How to Convert Windows Server 2025 Evaluation to the Full Version (Step by Step)

How do you convert Windows Server 2025 evaluation to the full version?

Open an elevated command prompt, run DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions to see which editions you can convert to, then run DISM /online /Set-Edition with the target edition, your product key and /AcceptEula, as Microsoft’s conversion guide shows. The evaluation expires in 180 days, and a Standard evaluation can become Standard or Datacenter while a Datacenter evaluation can become Datacenter only.

What you can convert to

The conversion happens in place, but only along certain paths. Find what you installed:

You installed	You can convert to	Notes
Standard evaluation (Desktop Experience)	Standard or Datacenter (Desktop Experience)	Run Get-TargetEditions to confirm
Datacenter evaluation	Datacenter only	Not Standard
Standard Core evaluation	Datacenter Core only	Not Standard Core
Desktop Experience evaluation	Not a Server Core full version	Fresh install needed for Core
Evaluation domain controller	Cannot be converted	Add a new domain controller first

Source: Convert Windows Server editions and license types.

The installation option matters as much as the edition. The evaluation ISO covers the Datacenter and Standard editions, each with a Server Core or Server with Desktop Experience option, and the paths above depend on which one you chose.

A quick example

Say you installed the Standard evaluation with Desktop Experience to test a file server, and now you want to keep it. Step 1 below shows an edition name that includes Eval. Step 2 lists Standard and Datacenter as targets, because a Standard (Desktop Experience) evaluation can convert to either. With a Standard key, Step 4 moves the server to the Standard full version, with no reinstall.

If you had picked Standard with Server Core instead, the picture changes: that evaluation converts only to Datacenter Core, which means you would need a Datacenter key.

Before you start

Have these ready, from Microsoft’s prerequisites:

• The product key for the target edition. A Standard key for Standard, a Datacenter key for Datacenter.
• Administrative access to the server.
• An elevated command prompt or PowerShell session on the server you want to convert.
• A quick check that the server is not a domain controller. If it is, skip to the domain controller section below.

Microsoft’s conversion page applies to Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2016, which means these steps also help if you’re working on one of those versions.

Two evaluation rules are worth knowing before you plan the timing. The evaluation edition expires in 180 days, and evaluation versions must be activated over the internet in the first 10 days to avoid automatic shutdown. If Windows isn’t activated, the bottom right-hand corner of the desktop shows the time remaining in the evaluation period.

For the key, we carry Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Standard – 16 Core License and Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Datacenter – 16 Core. Still deciding between the two? Our Windows Server 2025 Standard vs Datacenter comparison lays out the differences.

Step-by-step: convert the evaluation

Step 1: Confirm you are running an evaluation edition

Run DISM with the Get-CurrentEdition option and check that the edition name includes Eval. Microsoft’s check is:

DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition

An evaluation shows a name such as ServerDatacenterEval. If the name doesn’t include Eval, the server is already on a full version and you don’t need this guide.

Step 2: List the editions you can convert to

Run DISM with the Get-TargetEditions option and note the exact edition name you want. Microsoft lists this as the next command:

DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions

Use the edition name exactly as it appears in the results. You’ll paste it into the next two commands in place of <target edition>.

Step 3: Save and review the license terms

Save the license terms for your target edition to a file and read them before you convert. Microsoft’s command is:

DISM /online /Set-Edition:<target edition> /GetEula:C:\license.rtf

This writes the terms to C:\license.rtf, where you can open and review them.

Step 4: Run the conversion with your product key

Run DISM with Set-Edition, your target edition, your product key and AcceptEula. Here is Microsoft’s command:

DISM /online /Set-Edition:<target edition> /ProductKey:<product key> /AcceptEula

For example, to convert to Datacenter, Microsoft’s example uses ServerDatacenter as the target edition:

DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:<product key> /AcceptEula

Replace <product key> with the key for your target edition. Copying it from your delivery email avoids typos.

Step 5: Restart when prompted and check activation

Restart the server if prompted, then check the activation status in Settings or run DISM with Get-CurrentEdition again. The edition name should no longer include Eval:

DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition

If activation does not complete, we’re here to help. Contact support and we’ll fix it: support@solveditservices.com or use our contact page.

