Windows Server 2012 R2 activation issue using downgrade rights from OEM Windows Server 2016 license

Hello Urinbaev,

Thank you for posting question on Microsoft Windows Forum!

Based on the issue description. Well! Your Dell OEM license for Windows Server 2016 Standard does allow you to install and use Windows Server 2012 R2 under downgrade rights. However, the activation process might be different. You cannot use the 2016 product key directly on 2012 R2. The suggestion here is to run slui 4 in the command prompt to generate your Installation ID or try to contact Microsoft Activation Support to obtain a valid downgrade key and Confirmation ID via web portal https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/product-activation-for-windows-online-microsoft-support-product-activation-portal-35f6a805-1259-88b4-f5e9-b52cccef91a0

Another suggestion is to consider using the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/existing-customer/activation-centers by requesting downgrade activation assistance through this channel.

Another point worth mentioning here is for customers of a direct OEM you should contact the OEM for downgrade-rights information. The downgrade should use media/key from a genuine previously licensed OEM, retail, or volume-licensed product. Since your server is Dell OEM, Dell might be the right place to request the proper downgrade activation path or a replacement procedure tied to that license.

You can consult the following article for more information regarding your concerns.

• https://devicepartner.microsoft.com/en-us/communications/comm-understanding-downgrade-rights

Hope the above information is helpful! If it is. Free feel to hit "Accepted" for benefitting others in community having the same issue too.