This guide explains how to install Windows Server using Microsoft’s evaluation ISO and convert it to a fully activated Retail version using your product key.
If Windows Server is already installed and you only want to upgrade the edition, see: Upgrade overview for Windows Server
Step 1 #
First download the official Windows Server installation file.
- Click Download to get the ISO file directly from Microsoft’s CDN.
- Select the Windows Server version that matches your purchase.
[lc_download_box product=”windows-server-iso”]
Step 2: Convert Evaluation to Retail #
After installing Windows Server, you must convert the Evaluation version into a Retail version in order to activate your license key.
2.1: Open PowerShell as Administrator #
- Click the Start menu
- Search for PowerShell
- Right-click Windows PowerShell
- Select Run as administrator
2.2: Run the conversion command #
Enter the command that matches your purchased edition. Replace XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX with your actual product key.
For Windows Server Standard:
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /AcceptEula /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
For Windows Server Datacenter:
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /AcceptEula /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
⚠️ Your server may restart automatically during this process.
2.3: Alternative method (if needed) #
If the previous command fails, perform the conversion and activation in two separate steps.
Run this command first:
For Windows Server Standard:
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /AcceptEula
For Windows Server Datacenter:
DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /AcceptEula
Then run the activation key command:
DISM /Online /Set-ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula
We hope you found the installation guide useful. If you encounter any problems or need help with any step, our customer service is here to assist, click “Contact us” in the footer.
