How to Convert Windows Server Evaluation to Standard or Datacenter (2019, 2022, 2025)
Stephen NdegwaThis guide explains the correct and Microsoft-supported way to convert Windows Server Evaluation editions to Standard or Datacenter for Windows Server 2019, 2022, and 2025.
It is written for:
- Public cloud providers
- OpenStack / KVM environments
- SPLA / KMS-based licensing
- Automated VM provisioning workflows
No retail or MAK keys are required for the conversion step.
1. Why Evaluation Conversion Fails for Many Users
Common mistakes:
- Using retail or MAK keys on Evaluation editions
- Using a 2019 key on 2022/2025
- Attempting activation before edition conversion
- Mixing KMS client keys with DISM incorrectly
Important rule:
Evaluation → Full edition conversion must be done using the correct Generic Volume License Key (GVLK) for the OS version and edition.
2. Identify Your Windows Server Version
Run:
DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition
Or check build number:
winver
| Build | Windows Version |
|---|---|
| 17763 | Server 2019 |
| 20348 | Server 2022 |
| 26100+ | Server 2025 |
3. Supported Conversion Keys (GVLK)
These keys are public, Microsoft-documented, and intended for KMS/SPLA environments.
Windows Server 2019
| Edition | GVLK |
|---|---|
| Standard | N69G4-B89J2-4G8F4-WWYCC-J464C |
| Datacenter | WMDGN-G9PQG-XVVXX-R3X43-63DFG |
Windows Server 2022
| Edition | GVLK |
|---|---|
| Standard | VDYBN-27WPP-V4HQT-9VMD4-VMK7H |
| Datacenter | WX4NM-KYWYW-QJJR4-XV3QB-6VM33 |
Windows Server 2025
| Edition | GVLK |
|---|---|
| Standard | TVRH6-WHNXV-R9WG3-9XRFY-MY832 |
| Datacenter | D764K-2NDRG-47T6Q-P8T8W-YP6DF |
4. Convert Evaluation → Standard or Datacenter
Example: Convert to Standard
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:<GVLK> /AcceptEula
Example: Convert to Datacenter
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:<GVLK> /AcceptEula
Replace <GVLK> with the correct key from Section 3.
5. Reboot (Mandatory)
After DISM completes successfully:
shutdown /r /t 0
The edition change is finalized only after reboot.
6. Activate Using KMS (SPLA / Cloud Providers)
After reboot, point the server to your KMS host:
slmgr /skms kms.yourdomain.local
slmgr /ato
Activation will succeed once:
- KMS host is licensed
- Minimum activation threshold is met
7. Verify Status
DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition
slmgr /dlv
Expected output:
- Edition:
ServerStandardorServerDatacenter - License Status:
Licensed - Activation Channel:
VOLUME_KMSCLIENT
8. Automation Notes (OpenStack / Cloudbase-Init)
For cloud environments:
- Perform conversion once on the golden image
- Sysprep after conversion
- Use KMS activation at first boot via cloud-init or Cloudbase-Init
Never ship Evaluation images to production tenants.
9. Compliance Notes for Providers
- GVLK keys are not licenses
- Licensing is enforced via SPLA / CSP reporting
- This method is fully Microsoft-compliant
- Retail or MAK keys must not be used for tenant VMs
10. Common Errors and Causes
| Error | Cause |
|---|---|
0x8a010101 | Retail/KMS key used on Eval |
1605 | Wrong OS version key |
| Activation fails | KMS threshold not met |
| Edition unchanged | Reboot skipped |
Conclusion
Converting Windows Server Evaluation editions correctly requires:
- Matching OS version
- Correct GVLK
- DISM-based edition change
- KMS activation after reboot
This approach scales cleanly for public clouds, OpenStack, and SPLA environments and avoids licensing violations.
Written by Stephen Ndegwa
Stephen Ndegwa is a systems and infrastructure professional with experience in web hosting, server administration, and domain management. He focuses on building reliable platforms, documenting practical solutions, and simplifying technical concepts for real-world use.
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