2022 express edition and i have 2025 license

Kenneth Lapuz 0 Reputation points
2026-08-13T07:50:47.6733333+00:00

We currently have SQL Server 2022 Express installed on our server while waiting for the SQL Server Standard license. Our application only supports up to SQL Server 2022, and the license provided is also for SQL Server 2022. However, when we performed an Edition Upgrade and entered the license key, an error appeared stating that the product key is invalid. Could you please advise whether this issue is related to the license key itself, or if there might be another cause for the error?

SQL Server Database Engine
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  1. Bruce (SqlWork.com) 84,951 Reputation points
    2026-08-13T14:51:35.7+00:00

    While buying Sqlserver 2025 gives you downgrade rights, the key will not work with earlier versions. You must contact your seller and get a downgrade key. A licensed reseller should be able to do this.

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  2. Erland Sommarskog 136.7K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-13T08:18:41.3833333+00:00

    The product key for SQL 2025 does not work with SQL 2022 and vice versa. You need to get hold of a product key for SQL 2022. I would suggest that you contact the seller from whom you bought the license.

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