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 
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?
LikeLike
Connect your computer to an Internet connection, so the Windows activation server will grant you 180 days of activation.
LikeLike
Why I am getting extended only for 10 days after -rearm every time?
LikeLike
Why I am getting extended only for 10 after -rearm every time?
LikeLike
How to convert the trial version into retail version when the rearm count is 0
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
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?
LikeLike
Did you reboot the server?
LikeLike
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 !!
LikeLike
Hi Srini, Just checking have you got any solution
LikeLike
How to rearm when the rearm count is 0
LikeLike
Then it’s game over.
LikeLike
yes. does I have to wait for counter = 0 days? I rearmed when 2 days remained
LikeLike
No, no need for waiting
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
should the rearm stil work Patrick? when I rearmed I see extended period of only 10 days…..
LikeLike
Machine rebooted?
LikeLike