SQL EVALUATION INSTALLATION

carol co 0 Reputation points
2025-11-05T02:40:37.8266667+00:00

Hi, Can we activate SQL EVAL copy using a peoduct key?

SQL Server | Other
SQL Server | Other

Additional SQL Server features and topics not covered by specific categories

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Answer recommended by moderator

Marcin Policht 94,940 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2025-11-05T04:33:08.6233333+00:00

A SQL Server Evaluation installation can be converted to a licensed edition by providing a valid product key and performing an Edition Upgrade (either from SQL Server Installation Center → Maintenance → Edition Upgrade or by rerunning setup.exe/EditionUpgrade and entering the product key). Back up your databases first, verify the target edition is supported for an in-place upgrade, and expect a service restart; this converts the evaluation to the licensed SKU (you can’t legitimately extend the trial period simply by re-entering a key — you must upgrade to a properly licensed edition).

More at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/352502/ms-sql-server-2016-evaluation-edition-want-to-acti


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hth

Marcin

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