Reset Windows Evaluation license

Windows Server Evaluation is a trial version of Microsoft’s server operating system, offered completely free of charge. It provides the same full set of features as the standard editions of Windows Server but is intended solely for testing and temporary use — typically for up to 180 days.

This allows you to explore all the capabilities of Windows Server before committing to a full license.

At SebekVPS.com, Windows Server Evaluation is available on all plans. It serves as a practical solution for quickly deploying virtual servers (VDS) with a Windows OS for temporary needs.

Who is it for?

This option is ideal for customers who:

• Want to test the full functionality of Windows Server on a VDS environment

• Need a cost-effective option for short-term projects

• Are learning or testing applications in a Windows Server environment

But there are IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS!

After the trial period ends, Windows Server will begin sending shutdown signals to the system. As a result, your VDS will start shutting down automatically due to Windows licensing mechanisms.

In the Windows Event Log, you will see an entry similar to:

The process C:\Windows\system32\wlms\wlms.exe (<name>) has initiated the shutdown of computer <name> on behalf of user NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM.  
Reason Code: 0x80000000  
Comment: The license period for this installation of Windows has expired. The computer is shutting down.

You may also see this message:

The evaluation period for this version of Windows has expired. The system will shut down every hour.

Additionally, your desktop background will turn black, and a watermark will appear in the bottom-right corner notifying you that the evaluation period has expired.

How to Fix It and Continue Using the Server?

You can extend the trial period up to 5 times, each extension lasting another 180 days - completely free.

Here’s how to extend it:

1. Connect to your server via RDP (Remote Desktop).

2. Open PowerShell from the Start menu.

3. Run the following command:

slmgr /rearm

This will reset the evaluation timer and give you a fresh trial period. Once done, your server will continue to operate normally under the renewed license window.