Evaluation versions of Windows Server are available for download from Microsoft. These versions are valid for 180 days from the time of installation. The time remaining is displayed in the bottom right corner of the desktop:
The evaluation version cannot be activated with a Windows Server product key, and attempting to do so results in an error. Instead, the evaluation version must be converted to the full version of Windows using a
dism
command.
First, to confirm that an evaluation version of Windows is running, run the following command from an elevated prompt:
slmgr.vbs /dlv
The output resembles the following:
The highlighted portion of the screenshot shows
ServerStandardEval in the Name field, indicating that the evaluation version is running. A non-evaluation version shows
ServerStandard,
ServerDatacenter, or
ServerEssentials.
To determine which target editions are available for the conversion, run this command:
dism /online /Get-TargetEditions
The output is similar to this:
Typically,
ServerStandard and
ServerDatacenter are listed, though the above screenshot only lists
ServerDatacenter.
To perform the conversion, run the following command:
dism /online /Set-Edition:<edition> /ProductKey:<key> /AcceptEula
There are a few important points to remember about this command:
- <edition> must be one of the editions listed in the output of the previous command (for example, ServerStandard). Ensure that a valid license exists for the specified edition.
- <key> represents a valid 5x5 product key for the specified edition, including dashes.
- The command may appear to stop responding at 10%, but it will complete after some time. It prompts for a reboot upon completion.
After the server reboots, the conversion is completed. This process looks similar to installing an update:
If a valid product key was supplied to the command, Windows Server should activate automatically upon booting.
If a Windows Server license was purchased through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program, the conversion may not work with the supplied product key. The solution to this issue can be found at
Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Perpetual License Product Key Not Working to Convert EVAL Operating System Install.