Windows Server 2022 product key: how to install and activate Standard
Microsoft offers Windows Server 2022 as a free evaluation download. Install it, convert the evaluation to the full Standard edition with your key, and activate.
Updated 7 October 202601Download and install
- Download the Windows Server 2022 ISO from the Microsoft Evaluation Center (the same link is in your key email).
- Install it on your server or virtual machine and choose Windows Server 2022 Standard (Desktop Experience) if you want the graphical interface.
02Convert the evaluation to the full edition
The evaluation edition won't accept a retail key directly. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula
Replace the X's with your key. The server restarts, sometimes twice. This step doesn't work on a domain controller, so convert before promoting the server.
03Activate
- Open Server Manager → Local Server and click the Product ID link.
- Enter your key if asked and click Activate. Or run
slmgr /atoas administrator.
04Licensing notes
- Windows Server Standard is licensed per core with a minimum of 16 cores per server. This key covers up to 16 physical cores.
- It allows up to 2 Windows Server virtual machines on that server.
- Client access licenses (CALs) for users or devices are separate. Ask us if you're unsure what you need.
