This guide explains how to install Windows Server and convert the evaluation version to a Retail version using your product key.
Already using Windows Server and want to upgrade?
If you already have a version of Windows Server installed and want to upgrade, follow Microsoft’s official upgrade guide: Upgrade overview for Windows Server
Step 1: Download Windows Server
Choose the version that matches your purchase. These are 180-day evaluation versions that will need to be converted to Retail after installation.
Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter | |
Windows Server 2022 Standard or Datacenter | |
Windows Server 2019 Standard or Datacenter | |
Windows Server 2019 Essentials | |
Windows Server 2016 Standard or Datacenter | |
Windows Server 2016 Essentials |
Step 2: Convert Evaluation to Retail
After installing Windows Server, you’ll need to convert the Evaluation version to a Retail version in order to activate your license key.
1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
Click the Start button, search for PowerShell, then right-click and select Run as administrator.
2. Run the conversion command
Use the correct command based on your purchased edition. Replace XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX with your actual product key.
For Windows Server Standard:
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /AcceptEula /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
For Windows Server Datacenter:
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /AcceptEula /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
If the command fails, try splitting the conversion and activation into two separate steps.
3. Alternative method (if needed)
Run this command first:
For Windows Server Standard:
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /AcceptEula
For Windows Server Datacenter:
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /AcceptEula
Then run the activation key command:
DISM /Online /Set-ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula