Forum Discussion
Activationg Trial Version of Server 2019
To change the eval version of Server 2019 to a retail version you have to use dism.
Use the following steps in and administrative command prompt:
- slmgr /upk
- slmgr /cpky
- dism /online /set-edition:ServerStandard /accepteula /productkey:<YOUR-RETAIL-KEY-GOES-HERE>
- reboot
- slmgr /ipk <PRODUCT-KEY-GOES-HERE>
- wait a minute
- slmgr /ato
This will uninstall the current eval key (step 1. and 2.), change the edition to the non-eval version (step 3. and 4.), install the new product key (step 5. and 6.) and activate windows (step 7.).
Hi Thanks. Need clarification on the following:
I have only one Key that is the Main server (Dell Server) Product key. That is the prod key I would like to use for the Server 2019 in VM (for the current Trial Server 2019). What do the Keys in step 3 and 5 refer to?
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3. dism /online /set-edition:ServerStandard /accepteula /productkey:<YOUR-RETAIL-KEY-GOES-HERE>
4.
5. slmgr /ipk <PRODUCT-KEY-GOES-HERE>
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Thanks again for your help and time!
Mohindar
The much simpler method is from an elevated cmd.exe session;
slmgr /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
slmgr /ato
using the same product key used on host.
You cannot use slmgr to install a retail or VLSC product key on an evaluation edition. You will get an error if you try to do this:
Error:0xC004F069 On a computer running Microsoft Windows non-core edition….
The only supported way to change an eval edition to a full edition is with dism and a retail product key (the one from your host). If you try to use the dism method with a VLSC key you will get another error:
Error 1168 the specified product key could not be validated.
So to upgrade and activate Windows Server 2016 or 2019 Evaluation, you have to use dism and have a retail product key.
