Note: The server may reboot multiple times. Do not power it off. Troubleshooting Common Activation Issues Error 50 or "Edition Cannot Be Upgraded"
MSDN / Visual Studio Subscriptions
This requires a valid Retail or KMS client setup key. The server will restart twice to complete the process. Microsoft Learn Important Restrictions Domain Controllers: Windows Server 2016 Standard Iso Not Evaluation
Enterprise environments with a Volume Licensing agreement should use this method. Microsoft has transitioned most VLSC features to the admin center. Access the (or legacy VLSC). Go to Billing > Your Products > Volume Licensing . Select Downloads and Keys . Find Windows Server 2016 Standard and download the ISO.
dism /Mount-Image /ImageFile:C:\ISO\sources\install.wim /Index:2 /MountDir:C:\Mount dism /Image:C:\Mount /Set-Edition:ServerStandard dism /Unmount-Image /MountDir:C:\Mount /Commit 3. Converting an Installed Evaluation Instance Note: The server may reboot multiple times
If you have already installed the evaluation version and have a valid product key, you do not need to reinstall. You can convert it to the full Standard edition using the tool in an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell: Check current edition: dism /online /get-currentedition
: This commits the changes and unmounts the image: The server will restart twice to complete the process
If you already have a valid license key, you can access the full media through these official channels:
Replace the X's with your genuine 25-character Standard product key. Restart the server twice as prompted to complete the process. Important Constraints Convert Windows Server editions and license types
