If I have a Windows key for Windows Server 2016 where can I get a Windows Server 2016 ISO (Non-Evaluation) so I can perform an in-place upgrade of a Windows Server 2012 R2?

Question

I have a Dell PowerEdge R730 and a Dell PowerEdge R430 server running Windows Server 2012 R2. The Dell PowerEdge R730 also has a Dell PowerVault RD1000 for backups.

I need to upgrade both servers to Windows Server 2016. I have Windows Server 2016 keys from the provider for our Integrated Library System software, but I can only find an evaluation copy of Windows Server 2016 and I need a non-evaluation ISO in order to perform an in-place upgrade. Does anyone know how I can get a non-evaluation ISO for Windows Server 2016 or otherwise perform an in-place upgrade?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Answer 1

Hi ChrisD_2501

You can download the non-evaluation ISO for Windows Server 2016 from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) if you have a valid license key.

You can also download it from the Microsoft Evaluation Center and convert it to a non-evaluation version using the DISM tool. Please refer to:

Windows Server 2016 | Eval Center (microsoft.com)

To perform an in-place upgrade, you can mount the ISO and run the setup.exe file from within Windows Server 2012 R2. Make sure to back up your data before performing the upgrade.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian

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Answer 2

Hi Hania,

Thank you for your response.

"You can download the non-evaluation ISO for Windows Server 2016 from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) if you have a valid license key."

I can't do this (well I tried and it seems you need to be the individual or organization who bought the license) as I got the Windows key from the provider of our ILS. I will pass on the information they should check VLSC and the Microsoft Business Center for an ISO.

"You can also download it from the Microsoft Evaluation Center and convert it to a non-evaluation version using the DISM tool. Please refer to:

Windows Server 2016 | Eval Center (microsoft.com)"

This is where I got the evaluation version, but the instructions to convert are only after the evaluation version has been installed (i.e. after a fresh install where I would lose all my settings and data). I need a non-evaluation version in order to perform an in-place upgrade.

Answer 3

Hello ChrisD_2501

In this case, it is recommended that you contact the supplier to obtain the ISO file.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian