You will see some processes like this which is normal after a license change. Otherwise, you will get key syntax errors.

Do not leave space after “/productkey:” and add the key directly after the colon. Where it says you need to enter the Key you get from the Envelope (Scratch the gray sticker part) or online. Then use the following code: dism /online /set-edition:ServerStandard /accepteula /productkey: Open Command Prompt (CMD) and run it as Administrator. CALs are not needed to be installed this way. So, if your Standard license is $800, you need to purchase an additional $50 per user which can be added as you add more users later. You need to remember to purchase CALs (Client Access License) for each user, which is around $50~ per user. You can start Event Viewer, then find:Īpplications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > Server Infrastructure Licensing > Operational

CALs are paperwork only but if you are audited, you must provide these CALs.Įvent Viewer shows your coming shutdown. Although, Standard edition is not “unlimited” but it legally requires you to get CALs (Client Access Licenses). Unlike Standard Edition, you are capped in the software directly and experience limitations. That’s how Microsoft punishes you for not complying with their license. If you reached 25 users or 50 devices, you will experience once a week shutdowns with Essentials.

The process is fairly simple and requires a restart only. This is can be solved by buying Windows Server Standard Edition (2012,2016,2019,2022). After 25 users or 50 devices, you cannot use the Essentials edition of your Windows Server. You are probably reading this post because you are dealing with weekly shutdowns by Microsoft.

Server essentials