If you installed the Windows Server 2022 Evaluation version, you must convert it to a full retail or volume version before it will accept a standard key. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
Convert and activate by replacing with your desired version (e.g., ServerStandard or ServerDatacenter ) and entering your key: DISM /online /Set-Edition: /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula . Restart your server to apply the changes. How to Convert Windows Server Evaluation to Full Version how to activate windows server 2022
Enter your 25-character product key and follow the prompts to complete activation. 2. Using the Command Line (Slmgr) If you installed the Windows Server 2022 Evaluation
Check your current edition: DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition . Restart your server to apply the changes
Activating Windows Server 2022 is a critical step to ensure your server remains functional and secure. Without activation, you will face limited functionality and frequent expiration notifications. Depending on your environment—whether it's a single server or a large-scale virtualization setup—Microsoft offers several activation methods. 1. Activating via the Settings App (GUI)