batuhan Demirkiran 0 Reputation points
2026-04-28T08:19:07.6033333+00:00

Hello i bought "SQL Server 2025 Standart sürümü Kalıcı 1 Sunucu Lisansı ve CAL 10".Before i bought this license, i talked with two microsoft sale representative. They confirm that i can use this SQL 2025 license on SQL 2022. But when i try to activate my license on the setup, i'm encountering the error shown in the image. What should i do now? How can i install SQL 2022 Standart version?User's image

SQL Server | Other

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  1. Bruce (SqlWork.com) 83,821 Reputation points
    2026-04-29T02:02:52.61+00:00

    The error means you did not enter a valid product key. while the 2025 license may allow downgade to 2022, the 2025 product key is not valid for the 2022 install, you need a 2022 product key.

    the ability to downgrade requires that you bought through Microsoft Volume licensing or software assurance agreement (SA)

    To get the key via Microsoft Volume licensing:

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/commerce/licenses/product-keys-for-vl?view=o365-worldwide

    If you have an SA agreement you may need to contact MS support to the key.

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  2. Erland Sommarskog 133.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-04-28T21:11:02.24+00:00

    A product key is not a license. The license is just a piece of paper that says that you have the rights to use the product. You need to get a product key for SQL 2022. You need to get in touch with those sales representatives again.

    Note: If your installation media comes with a product ID filled, you should not change that key.

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