In this blog post I show how to extend your trial period to three years. The evaluation version of Windows Server 2012 / 2016 is valid for 180 days and you can convert your trial version to retail.

To explore Windows Server 2016 download it here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-2016/

After installing, you can try it for 180 days. After 180 days your system will shut down once a day. The good news are: You can extend the period.

Extending the Trial Period

First, take a look at your desktop. You should see the countdown in the corner down right.

Or start PowerShell and run slmgr.

slmgr -dlv

Pay attention to the Timebased activation expiration and the Remaining Windows rearm count. You can rearm the period 6 times. (180 days * 6 = 3 years).

When the period comes to an end, run slmgr -rearm to extend it by another 180 days.

slmgr -rearm

Next restart your computer.

Restart-Computer

Once restarted, open PowerShell and check your settings.

Important Note

The evaluation version may not be use for commercial purposes. Have fun playing with the Windows Server 2016 Evaluation Version!

By the way: You can do the same with Windows 10. But the Windows 10 Evaluation Version can be used only for 180 days in total.