In this blog post I will show you 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 or 2019 download it here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-2016/
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-2019
After installing, you can try it out for 180 days. After 180 days you and your system will run into troubles for sure. But the good news is: You can extend the period to another 180 days up to 3 years.
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.
slmgr -dli
Important Note
The evaluation version may not be used 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
My name is Patrick Gruenauer. Awarded the Microsoft MVP for PowerShell [2018-2021].
I too am only getting 10 days on a rearm, even though my rearm count >0.. I rebooted after rearming, as instructed, and it’s not working as expected or explained here.. Did Microsoft change something?
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Why I am getting extended only for 10 days after -rearm every time?
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Why I am getting extended only for 10 after -rearm every time?
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How to convert the trial version into retail version when the rearm count is 0
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Why is it that some installations of 2019 Eval give me a time remaining and others give me a status of Notification. I have a couple in a lab environment that I’m concerned about because they say Activate Windows in the lower right corner.
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I have a new copy of 2019 evaluation. It keeps saying activate windows and doesn’t display time remaining. For license status is says notification. Is this something to be concerned about?
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Did you reboot the server?
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I installed a trial for 180 days, but when the system was installed, the time was set wrongly and I had to edit the same. Boom, the system marks the license as expired. how can Microsoft be so silly to track system timing instead of an internal clock ?
After all the efforts I had put it to set up a demo of my application, it has already started shutting down every hour. The above has only extended for 10 days and I can understand why.
Is there any fix for my issue or I have to reinstall all overe again ?
Appreciate any thoughts.
Wish my app worked in Linux !!
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Hi Srini, Just checking have you got any solution
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How to rearm when the rearm count is 0
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Then it’s game over.
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yes. does I have to wait for counter = 0 days? I rearmed when 2 days remained
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No, no need for waiting
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Well, the evaluation days aren’t cumulative, so you lose the extra few days – you can rearm after one day at 179 days, 6 times in a row, and then basically “waste” 894 potential evaluation days… Microsoft is being really generous for once, but seeing as that only a student would evaluate a server platform this long, here’s another good business lesson: find a company who can pay, and charge them enough so you can buy the license.
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should the rearm stil work Patrick? when I rearmed I see extended period of only 10 days…..
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Machine rebooted?
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