How to Reset the Windows Server 2012/2016/2019/2022 Evaluation Period

The Windows Server Evaluation Edition version can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website and is designed to evaluate its capabilities. The Windows Server Evaluation Edition has full functionality, updates and works for an evaluation period (180 days).

At the end of the evaluation period, you will be able to see judges in the bottom corner of the screen. You get the message: “License has expired”. This will automatically shut down the server. If you turn the server back on, it will automatically turn off again after an hour.

However, Microsoft offers the option to reset the evaluation period and this ensures that you can continue to use Windows Server fully for the next (180 days). You can do this for a total of (180 days * 6 = 3 years).

To do this, you need to run the command prompt as Administrator or PowerShell and run the following commands:

slmgr -rearm

Now restart your server.

Once your server has restarted, log in again via RDP and open command prompt or PowerShell and run the following command:

slmgr -dli

You now have another evaluation period (180 days).