If your target edition is not listed

If the edition you want doesn’t appear in Step 2, you need to do a fresh install of the full version you want. Two cases catch people out:

• Desktop Experience to Server Core: you can’t convert Desktop Experience evaluation versions to Core full versions.
• Standard Core evaluation: it converts only to Datacenter Core, not to Standard Core.

If you’re not sure which installation option you have, run Step 2 first. The target list tells you what is possible on that server.

Domain controllers are the exception

You can’t convert an Active Directory domain controller from an evaluation to a full version. Microsoft’s route instead:

1. Install another domain controller on a server that runs a full version.
2. Migrate any FSMO roles held by the evaluation domain controller.
3. Remove Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) from the evaluation server.

It takes more planning than a DISM command, and we’re happy to help you map it out.

Later: moving from Standard to Datacenter

If your needs change after you convert, you can convert Windows Server Standard edition to Datacenter edition at any time after installing Windows Server, using the same checks and this command:

DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:<product key> /AcceptEula

Do not forget CALs

Converting the server covers the server itself. Access is a separate license: Datacenter and Standard require Windows Server CALs for every user or device accessing a server.

We carry Microsoft Windows Server 2025 – 1 User Client Access License (CAL), and for a small office starting out, the Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Standard 16-Core + 5 User CALs Bundle | Business Server Starter Kit puts both in one order. Our guide to Windows Server CALs: User CAL vs Device CAL helps you pick the type, and Windows Server 2025 license: what you need to buy covers core counts. If you converted to Datacenter, our guide to whether you need CALs for Windows Server Datacenter answers the common questions. If the server will host Remote Desktop sessions, our guide on how to install and activate RDS CALs covers that setup.

Where to get it

• Standard key: Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Standard – 16 Core License.
• Datacenter key: Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Datacenter – 16 Core.
• CALs: Microsoft Windows Server 2025 – 1 User Client Access License (CAL).
• Server and CALs together: Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Standard 16-Core + 5 User CALs Bundle | Business Server Starter Kit.

You’ll find them all in our Windows Server category, linked in the steps below.

Why buy from Solved IT Services

• Solved IT Services is a Microsoft Solutions Partner and certified reseller.
• We have more than 12 years in the software licensing business.
• We have many industry relationships.
• We’re a US-based company with US-based support, and we offer 24/7 support. Contact support and we’ll fix it: support@solveditservices.com or use our contact page.
• We offer estimated delivery within 30 minutes or less from the time of purchase.
• SIS Guarantee: We guarantee full installation and full activation of every product we sell, or your money back.
• Customers share their experience with us on Trustpilot and BBB.

What to do next

1. Run Steps 1 and 2 to confirm your current edition and the editions you can convert to.
2. Get the product key for your target edition.
3. For several servers or a business setup, request a quote.
4. Contact support and we’ll fix it: support@solveditservices.com or use our contact page.
5. Browse our Windows Server category, or contact our support team if you want help choosing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Windows Server 2025 evaluation last?

The evaluation edition expires in 180 days. If Windows isn’t activated, the bottom right-hand corner of the desktop shows the time remaining.

What happens if I do not activate the evaluation in the first 10 days?

Evaluation versions must be activated over the internet in the first 10 days to avoid automatic shutdown. Make sure the server is online early in the evaluation.

Can I convert a Datacenter evaluation to Standard?

No. A Datacenter evaluation converts only to the Datacenter full version, not to Standard. If you need Standard, that means a fresh install.

Do I need to reinstall to move from evaluation to the full version?

No, as long as your target edition appears in the Get-TargetEditions list. In that case, DISM converts the evaluation in place. If it isn’t listed, you need a fresh install of the full version you want.

Can I convert an evaluation domain controller?

No. Microsoft says you can’t convert an evaluation domain controller. Install another domain controller on a full version, move the FSMO roles, then remove AD DS from the evaluation server.

Which product key do I need?

You need a key for the target edition: Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Standard – 16 Core License for Standard, or Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Datacenter – 16 Core for Datacenter. Not sure which edition fits? Contact support and we’ll fix it: support@solveditservices.com or use our contact page.

How do I check which edition I have now?

Run DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition from an elevated command prompt. If the edition name includes Eval, for example ServerDatacenterEval, you are on the evaluation.