Activation Info

Convert Windows Server Evaluation Editions to Standard

If you, like me, have quickly built a new server or VM using the Evaluation download from Microsoft, you will find that when you get your license key and try to plug it in, it won’t work.  You cannot simply use an otherwise valid key on an evaluation copy of Windows Server. 

But fret not, the solution is quite simple.  You merely need to run this command from an elevated command prompt: 

DISM /online /Set-Edition:<edition ID> /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula 

The Edition ID will be ServerStandard, and then insert your product key.  The server will run through the image conversion process, then restart twice. 

After the server has restarted, you will need to re-activate the server and enter the Key in again.

It is important to note that if you’ve used an evaluation edition to build a domain controller, you cannot change the edition.  You will need to either build a new domain controller, or demote the evaluation edition domain controller, set the version id, and then promote it again.

This key can activate ONE windows device, only ONE time. After activation process is done, you will NOT be able to use the same key again. Formatting the hard drive will effectively erase the key. You can NOT transfer the licence to other computer.

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• • Online activation

• • Does not bind to your Microsoft account

• • Can not be reactivated / transferred to another computer

• • Instant delivery – 2 minutes

• • Activation instructions provided in the email with the key

• • Permanent activation

• • Region: Global

• • Multilingual

• • Updates possible

• • Invoice will automatically generate upon placing an order.

• • Live chat or email support

Windows Server is the operating system that bridges on-premises environments with Azure services, enabling hybrid scenarios that maximize existing investments. Increase security and reduce business risk with multiple layers of protection built into the operating system. Evolve your datacenter infrastructure to achieve greater efficiency and scale with Hyper converged Infrastructure. Enable developers and IT pros to create cloud native applications and modernize their traditional apps using containers and micro-services.

Microsoft Server 2019 Standard is the middle tier version out of all of three in terms of pricing. However, it is very similar to the most comprehensive version of Windows Server, Datacenter.

This innovative software manages workloads cloud-ready assignments with ease making it ideal for businesses. The standard version is perfect for environments that are physical or virtualized. This means that medium to large businesses with the requirement multiple access to the server. Users have access to great features like server virtualization, web application platforms, virtual desktops, server management and much more.

Windows Server Standard Edition provides a comprehensive server platform that is easy to deploy, manage, and use. It allows businesses to lower total cost of ownership (TCO). Thanks in part to the support of many Microsoft third-party hardware and software partners, Windows Server helps users achieve the greatest return on server investments.

Designed for small organizations and departmental use, Windows Server Standard Edition delivers intelligent file and printer sharing, secure Internet connectivity, centralized desktop application deployment, and Web solutions that connect employees, partners, and customers. Windows Server Standard Edition provides high levels of dependability, scalability, and security.

Enhanced Security

The Standard version is installed with layered security to aid block server attacks and system breaches. It protects the cloud by detecting suspicious activities with only trusted softwares allowed to run with Device Guard.

Control Flow Guard guards against exterior and interior memory attacks. The multiple layered system help protect the integrity of your data.

Efficient Datacenter

The main feature of Server Standard 2019 is its speed and flexibility with an efficient datacenter. The operating system adapts to your requirements while lower costs due to its multiple functions of computing, storing and networking.

You can transfer network-control layers from hardware to software automatically without the need for setting switches. It has a powerful storage and a strong server operating system that has software-defined storage capabilities.

Cloud Based Applications

The standard version comes with several cloud based applications to allow you to securely run existing apps on Windows Server 2019 without having to change them. You can also move existing applications into DevOps environment without seeing any effects of the change. If you are required to use different applications, the server allows you to build cloud and hybrid apps.