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VPS: Convert Windows Server Evaluation to Full Version

Discover how to convert Windows Server Evaluation into the full version → Learn more now

10 November 20262 min read4 Views0 helpful

Introduction

Windows Server Evaluation editions are intended for testing purposes and are time-limited. To continue using the same installation productively, the evaluation edition can be converted in-place into a fully licensed version without reinstalling the operating system.

Microsoft supports this in-place conversion using the DISM tool, provided you have a valid product key for the target edition.

Upgrade Evaluation to Full Version

Once the target edition is known and you have a valid product key, you can start the upgrade. The value <TargetEdition> must be one of the supported editions returned by the DISM command.

Common target editions are:

  • ServerStandard
  • ServerDatacenter

Start the conversion with the following command. Replace <TargetEdition> with the desired edition and <ProductKey> with your 25-character Windows Server product key:

Code
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:<TargetEdition> /ProductKey:<ProductKey> /AcceptEula
Operating System EditionGeneric Volume License Key
Windows Server 2025 StandardTVRH6-WHNXV-R9WG3-9XRFY-MY832
Windows Server 2025 DatacenterD764K-2NDRG-47T6Q-P8T8W-YP6DF
Windows Server 2022 StandardVDYBN-27WPP-V4HQT-9VMD4-VMK7H
Windows Server 2022 DatacenterWX4NM-KYWYW-QJJR4-XV3QB-6VM33

During the process, it may briefly appear as if progress has paused. This is normal. After the conversion completes, a restart is required to finalize the edition change.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Use the DISM tool via an administrator Command Prompt or PowerShell. With DISM /Online /Set-Edition, you convert the evaluation installation in-place to the licensed target edition without reinstalling the operating system.
You need a valid product key for the Windows Server edition you want to switch to (e.g., Standard or Datacenter). The product key must exactly match the target edition.
Run the command DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition in an administrator Command Prompt or PowerShell. Evaluation installations typically show as ServerStandardEval or ServerDatacenterEval.

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