Convert Windows Server Evaluation Version into Windows Server Retail(Full) Version (Activation of Windows Server 2012/2012 R2)

Procedure for Activating Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 Evaluation version into Retail(Full) Version is not possible with the GUI wizard.

It can be done only using Command-Prompt.

Follow the below procedure for activating Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 Evaluation Version into Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 Retail(Full) Version-

i) Open Command-Prompt with Run as Administrator.

ii) Enter the following command to check the current edition of installed operating system-
   
    dism /online /get-CurrentEdition



iii) Enter the next command to upgrade it to full version (Standard Eval to Standard Full Version/ Datacenter Eval to Datacenter Full Version/ Standard Eval to Datacenter Full version)

Note:- You cannot downgrade the version. Ex- If Current Edition is Datacenter Eval edition, then it cannot be downgraded to Standard Full version.

Run this command to upgrade it to the full edition-

   dism /online /Set-Edition: ServerStandard /ProductKey:"Enter your Product key here" /AcceptEula



iv) Enter "Y" to restart the computer.



v) Click Close.

Hope it helps!

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