Windows Server Evaluation Expiry (180 Days): How to Reset and Upgrade

When using Windows Server Evaluation, you get a 180-day free trial. Once expired, you'll receive license warnings and the system may shut down automatically every hour.

Here are two solutions to resolve this:

Solution 1: Reset the Evaluation Timer (Rearm)

If you're not ready for a full license, use the built-in reset command. This adds another 180 days and can be used up to 5-6 times.

1. Run Command Prompt (CMD) as Administrator.
2. Type the following and press Enter:

slmgr.vbs /rearm

3. Restart your server to apply changes.
4. After rebooting, the 180-day countdown will be restored.

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Solution 2: Convert to Full Edition (Recommended)

To permanently resolve the issue, you must convert the Evaluation edition to a Standard or Datacenter edition. Note: You cannot do this via the GUI settings; it requires the command line.

1. Check Current and Target Editions

Run CMD as Administrator:

DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition
DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions

2. Perform the Conversion

Replace XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX with your genuine product key.

• To Standard Edition:
  

  DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula

• To Datacenter Edition:
  

  DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula

3. Finalize

The system will progress to 100% and prompt for a restart. After rebooting, your server will be a licensed full edition with all data preserved.