Microsoft offers Evaluation editions of Windows for testing purposes. These include:
These versions help IT professionals validate deployments before rolling out licensed copies. But can you upgrade them to full versions without reinstalling?
This article explains the official Microsoft stance on converting Evaluation editions to full versions—without using unsupported registry hacks or scripts.
No, this is not supported. According to Microsoft’s official guidance:
You cannot upgrade the Evaluation edition to a licensed edition. A clean installation is required.
This applies to all Enterprise Evaluation editions, including Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024. The system does not support in-place upgrades or license key activation paths from Evaluation to full. If you’ve deployed an evaluation build, you’ll need to reinstall the licensed version from scratch using the correct media and product key.
| Edition | Can be Upgraded In-Place? | Requires Clean Install? | Microsoft Support Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 Enterprise Evaluation | No | Yes | Clean install only |
| Windows 10 Enterprise Evaluation | No | Yes | Clean install only |
| Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 Evaluation | No | Yes | Clean install only |
| Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 Evaluation | No | Yes | Clean install only |
Online forums often share scripts that try to:
Edit registry values like EditionID
Use DISM to change the Windows edition
Force activation with unofficial or mismatched product keys
While these methods may appear to work temporarily, they are:
Not supported by Microsoft
Unreliable for updates or long-term activation
At risk of breaking system functionality or violating license terms
In some cases, users attempt to install license files from the full version onto Evaluation editions. This can lead to serious issues, such as:
DISM /Get-CurrentEdition and /Get-TargetEditions returning errors
Missing edition packages and licensing components
Problems applying future Windows updates (which often include licensing fixes and feature unlocks — for example, sandbox support or KMS activation in IoT LTSC builds)
Microsoft regularly updates license files through Windows Update, so using outdated or mismatched files can cause unpredictable behavior. It’s always safer to perform a clean install of the licensed edition or extend the evaluation period properly, if applicable.
| Action | Supported? |
|---|---|
| Upgrade Evaluation In-Place | No |
| Clean Install Full Version | Yes |
| Activate with Retail/Volume Key | Yes (clean install only) |
| Use registry or DISM hacks | Unsupported |
Whether you’re working with Windows 10, 11, or IoT Enterprise Evaluation editions, the path to a stable, supported full version is the same: clean installation using licensed media.
Avoid unsupported scripts and shortcuts they may cause long-term system or licensing issues. Always follow Microsoft’s guidance for production deployments.
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