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How 2 Install Windows Server Licence Key When On Eval

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To convert a Windows Server 2022 Evaluation version to a fully licensed version without reinstalling, use the DISM command-line tool. You will need a valid, full retail or volume license key for the corresponding edition.

Step-by-Step Conversion

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator: Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

  2. Find your target edition: Run the following command to check the editions you can upgrade to:

    PowerShell (Admin)

  dism.exe /online /Get-TargetEditions

  1. Set the edition and enter the key: Run the DISM command. Be sure to match the edition and replace XXXXX-... with your actual product key:

    For Standard Edition:

DISM.exe /online /Set-Edition:<EditionType> /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula
  1. Reboot the server Once the process completes (it may take a few minutes), restart the computer.

  2. Activate the license: Once logged back in, force the online activation to ensure your retail key registers.

    Command Prompt (Admin)

slmgr.vbs /ato

[!NOTE] Important Notes - Edition Matching: You cannot downgrade. For example, if you are running an Evaluation of Datacenter, you must use a Datacenter retail key to upgrade it. - Generic KMS Keys: If you are using a Volume License Service Center (VLSC) or setting up a KMS Host, you may need to use a public Microsoft KMS setup key first to convert the Evaluation edition, and then apply your organization's activation key