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.
| 1 | 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.
| 1 | slmgr -rearm |
Next restart your computer.
| 1 | Restart-Computer |
Once restarted, open PowerShell and check your settings.
| 1 | 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.