Windows Server 2016 is available as a 180 day trial. Failure to activate within this timeframe will cause issues with the servers, such as powering off as well as issues with patching.
I recently rebuilt my HomeLab with Windows Server 2016 domain controllers, and realized that is currently still in evaluation mode. So i need to activate to ensure that i dont have any issues down the track.
| Step # | Instructions | Screenshot |
| 1 | Open a command prompt and run the following command: DISM /Online /Get-TargetEditions |  |
| 2 | Now that you have confirmed that your server is eligible to be upgraded continue on. | |
| 3 | Run the following command:DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:<ProductKey> /AcceptEULA |  |
| 4 | Press Y to restart the computer when prompted. |  |
| 5 | Run the following command once the server has been restarted to confirm the version.DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition |  |
1 Giant Nerd 