Extend the evaluation period of Windows Server 2016 Evaluation Edition

To extend the evaluation period of Windows Server 2016 Evaluation Edition, Microsoft provides a way to re-arm the trial. You can do this up to 6 times, with each re-arm giving you an additional 180 days (or less depending on the edition and usage).

Here’s how you can check and rearm the evaluation license:

🔍 Step 1: Check Remaining Days

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

slmgr /dli

This will show you the current license status and how many days are left.

To see detailed license information including remaining re-arms:

slmgr /dlv

🔄 Step 2: Re-arm the License

If you have remaining re-arms, run this in Command Prompt as Administrator:

slmgr /rearm

Then, restart the server. This will reset the licensing timer.

##❗Important Notes

• You can rearm up to 6 times (giving a total potential of 3 years of use).
• If you’ve used all re-arms, you’ll need to:

— Purchase a license and activate it with a valid product key. — Or reinstall the evaluation ISO (this will wipe data unless backed up). To check how many re-arms are left:

slmgr /dlv

Look for the line: “Remaining Windows rearm count”