Windows Server evaluation period extention

Question

Hi! Greetings!

Can we extend evaluation period currently six months of Windows server 2025 for some more time and how can we do it without disturbing operations & data ? Also pl share for how much more time can the extension be valid?

Answer 1

Yep - you can extend the evaluation period using the built-in command-line rearm tool without losing data or interrupting active operations. The extension adds another 180 days (6 months) to the evaluation period - with Windows Server 2025, you are limited to a single extension.

To extend the evaluation period, open Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator by searching for cmd or PowerShell from the Start menu, right-clicking it, and selecting Run as administrator. First, check the current evaluation status by running slmgr /dlv, which displays the remaining evaluation time and the number of available rearms. Then run the rearm command using slmgr /rearm (or slmgr -rearm). After the command completes successfully, restart the server to apply the change.

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hth

Marcin