How to Convert Windows Server From Evaluation Version

Make sure to accurately follow our steps in order to achieve the desired end result.

Start your system and open the Command Prompt

Press the Windows + X keyboard shortcut, then select Command Prompt (Admin).
Check the current version of your system using the following command:

Next, enter this command into the Command Prompt and press the Enter key. Make sure to read our explanation below the command and replace the marked areas as

needed:

If you’re upgrading to the Standard edition, replace ServerEdition with ServerStandard.

If you’re upgrading to the Datacenter edition, replace ServerEdition with ServerDatacenter.

Next, The string of X characters is the place for your product key.

At the command prompt for the Essentials version, enter the following directly:

* here replace the placeholder with the product key

In the command prompt for the Standard version, enter the following directly:

* here replace the placeholder with the product key

Enter the following directly into the prompt for the Datacenter version:

* here replace the placeholder with the product key

Wait for the loading to complete. This may take a long time – ensure that you don’t turn your computer off while the process is ongoing.

Your computer may restart on its own several times, or prompt you for permission to restart — in this case, press the Y button on your keyboard.

Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Official Download Links from Microsoft

If you try to convert/upgrade Windows Server Evaluation to a licensed full edition using the normal command line or the CHANGE KEY GUI, you will see errors like The product key you entered didn’t work, Check the product key and try again or enter a different one

Fortunately, there is an easy fix. You have to change Windows Server Eval editions to production-licensed versions of Standard or Data Center:

Launch a PowerShell as an Administrator
Next, Get the Current editions

Next, Get Target editions

Next, Set editions