How to download, install and activate Windows Server 2025 Standard/Datacenter (How to Convert Windows Server Evaluation to Full Version With DISM)

Introduction (Hook & Context)

You’ve tested, configured, and validated your Windows Server 2025 Evaluation setup. Now, it’s time to transition to a fully licensed production environment. Whether you’re upgrading to Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter, this guide walks you through the seamless conversion process using Microsoft’s built-in tools.

The Evaluation edition offers a 180-day trial—ideal for testing—but lacks long-term licensing. Converting to the full version unlocks perpetual use, compliance, and access to critical updates. The key to this transition? The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) utility. Let’s dive in!

Crucial Prerequisites (Before You Start)

Before converting your Server 2025 Evaluation, ensure you’ve checked these boxes:

1. Administrator Privileges

   • Right-click Command Prompt or PowerShell and select Run as Administrator.

2. Valid Product Key

   • Retail/MAK Key: Purchased directly from Microsoft or a reseller.

   • KMS Activation: Requires a Generic Volume License Key (GVLK) for initial conversion, followed by activation via your organization’s KMS host.

3. Internet Connection (Recommended for activation).

4. Backup Your Server (Use Windows Server Backup or third-party tools).

5. Stable System: Ensure no pending updates or crashes.

   
   

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Step 1: Identify Your Current Windows Server 2025 Edition

Confirm you’re running an Evaluation version:

DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition  

Output Example:

Current Edition: ServerStandardEval  

If the result ends with "Eval," proceed!

Step 2: Check Available Target Editions

Verify upgrade paths:

DISM /Online /Get-TargetEditions  

Output:

Target Editions: ServerStandard, ServerDatacenter  

Step 3: Performing the Conversion with DISM

Open an Elevated Command Prompt (see prerequisite screenshot).

Run the DISM Command:Replace <EditionID> and XXXXX-XXXXX... with your target edition and key:

DISM /Online /Set-Edition:<EditionID> /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula  

Key Scenarios:

• KMS Setup (GVLK):

  
  

  # Standard Edition DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:YOUR-WS2025-STANDARD-GVLK /AcceptEula

  # Datacenter Edition DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:YOUR-WS2025-DATACENTER-GVLK /AcceptEula

  
  

  Note: GVLKs prepare the server for KMS activation but don’t activate it yet.

• MAK/Retail Key:

  
  

  DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula

Reboot Your Server after completion.

Step 4: Verify the ConversionPost-reboot, confirm success:

DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition  

Expected Output:

Current Edition: ServerStandard  

Step 5: Activate Your LicenseFor MAK/Retail Keys:

slmgr.vbs /ato  

For KMS Activation:

slmgr.vbs /ipk YOUR-GVLK-KEY  
slmgr.vbs /skms kms.yourdomain.com  
slmgr.vbs /ato  

Check activation status with slmgr.vbs /dlv.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Error	Solution
0x800f0906	Invalid product key. Verify key type.
Activation Failure	Check firewall settings or KMS host.
Stuck Conversion	Review %WINDIR%\Logs\DISM\dism.log.

FAQ SectionQ: Can I convert without a product key?A: No—a valid key is

mandatory.

Q: Does this delete my apps or data?A: No, it’s an in-place conversion.

Q: What if my Evaluation expired?A: Conversion still works, but activate immediately.

Q: Where do I get GVLKs?A: Microsoft’s Volume Licensing Service Center.

ConclusionConverting your Windows Server 2025 Evaluation to a full version is straightforward with DISM. By following these steps, you ensure compliance, unlock long-term support, and keep your infrastructure secure.

Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Standard

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