Windows Server 2019 Datacenter what happen after 180 days trial?

Question

What happened after trial 180 days expired for Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Datacenter in HyperV. After expiration do i need to buy the license and can continue the product as usual or i need to buy the license and reinstall all the service back?

Answer 1

@harriz danial
Hi,

The evaluation versions of Windows Server are valid for 180 days by default and can be extended.

To extend the evaluation period the following steps can be used:
Open an elevated command prompt (cmd)
Enter the following command:
cscript.exe %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /dlv

The Windows Server evaluation version can be used for 3 years.
To rearm use the following command:
cscript.exe %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs /rearm

Restart the system
After the restart the evaluation period is extended for another 180 days

Hope above information can help you.

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Answer 2

Hello,

After trail is expired, you may notice these things:

• System would ask for activation and shuts down every hour.
• You may see Windows license expiration notice on a regular basis.

I believe, you can extend trail after 180 days. Check this post (applies to Server 2019 as well):

https://sid-500.com/2017/08/08/windows-server-2016-evaluation-how-to-extend-the-trial-period/

Regards.

Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.

Answer 3

You can do either but better option is to license it before beginning configurations. Especially a domain controller. Converting an evaluation to full is not supported once the active directory role has been added.

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