Adding Windows 2012R2 to Windows 2022 datacentre

[MrSkot]

We have Windows 2022 Datacentre (DC) (based on cores) with a license key installed on a virtual server. We have several virtual servers working fine.  Because of an old software we need to create one Windows 2012R2 datacentre server.  I understand Windows 2022 DC is down gradable (free of charge) to previous supported versions (2012R2 is supported tell October 2023) we will stop using before then.   

We don't know how get the key for the Windows 2012 R2 DC - it is not on the Microsoft portal.

Any help will be much appreciated -  

[#2]

@MrSkot 

Hello! You've posted your question in the Tech Community Discussion space, which is intended for discussion around the Tech Community website itself, not product questions. I'm moving your question to the Windows Server space - please post Windows Server questions here in the future. 

[#3]

@MrSkot assuming the host OS is a DataCenter 2012 r2 or higher you can simple use an AVMA product key to activate.

Automatic Virtual Machine Activation in Windows Server | Microsoft Learn

[#4]

@MrSkot just checking if there's any progress or updates? please don't forget to mark helpful replies.

[#5]

Hi Eric
Thanks for the information - The main server OS is Windows 2022 Datacentre based on total cores is a server cluster.
So, any virtual server in the same space - an AVMA key can be added to run any supported servers below 2022 (2019/2016 /2012/2012R2) etc . We will give it a go! and let you know -
thanks
Skot

[#6]

Yes, that's correct. Please don't forget to mark helpful replies.

[#7]

Hi Eric
Just noticed that the like is for Hyper V - will it work with VMware ?

[#8]

In order to use AVMA the host must be DataCenter

[#9]

Hi Dave
Thanks
The host is Datacenter 2022 (by cores) all working well with several VMs - the VM system is VMWare (not HyperV) so just wondering if the AVMA works with VMWare as well to add a 2012R2 server

[#10]

The host is Datacenter 2022 (by cores) all working well with several VMs - the VM system is VMWare (not HyperV) 

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I don't know what this even means. Nested virtualization?

[#11]

Hi David

Sorry not to be clear. All the virtual servers are on VMWARE the Keys in the link are associated with hyper V.  Will the keys work with VMWARE as the text only has Hyperlink included.

 Thanks

[#12]

No, it will not. The only method is to use a DataCenter host or purchase another product key to activate the 2012 R2 instance. Please don't forget to mark helpful replies.