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Windows Server 2016. How to update from Trial version to fully Licensed version

Bashabi Sarker 81 Reputation points
2020-09-21T10:51:44.817+00:00

Hello

We are running an evaluation copy of windows server 2016. We have rearmed the license and extended the time for the trial version for several times. Now the rearm count has reached the limit

Now we want to update our current version to fully licensed version. How to do that.

I have seen this link ( https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/supported-upgrade-paths ) and read the section Converting a current evaluation version to a current retail version

But I am not sure if that section applies into our case. Please look into the screenshot of our server attached and advise me accordingly. How to update from our current version to the fully registered version?

I also want to know

  • Where and how to buy the registered version ? How much does it cost ?
  • Shall I upgrade into retail version or any thing else?
  • Step by step guideline for updating from present version to fully licensed version
  • We have File-Maker installed into the server. Is it possible update the windows server without deleting any software installed in the machine.

(Please excuse if my question sounds silly . I have not the experience of dealing windows server previously )

Look forward to your responce

Kind regards
Bashabi

26133-rdp-192-168-1-246.png

Windows for business | Windows Server | User experience | Other
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  1. Leon Laude 86,026 Reputation points
    2020-09-21T11:42:00.21+00:00

    Hi @

    The link Converting a current evaluation version to a current retail version applies to your scenario.

    Where and how to buy the registered version ? How much does it cost ?

    You can chat online with the Microsoft sales over here:
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/windows-server-2019-standard-cal/dg7gmgf0dvss?activetab=pivot%3aoverviewtab

    Shall I upgrade into retail version or any thing else?

    Not sure what you mean, you will need to first upgrade your Windows Server 2016 evaluation to a retail version.

    Step by step guideline for updating from present version to fully licensed version

    The steps are provided in the Converting a current evaluation version to a current retail version link:

    If the server is running an evaluation version of Windows Server 2016 Standard or Windows Server 2016 Datacenter, 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 Upgrade Domain Controllers to Windows Server 2012 R2 and >Windows Server 2012.

    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:<edition ID> /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula, providing the >edition ID and a retail product key. The server will restart twice.

    For the evaluation version of Windows Server 2016 Standard, you can also convert to the retail version of Windows Server 2016 Datacenter in one step using this same >command and the appropriate product key.

    We have File-Maker installed into the server. Is it possible update the windows server without deleting any software installed in the machine.

    Yes it is possible, your data won't be removed/deleted in the process of upgrading your Windows Server version to a fully licensed version.

    (If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote or accept as answer, thank you)

    Best regards,
    Leon

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. Ryan Veteze 1 Reputation point
    2021-06-03T00:51:04.21+00:00

    Where do I buy a win server 2016 key? Why is this is so insanely complicated? I've been dealing with servers and licenses and computers since the 90s and the process to get a legitimate key on my server these days is nothing short of infuriating. Idiotic.

    I ran a Win 2003 server for years. Had to upgrade to 2016 when that server died. Couldn't manage to pay for a licence so ran eval for 3 years. Thats expired now.

    I just want a key so I can get my server to stay on. Take my goddam money!

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