How to Convert Windows Server Evaluation to Retail with DISM
Applies to: Windows Server 2019, 2022 and 2025.
Evaluation conversion is supported only for target editions reported by DISM. An evaluation domain controller must be migrated to a retail installation instead of converted in place.
Work from console access or a tested recovery path. Changes to remote access, licensing or domain membership can lock out administrators if prerequisites are wrong. Managed Windows VPS options are available at networkmanager.info.
Prerequisites
- Obtain an authorized target-edition key.
- Verify the server is not a domain controller.
- Take a tested system backup.
- Schedule the required restart and review the EULA.
Step-by-step procedure
Step 1: Identify current edition
Confirm the edition contains Eval.
DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition
slmgr.vbs /dlvStep 2: List supported targets
Never guess the target identifier.
DISM /online /Get-TargetEditionsStep 3: Export licence terms
Use a target returned by the preceding command.
DISM /online /Set-Edition:<target-edition> /GetEula:C:\license.rtfStep 4: Convert
Supply the authorized key interactively.
DISM /online /Set-Edition:<target-edition> /ProductKey:<authorized-product-key> /AcceptEulaStep 5: Restart and verify
Reboot, then validate edition and activation.
Verification
The current edition should no longer contain Eval.
DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition
slmgr.vbs /xprRollback
Edition conversion has no simple uninstall. Restore the tested backup or rebuild if supported recovery cannot resolve a failure.
Version and operational notes
Datacenter Evaluation cannot be converted down to Standard, and conversion cannot switch Core and Desktop Experience.
Official references
For managed deployment and support, visit https://networkmanager.info/.
