Convert Server 2012 Standard to Datacenter with a Simple Command (Evaluation to Retail)

Before you attempt to convert from evaluation to retail, verify that your server is actually running an evaluation version. To do this, do either of the following:

• From an elevated command prompt, run slmgr.vbs /dlv; evaluation versions will include “EVAL” in the output.
• From the Start screen, open Control Panel. Open System and Security, and then System. View Windows activation status in the Windows activation area of the System page. Click View details in Windows activation for more information about your Windows activation status.

DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition.

DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:XXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX/AcceptEula

Converting a current volume-licensed version to a current retail version

At any time after installing Windows Server 2012, you can freely convert it between a volume-licensed version, a retail version, or an OEM version. The edition remains the same during this conversion.

To do this, from an elevated command prompt, run:

slmgr /ipk <key>

Where <key> is the appropriate volume-license, retail, or OEM product key.