This is a complete guide to convert your Evaluation edition of Windows Server into a Full, properly licensed version using a legal product key and the DISM command. Make sure to accurately follow our steps in order to achieve the desired end result.
You only have 180 days to test out the features of Windows Server 2019 Standard or Datacenter if you installed the Evaluation version of those products. While some users might find this adequate, others would not.
Every feature of Windows Server 2022/2019/2016 is usable during the trial time. But after the trial period is over, the system keeps requesting activation and shuts down once every hour. This can be really annoying.
You can issue a PowerShell command to really update the edition to the one you desire. However, in order to do this, you’ll need a genuine serial number.
Start your system and open the Command Prompt
Press the Windows + X keyboard shortcut, then select Command Prompt (Admin).
Check the current version of your system using the following command: DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition
Next, enter this command into the Command Prompt and press the Enter key. Make sure to read our explanation below the command and replace the marked areas as needed: DISM /online /Set-Edition: ServerEdition /ProductKey: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula
If you’re upgrading to the Standard edition, replace ServerEdition with ServerStandard.
If you’re upgrading to the Datacenter edition, replace ServerEdition with ServerDatacenter.
The string of X characters is the place for your product key .
At the command prompt for the Essentials version, enter the following directly:
DISM / online / Set-Edition: ServerEssentials / ProductKey: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX / AcceptEula
* here replace placeholder with product key
In the command prompt for the standard version, enter the following directly:
DISM / online / Set-Edition: ServerStandard / ProductKey: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX / AcceptEula
* here replace placeholder with product key
Enter the following directly into the prompt for the Datacenter version:
DISM / online / Set-Edition: ServerDatacenter / ProductKey: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX / AcceptEula
* here replace placeholder with product key
Wait for the loading to complete. This may take a long time – ensure that you don’t turn your computer off while the process is ongoing.
Your computer may restart on its own several times, or prompt you for permission to restart — in this case, press the Y button on your keyboard.
