PowerEdge: Conversion of Windows Server Evaluation Fails with CSP Perpetual License Product Key

Summary: This article addresses an issue in which conversion of Windows Server from an evaluation to a fully licensed edition fails. The error that is returned appears to indicate a problem with the supplied product key, but the key is known to be valid. ...

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

Conversion of an evaluation of Windows Server to a fully licensed edition fails with the following error:
 

The specified product key could not be validated. Check that the specified product key is valid and that it matches the target edition.
 

The supplied product key is associated with a perpetual Windows Server license. These licenses are purchased through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program, and the keys are provided by Microsoft 365 Admin Center.

Cause

The exact cause is unknown, but this behavior has been seen many times when a CSP product key is used for the conversion.

Resolution

To work around this error, supply a Key Management System (KMS) key during the conversion, then change the key to the correct one afterward.

KMS keys, also known as Generic Volume License Keys (GVLK), are published by Microsoft here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/kms-client-activation-keysThis hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies.

The following commands show the specific KMS key to use for each operating system (OS) version and edition:

Windows Server 2019 Standard

dism /online /set-edition:ServerStandard /productkey:N69G4-B89J2-4G8F4-WWYCC-J464C /accepteula


Windows Server 2019 Datacenter 

dism /online /set-edition:ServerDatacenter /productkey:WMDGN-G9PQG-XVVXX-R3X43-63DFG /accepteula


Windows Server 2022 Standard 

dism /online /set-edition:ServerStandard /productkey:VDYBN-27WPP-V4HQT-9VMD4-VMK7H /accepteula


Windows Server 2022 Datacenter 

dism /online /set-edition:ServerDatacenter /productkey:WX4NM-KYWYW-QJJR4-XV3QB-6VM33 /accepteula


Windows Server 2025 Standard 

dism /online /set-edition:ServerStandard /productkey:TVRH6-WHNXV-R9WG3-9XRFY-MY832 /accepteula


Windows Server 2025 Datacenter 

dism /online /set-edition:ServerDatacenter /productkey:D764K-2NDRG-47T6Q-P8T8W-YP6DF /accepteula

 

After the command finishes, a reboot is required. After the reboot, the OS will no longer be an evaluation. However, the KMS key cannot activate the OS successfully unless a KMS server is in place in the environment. If a KMS server is not in use, the key must be changed using the following commands: (Replace the X's in the second command with the CSP product key.)
 

slmgr /upk

slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX


The OS should automatically activate shortly after the second command is run. Activation can be forced with the slmgr /ato command, but this is typically unnecessary. 

 

 

See this published video:
 

CSP License Key Not Valid

Duration: 00:04:30 (hh:mm:ss)
When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the CC icon on this video player.

Affected Products

C Series, HS Series, Modular Infrastructure, Rack Servers, XR Servers, OEM Server Solutions, Microsoft Windows Server 2019, Microsoft Windows Server 2022, Microsoft Windows Server 2025
Article Properties
Article Number: 000204465
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 15 May 2026
Version:  12
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