Microsoft offers trial versions of Windows Server, such as StandardEvaluation or DatacenterEvaluation, for users to explore the platform’s features. These evaluation editions are available for download from the Microsoft Evaluation Center and are intended for testing, training, or evaluation purposes, not for commercial use. Once installed, these evaluation versions provide a 180-day trial period to assess the system’s capabilities.
If you find yourself using an evaluation version for production purposes, you can upgrade it to a full version without losing your data or needing to reinstall the operating system. This guide walks you through the process of extending the evaluation period and converting your Windows Server Evaluation edition to a full retail version.
Extending the Windows Server Evaluation Period
When using an evaluation version of Windows Server, the desktop will display the current edition and the remaining trial period. To check the time left on your evaluation period, you can run the following command:
slmgr /dli
This command will display the current status of your license and the time remaining before it expires. If you need more time to evaluate the system, you can extend the trial period up to five times, adding 180 days each time. Use the following command to extend the period:
slmgr /rearm
This means that, in total, you can use the evaluation version for up to three years.
After the trial period ends, Windows Server will begin to shut down every hour, and you’ll see warnings in the Event Viewer, such as:
- Event ID: 1074: The system has been shut down because the license period expired.
- Background and Notification: The desktop background will turn black, and a notification will appear stating that the Windows License has expired.
Upgrading Windows Server Evaluation to a Full Version
To upgrade from an evaluation version to a full retail version, follow these steps:
Verify the Installed Edition: First, confirm that you are running an evaluation version:
DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition
Check Upgrade Options: Determine which editions you can upgrade to by running:
DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions
This will list the editions available for upgrade, such as ServerStandard and ServerDatacenter.
Obtain the GVLK Key: To proceed with the upgrade, you need the Generic Volume License Key (GVLK) for your target edition. Microsoft provides these keys for all supported Windows Server versions, such as:
- Windows Server 2022 Standard:
VDYBN-27WPP-V4HQT-9VMD4-VMK7H
- Windows Server 2022 Datacenter:
WX4NM-KYWYW-QJJR4-XV3QB-6VM33
- Windows Server 2022 Standard:
Upgrade Using DISM: Use the DISM command to convert your evaluation version to a full retail version. Replace the placeholder with your GVLK key:
If upgrading to Datacenter, change the set-edition
parameter to ServerDatacenter
.
Restart the Server: After the process completes, restart your server to apply the changes.
Activate the Server: If you have a local KMS server, activate your Windows Server using:
slmgr /skms <KMS_Server_Name>:1688 slmgr /ato
For a MAK or retail key, remove the current GVLK key and enter your retail key:
slmgr.vbs /upk slmgr.vbs /cpky slmgr.vbs /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX slmgr.vbs /ato
Verify the activation status using PowerShell:
Get-CimInstance SoftwareLicensingProduct -Filter "Name like 'Windows%'" | where { $_.PartialProductKey } | select Description, LicenseStatus
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