Can we can use activate license key of window server 2003 in other platform.

Copper Contributor

 I have few windows production servers which are still in windows server 2003 version. Currently  we are planning a total revamp to windows server 2016 existing windows environment.

 

My question is if I reinstall the OS 2003 into 2016 on the same physical hardware, should I able to use the registered license key for 2003 into latest 2016 for activation.

 

 

2 Replies

No, this is not possible.

I'm also not sure if hardware that was suitable for Win 2003 is suitable for 2016+ 🙂


Quadrotech - Management, Reporting and Migration for Office 365 and Exchange

No, a Server 2003 key can only active a Server 2003 install. The minimum hardware requirements are

  • 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor
  • Compatible with x64 instruction set
  • Supports NX and DEP
  • Supports CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF, and PrefetchW
  • Supports Second Level Address Translation (EPT or NPT)

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/system-requirements

I'd also check here and with server manufacturer about support for Server 2016

https://www.windowsservercatalog.com/