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. But the good news is: 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.
Categories: Windows Server
Hi, why do you recomend not to use the evaluation version for commercial purposes? I work in IT for a small business, and i’m thinking on starting to build a small server, obviously I want to start using the trial because I know nothing about servers. Thanks
LikeLike
Hi Marvin, it it not allowed to use the trial version for commercial use. Microsoft tolerated the use of trials for a short period of time in the past. It’s up to you to convert the trial version to a full version and pay for the OS.
Regards,
P
LikeLike
Does the computer have to be connected to the internet? The command yielded a 10 day rearm without being connected to the internet.
LikeLike
Re arming only produced only an extension of 10days
LikeLike
Hey there pewa, awesome article! Bookmarked for later. But what do you mean with:
“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.”
Sooo, you can extend it? Or not?
LikeLike
Thank you. The Windows 10 evaluation can be used only for a short period compared to Windows Server
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very helpful tip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello,
may i ask you a question.
i try to install virtualizor/KVM and install windows server 2016 on my vm,
it shows 0 day,and i apply “slmgr -rearm”,it extend 180 days as your screen shows.
but when i download windows server essential 2016 and install it on my pc,
i use the key to install,
it shows “Activate Windows Go to Settings to activate Windows” now,
may i ask why there such a difference ?
is it possible i let it show like 180 days as your screen shows ?
because im new to test it.
thank you.
LikeLike
Please do not post any activation numbers … Note the difference between Evaluation and Non-Evaluation. Activation period only comes up in eval mode
LikeLiked by 1 person