Introduction: Navigating the Windows trial period can be a bit of a tightrope walk, especially when you're working remotely via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). For those relying on Windows virtual machines (VMs) for testing or development, hitting the expiration date of a trial license can disrupt your workflow. Here's a straightforward guide on how to rearm your Windows trial license, a lifesaver for RDP users.
What Does 'Rearming' Mean? Rearming is a nifty trick under Windows’ sleeve, allowing users to reset the evaluation period of their Windows installation. Essentially, it's like hitting the snooze button on your trial's expiration notification.
Step-by-Step Rearming Process:
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Spot the Expiration: You'll typically receive a notification when your Windows trial period is nearing its end.
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Open Command Prompt as Admin: On your VM, launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges. This is crucial for the rearming command to work.
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Enter the Rearm Command: Type
slmgr -rearmand press Enter. This command tells Windows to extend the trial. -
Restart Your VM: For the rearming to take effect, a restart is necessary.
Verifying the Extension: Post-restart, you might want to check if the rearming was successful. Open Command Prompt as an admin again and type slmgr -dlv. This will show you the updated license status and the remaining trial period.
Conclusion: Rearming is an easy way to extend your Windows trial, giving you more time to work or test on your VM. While it’s a temporary fix, it can be quite handy for RDP users who rely on Windows VMs. Remember, this should only be used within the bounds of Microsoft's licensing terms.