In this blog post I will show you how to extend your trial period to three years. The evaluation version of Windows Server 2012 / 2016 is valid for 180 days and you can convert your trial version to retail.

To explore Windows Server 2016 or 2019 download it here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-2016/

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-2019

After installing, you can try it out for 180 days. After 180 days you and your system will run into troubles for sure. But the good news is: You can extend the period to another 180 days up to 3 years.

Extending the Trial Period

First, take a look at your desktop. You should see the countdown in the corner down right.

Or start PowerShell and run slmgr.

slmgr -dlv

Pay attention to the Timebased activation expiration and the Remaining Windows rearm count. You can rearm the period 6 times. (180 days * 6 = 3 years).

When the period comes to an end, run slmgr -rearm to extend it by another 180 days.

slmgr -rearm

Next restart your computer.

Restart-Computer

Once restarted, open PowerShell and check your settings.

slmgr -dli

Important Note

The evaluation version may not be used for commercial purposes. Have fun playing with the Windows Server 2016 Evaluation Version!

By the way: You can do the same with Windows 10. But the Windows 10 Evaluation Version can be used only for 180 days in total.