asked on 8/11/2021

Moving Server 2019 Evaluation to Licensed Version

Installed Windows Server 2019 Standard Evaluation version, spent sometime configuring the server, and now would like to keep the configuration and convert it to a full version.

I have a valid serial number and when I enter it I receive the following error.

After speaking with most every tech at Microsoft today I'm being told to download the ISO, run it to install the non evaluation version, and then enter my serial number.

Will running the ISO effect the current setup of the server?

Is this the only way to get the Eval version to a licensed version?

thanks

v

Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Windows OS

Last Comment

Vince Glisson

8/16/2021

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Lee W, MVP

8/11/2021

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Lee W, MVP

8/11/2021

Note: If this works and you spoke to techs at Microsoft AND paid for a support incident, you should call them back and demand a refund of the support incident (or credit for another incident at a later date).

Vince Glisson

8/11/2021

ASKER

@Lee W, MVP

I had found this earlier:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/292012/activation-of-windows-server-2019-evaluation-on-vm.html

Was really trying to verify that it would not change the configuration of the server, took forever for my vendor to get me the keys and I couldn't wait and setup the server...

thanks

v

Lee W, MVP

8/11/2021

Microsoft Partners with CSP accounts should be able to get you your license in minutes (Though the initial setup may take up to an hour if you haven't granted the Partner the appropriate rights to your onmicrosoft account. Once they have them, it really should be minutes). Volume Licenses can take 1-3 days to receive.

arnold

8/12/2021

These days it is a two step process.

F rar change the evaluation to the generic displayed in
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/c4e8c95b-9c3e-44aa-9fde-694642be56f2/license-conversion-windows-server-2019-evaluation-to-windows-server-2019-essentials

The issue is the product type.

Retail, volume.

The licensing does not change the server config.

Vince Glisson

8/16/2021

ASKER

The procedure given by Microsoft is as follows...

Open an elevated command prompt:
Enter and run:
DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /productkey:N69G4-B89J2-4G8F4-WWYCC-J464C /AcceptEula

After the reboot of the server at an elevated command prompt:
Enter and run the following:

Removes the serial number:
SLMGR /UPK

Assigns your valid serial number:
SLMGR /IPK <your serial number>

Activates the new serial number:
SLMGR /ATO

There can be a delay when running these so be patient and wait for the response before continuing.

Thanks

v