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What to Expect

Windows Server evaluation images include up to five rearmer credits. Each rearm grants another 180 days, so you can test for roughly 36 months in total before you must license the product.
  • ⏱️ You can run the rearm at any point before the trial expires.
  • 🔁 Every rearm reduces the remaining counter—track it so you’re not surprised.
  • 🧾 Once the counter hits zero, you must activate Windows with a full license.

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Extend the Trial in Three Commands

1

Check the current activation window

Launch PowerShell as Administrator and inspect the licensing state:
slmgr -dlv
The dialog shows the remaining days and how many rearms you still have.
2

Rearm the evaluation build

Trigger a fresh 180-day period with:
slmgr -rearm
You will receive a confirmation pop-up when the command succeeds.
3

Reboot to apply the new timer

Apply the change immediately:
Restart-Computer
After reboot, run slmgr -dlv again to verify the new expiration date.

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Stay Within Microsoft’s Rules

Evaluation only. Rearms are provided for lab and proof-of-concept use. Once testing is finished—or the rearm counter is exhausted—you must buy the appropriate Windows Server licence to stay compliant with Microsoft’s Software License Terms.
  • ✅ Rearms are capped (typically five). Plan for the day you need to activate.
  • ✅ Document each rearm so teammates know how many are left.
  • ✅ Running in production with an evaluation build violates Microsoft policy.
When you’re ready to go live, activate Windows through your volume licence, Azure Hybrid Benefit, or retail key so updates and support continue uninterrupted.