Upgrade Windows Server 2022 Evaluation to Standard

If it doesn't work and getting an error like: Error: 0xC004F069 orError 1168 the specified product key could not be validated, You need a Retail product key (which you will get if purchased from us) and use DISM command to upgrade Windows Server Edition from evaluation edition to Standard or Datacenter edition.

Sometimes you may need to uninstall the previous key by this command:slmgr /upk

Please be sure that your server is running Up to Date on the current version, so complete all update before the conversion!! For this issue, please check this link to be sure about your server version and the current version or use the following both command on PowerShell/Command Prompt - Run as Administrator:

• DISM /online /get-currentedition

• DISM /online /get-targeteditions

Type following command on command prompt or PowerShell/Windows Terminal to upgrade your Windows Server Standard or Datacenter evaluation version to Retail version.

• Standard Edition: DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx /AcceptEula

• Datacenter Edition: DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx /AcceptEula

Click Y and restart the system and it's done. Please note: This method only work with Retail License for upgrading from Windows Server Evaluation version to Retail & Licensed version. If you purchased from us and going to implement your server on the environment by our given Server OS and License, simply skip it. It's only required for whom, who already installed Windows Server Evaluation version.

Still have the issue? Please use/install the Generic Volume License Keys (GVLK) at first which you will get from this link, and take a restart of your server and then try again with your purchased Retail License which you will get from us(if purchased from us) or from another retail seller. Otherwise you can contact withMicrosoft Support also for fixing the issue.

If the server is running an evaluation version of Windows Server Standard/Datacenter as Domain Controller, you can convert it to a retail version as follows:

1. If the server is a domain controller, you cannot convert it to a retail version. In this case, install an additional domain controller on a server that runs a retail version and remove AD DS from the domain controller that runs on the evaluation version. For more information, see https://technet.microsoft.com/library/hh994618.aspx.

2. Read the license terms.

3. From an elevated command prompt, determine the current edition name with the command DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition. Make note of the edition ID, an abbreviated form of the edition name. Then run DISM /online /Set-Edition: /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula, providing the edition ID and a retail product key. The server will restart twice. Example: DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx /AcceptEula

For the evaluation version of Windows Server Standard, you can also convert to the retail version of Windows Server Datacenter in one step using this same command and the appropriate product key. For more information about Dism.exe, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=192466.

Nothing works? Please use the Generic Volume License Keys (GVLK) first which you will get from this link, and take a restart of your server and then try again with your purchased Retail License which you will get from us(if purchased from us) or other Microsoft Partner/Seller. Otherwise you can contact withMicrosoft Support also for fixing the issue as you will have a genuine license for activation.

Seems like complicated? Why not reinstalling the server over your current server? It will give you an option to keep old data while installing the server.

Microsoft’s evaluation project gives people the opportunity to try out products such as Windows Server 2016 and 2019. If you want to unlock the full versions, you must purchase a product key and activate your server system through a valid method. This article focuses on using the DISM command to convert Windows Server from the Evaluation version into the Full version.

Converting Windows Server from Evaluation to Full licensed version

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.

Note: You might be required to have access to an administrator account to perform all of the steps described below. If the account you’re currently using doesn’t have administrative permissions, make sure to change this in your settings or contact your IT professional.

Let’s get started with the guide!

1. Make sure you have your product key ready. You can purchase product keys from various online retailers, or the official Microsoft website. You should receive a 25 character long code that’s used to convert your system from Evaluation to the Full version.
2. Start your system and open the Command Prompt in one of the following ways:
• Using the search function in your taskbar, look up Command Prompt. When you see it in the results, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator.
• Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to bring up the Run utility. Type in “cmd” and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys on your keyboard. Doing so, you’re launching the Command Prompt with administrative permissions.
• Press the Windows + X keyboard shortcut, then select Command Prompt (Admin).
3. If prompted, click Yes to allow the Command Prompt to make changes on your device. You might be required to input the administrator password as well.
4. Check the current version of your system using the following command: DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition
   
5. 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

• ServerEdition depends on what product key you have:
• 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 mentioned in Step 1.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Once the process is complete, you can check if your Windows Server is out of the Evaluation edition by following these simple steps:
• Open the File Explorer from your taskbar.
• Right-click on This PC.
• Choose Properties from the context menu.
• Check the Windows edition section to see if the conversion was successful.

We hope that our article was able to help you convert your Evaluation version of Windows Server to the full version, complete with a legal license. Enjoy your server to the fullest, without any limitations insight.

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