If you are a Windows server user, you may have recently upgraded to the latest version, Windows Server 2022. However, you may have noticed that the version you have installed is the evaluation version, which means it will expire after a certain period of time. This can be a problem for businesses and organizations that rely on their server for daily operations. In this article, we will discuss how to convert your Windows Server 2022 evaluation to the standard version, so you can continue using it without any interruptions.
Understanding the difference between evaluation and standard versions
Before we dive into the conversion process, it’s important to understand the difference between the evaluation and standard versions of Windows Server 2022. The evaluation version is a free trial that allows users to test out the features and capabilities of the server for a limited time. On the other hand, the standard version is the full version that requires a license and does not expire.
Purchasing a license
The first step in converting your evaluation version to the standard version is to purchase a license. You can do this through Microsoft’s website or through a licensed reseller. Make sure to purchase the correct license for your server, as there are different versions for different types of servers (e.g. Datacenter, Standard, Essentials).
Converting the evaluation version to standard
Once you have purchased your license, you can proceed with converting your evaluation version to the standard version. This process can be done through the command prompt. Follow these steps:
- Open the command prompt as an administrator.
- Type in “DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition” and press Enter.
- Take note of the edition ID that is displayed.
- Type in “DISM /online /Set-Edition: /ProductKey:” and press Enter.
- Wait for the process to complete and restart your server.
Verifying the conversion
After the server has restarted, you can verify if the conversion was successful by opening the command prompt and typing in “DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition” again. The edition ID should now match the standard version that you have purchased a license for.
Migrating data and settings
If you have any data or settings on your evaluation server that you want to keep, you will need to migrate them to the new standard server. This can be done through the Windows Server Migration Tools, which can be downloaded from Microsoft’s website. Follow the instructions provided by the tool to successfully migrate your data and settings.
Conclusion
Converting your Windows Server 2022 evaluation to the standard version is a simple process that can be done through the command prompt. Just make sure to purchase a license and follow the steps carefully. By doing so, you can continue using your server without any interruptions and take advantage of all the features and capabilities it has to offer.
Have you encountered any issues during the conversion process? Let us know in the comments.
