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

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

Answer 2

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 3

Hi Lei,

Many thanks for your reply.

I get part way through the conversion from eval to standard and on reboot it reverts back saying it can't complete.

Also when I try your suggestion with the slmgr.vbs /ipk <retail key> command these errors pop up, when I run the slui.exe line the error is shown below.

When I try calling Microsoft they tell me to go online, I'm just going around in circles.

Any other ideas?

Thanks

Answer 4

Hi,

Thanks for your suggestion, I tried it and then re-run:

Dism /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:xxxx /AcceptEula

I get the same issue. Could it be anything to do with the build version?

Thanks

Answer 5

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!