How to Extend the Windows Server 180-Day Evaluation Period

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

To begin, you need to run commands with administrator privileges. Here's how:

1. Press the Windows key, type PowerShell, and when it appears, right-click on it.
2. Select Run as administrator from the context menu.

Step 2: Run the Re-arm Command

Once PowerShell is open with administrative privileges, enter the following command to re-arm the evaluation period:

slmgr -rearm

This command resets the 180-day evaluation timer where Microsoft permits rearming on the installed Evaluation edition.

Note: Rearming resets the evaluation activation timer where supported by Microsoft. It does not convert an Evaluation edition into a licensed production edition.

Step 3: Reboot Your System

To complete the process, reboot your computer for the changes to take effect. A restart is necessary for the re-arm to be fully implemented.

Step 4: Check Evaluation Status

After rebooting, you can check the remaining evaluation period and rearm count by using the following command in PowerShell:

slmgr -dlv

This command displays detailed evaluation status, including the number of re-arms remaining and how much time is left on the evaluation period.

Step 5: Optional — Activate only with a valid license key

This step is not part of extending the evaluation period. It is a separate, conditional activation attempt that uses a valid Microsoft license key you already own. StealthRDP does not provide a Windows Server license.

If you have a valid license key and want to attempt activation, you can use the following command:

slmgr -ato

This command tries to activate Windows using that valid license key, if one is available.

These steps rearm or extend the Microsoft evaluation period where the installed Evaluation edition supports it. They do not activate Windows, supply a commercial license, or authorize production use. For production workloads, obtain an appropriate Microsoft Windows Server license.

If you have any issues or need further assistance, contact our support team.