Microsoft provides Windows Server Evaluation editions that allow organizations and IT administrators to test the operating system for 180 days before purchasing a license. However, once testing is complete, the server must be converted to a fully licensed edition such as Windows Server 2016 Standard or Datacenter.
Many administrators perform this conversion using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. During this process, it is common to observe the system appearing stuck at 10% progress, or displaying the screen “Getting Windows ready – Don’t turn off your computer.”
This article explains the complete process, expected behavior, troubleshooting methods, and best practices for converting Windows Server 2016 Evaluation Edition to Standard Edition.
The Windows Server 2016 Evaluation Edition is designed for testing purposes and includes the following characteristics:
• Valid for 180 days
• Cannot be activated directly using a product key
• Must be converted to Standard or Datacenter edition before activation
• Supports in-place edition upgrade using DISM
Once the evaluation period expires, the server may begin automatic shutdown every hour, making conversion necessary.
Before performing the conversion, confirm that the server is running the Evaluation edition.
Run the following command in Command Prompt (Administrator):
DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition
Example output:
Current Edition : ServerStandardEval
To check supported upgrade paths:
DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions
Output typically shows:
ServerStandard
ServerDatacenter
Use the following DISM command to convert the server:
DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula
Example:
DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:BNB6J-2QTPP-B362J-DY3GM-KFBVM /AcceptEula
Where:
• /online targets the running operating system
• /Set-Edition changes the Windows edition
• /ProductKey installs the Standard license key
• /AcceptEula accepts Microsoft's license agreement automatically
Once the command is executed, Windows performs several internal servicing operations.
DISM installs the product key and prepares the edition upgrade.
The system removes the package:
Microsoft-Windows-ServerStandardEvalEdition
This is where the progress bar often remains at 10% for a long time.
Windows rebuilds the component store (WinSxS) and installs Standard edition components.
Licensing components and registry configurations are updated.
The system reboots automatically and shows the message:
“Getting Windows ready – Don’t turn off your computer.”
Many administrators believe the system is frozen, but this is normal behavior.
Common reasons:
• Removal of large component packages
• Windows component store restructuring
• Disk I/O operations
• Pending Windows updates integration
• Slow storage devices (especially HDD)
Typical timeline:
| Progress | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10% | Removing Evaluation package |
| 20–40% | Servicing component store |
| 40–70% | Installing Standard edition components |
| 70–100% | Final configuration |
The 10% stage can last 15–45 minutes.
After the DISM command completes, Windows reboots and displays:
Getting Windows ready
Don’t turn off your computer
This stage performs:
• Final component servicing
• Registry configuration updates
• Feature enablement
• License activation preparation
Depending on server performance, this stage may take 10–30 minutes.
During the upgrade process, administrators should follow these precautions:
Avoid:
• Powering off the server
• Restarting the system
• Closing the command window
Interrupting the process can lead to:
• Windows component corruption
• Boot failures
• Licensing errors
If the process appears slow, administrators can confirm activity.
tasklist | findstr dism
C:\Windows\Logs\DISM\dism.log
Open Task Manager and check:
• CPU usage
• Disk activity
If disk activity is visible, the process is still working.
If the process takes more than 60–90 minutes, investigate the following factors.
Servers running on HDD storage may experience slower servicing operations.
Install pending updates before running DISM.
Ensure at least 10–15 GB free space on the system drive.
Some antivirus software can slow servicing operations.
After reboot, confirm the new edition.
Run:
winver
Or:
DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition
Expected output:
Current Edition : ServerStandard
After conversion, activate the server:
slmgr /ato
To check activation status:
slmgr /dlv
• Always perform a full backup before conversion
• Schedule the upgrade during maintenance hours
• Ensure stable power supply
• Disable unnecessary background applications
• Verify product key validity
Converting Windows Server 2016 Evaluation Edition to Standard Edition using DISM is a safe and supported method provided by Microsoft. Although the progress bar may appear stuck at 10%, this behavior is typically normal during package removal and component servicing.
Administrators should allow the process to complete without interruption. Once finished, the server will run the fully licensed Windows Server 2016 Standard Edition, ready for activation and production use.
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