Windows Server Convert from Eval to Standard or Datacenter

 If you installed a windows server using evaluation versions you will need to convert it a standard or datacenter version to license it.

 

Before you start:
-Confirm you have a good update
-Confirm you have a tested backup available
-Dont perform this on a domain controller

 

To convert open CMD Prompt or PowerShell as an Administrator

confirm what version is running:

dism /online /get-currentedition

see what versions you can change to:

dism /online /get-targeteditions

To convert and install a license run the following with your license key:

dism /online /set-edition:serverstandard /productkey:<Your-Key-Goes-Here> /accepteula

If you just need a temporary key till you install your legal keys or you have a KMS server you can use the KMS keys on MS to get your OS converted:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/kms-client-activation-keys

For example to convert Server 2022 from Evaluation to Standard Server 2022 I used the following command:

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

After the conversion you will need to restart the server and it will take a few minutes similar to installs of significant server updates.

If you do not have a KMS server setup make sure to put in your proper key right away.

Note: the process of converting from Essentials to Standard is similar but you will want to remove any Essentials roles that are not available in Standard or Datacenter

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