This post describes a process for upgrading a Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard edition to the Datacenter edition using generic Key Management Server (KMS) keys.

See Also

Procedure

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool (DISM) will work for what you need to do, but it has to be done according to the supported upgrade path:

  • Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard
    • Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise
      • Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter

NOTE: If the server you are trying to upgrade is a domain controller then you will need to demote it first, convert it, and then promote it again.

NOTE: All of the steps below need to be run from an elevated command prompt.

Upgrade Server Version to Enterprise

DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition

Use DISM to check for current edition

DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions

Use DISM to activate enterprise edition

DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerEnterprise /ProductKey:489J6-VHDMP-X63PK-3K798-CPX3Y

(Reboot recommended, note several automatic reboots may occur as part of the upgrade process)

Upgrade Server Version to Datacenter

DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition
DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions
DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDataCenter /ProductKey:74YFP-3QFB3-KQT8W-PMXWJ-7M648

(Reboot recommended, note several automatic reboots may occur as part of the upgrade process)

Confirm Server Version is Datacenter

DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition

Use DISM to check for current edition

Activate server

Check the server properties page from the Control Panel application (Control Panel -> System and Security -> System) to see if activation is needed. If the activation fails with the Key Management Server (KMS) then you can try to activate using a Multiple Activation Key (MAK).