Converting Server Standard 2022 Evaluation version to Server Standard with retail key

Question

Hi,

I've tried every which way to convert the evaluation version, typically it runs through the entire process, reboots, gets to 85% complete and then says it can't continue and then removes files and resorts back to eval version.

I'm stumped any suggestions?

Thanks

Answer 1

First run this

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

Windows will install package, you need to restart after. And after reboot you will not see that you use a windows server "eval" and will be able to activate Windows (maybe you will need to use troubleshoot activation).

Answer 2

Hey SMKEI,

I had the save evaluation version and was running into the same issues you are experiencing.

I followed the instructions at this linkand was able to get the Standard Version installed!

Answer 3

Use Powershell (as admin) to upgrade edtion from evaluation to real version

Right-click start menu and open a PowerShell in administrator mode.

This shows what your current edition is and how to spell it

dism /online /get-currentedition

This shows what editions you can upgrade to from here

dism /online /get-targeteditions

This one does the actual upgrade where you have to use the name from the target edtions (upper/lowercase does not matter)

dism /online /set-edition:serverstandard /productkey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /accepteula

Answer 4

Hi,

to resolve error, you can try the following steps:

1. Open the "Registry Editor" ;(Windows + R and enter Regedit Enter)
2. Change the value of SkipRearm(HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows NT/CurrentVersion/SoftwareProtectionPlatform

) to "1" and restart the computer.

3, start cmd as administrator, enter "SLMGR -REARM", and restart the computer again according to the prompts.

Answer 5

Hi SMKEI,

here are some steps you can try:

1. Make sure you have a valid retail key for Windows Server Standard 2022.
2. Open an elevated command prompt and run the command: slmgr.vbs /ipk <retail key>
3. After the key is installed, run the command to activate Windows: slmgr.vbs /ato
4. Reboot the server and check if it is now running the retail version of Windows Server Standard 2022.

If these steps do not work, you may need to contact Volume Licensing Support Info. | Microsoft Learn for further assistance.

Hope it helps.

Kind regards,

Lei