In this blog post I will show you how to extend your trial period to three years. The evaluation version of Windows Server 2016 / 2022 is valid for 180 days and you can convert your trial version to retail.
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 -dlvPay 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-ComputerOnce 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 10711. But the Windows 10/11 Evaluation Version can be used only for 180 days in total.
Categories: Windows Server
My name is Patrick Gruenauer. From Austria.
SID-500.COM 
Hi Patrick,
In my case, Evaluation has expired. when i run “slmgr – rearm” and restart machine. I could see that it has been extended only for 10 days (slmgr – dli). i do not have Internet connect to this VM. any suggestions??
LikeLike
Hi,
I guess you’ll net internet connection to rearm and extend the period.
All the best,
P
LikeLike
Rearming worked! Thank you Patrick!!
LikeLike
Welcome!
LikeLike
Thanks a lot. After looking around to backup, not migrate data, there was a lack out there. This is very helpful. Took a break from MCSA training and the counter reset from 4 days to 180.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Works like a charm! Fantastic! I ran to the problem of server keeps restarting every hour, and this method saved me until I get the license
Thank you
LikeLike
You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure.
LikeLike
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
How did you solve your problem?
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