This article explains how to downgrade SQL Server from Enterprise to Standard edition on EC2 instances using AWS Systems Manager Documents to reduce licensing costs.

• Manual downgrade requires offline operation with full database backup and system restart
• Automated SSM Document approach simplifies downgrade process with pre-built PowerShell scripts
• Requires SQL Server media, configuration files, and cumulative updates stored in S3 bucket
• SSM Document validates prerequisites: single SQL instance, Enterprise edition, no clustering/Always On
• Automation backs up all databases, uninstalls Enterprise, installs Standard, reattaches databases
• Three log files generated in C:\Windows\Temp track automation progress and issues
• Approach applies only to bring-your-own-license (BYOL) SQL Server instances

The SSM Document method provides automated, secure downgrade capability while preserving system objects and user databases, significantly reducing operational complexity compared to manual processes.