Extend Windows Server evaluation
The evaluation period for Windows Server is 180 days. After this period, you're required to supply a valid product key to activate the installation. However, since the activation code for the server version of Windows can be expensive, Microsoft allows you to use a command to reset the trial period a few times, allowing you to continue using the operating system fully unlocked.
Performing this command will reset the evaluation period to 180 days and will decrease the "rearm" count by one. When the rearm count reaches zero, you will not be able to rearm the license again and will have to provide an activation code or scrap your server.
Extend evaluation time of Windows Server
To rearm follow these steps:
- Open cmd (Command Prompt) or PowerShell in administrator mode, right click and select the Run as administrator option.
- To view the details of the current license (optional)
slmgr /dlv
- To reset the evaluation period of your Windows Server:
slmgr /rearm
Restart the server and open cmd (or PowerShell) again.
- To confirm the extension of the evaluation period with a 180 days:
slmgr /dli
Once you complete the steps, the Windows Server installation will continue to be valid for another 180 days.
It is important to note that rearming a Windows Server evaluation does not activate the product. You will still need to purchase a full license if you want to continue using Windows Server after the evaluation period expires.
Finally, rearming a Windows Server will not reset any changes that you have made to the operating system, and it will not remove any data from your server.