How to upgrade Windows Server 2008 R2 to different Editions

Now if you accidentally or in mistake you installed wrongly the edition of Windows Server 2008 R2, it is not required to reinstall the entire OS again. Such a good news?

With DISM, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool, you can conveniently upgrade your server Edition.

1. Run DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition

2. Run DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions 

3. Run DISM /online /Set-Edition:<edition ID> /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

4. Once the key is valid, then the upgrade will start automatically. Reboot the server after the process complete.

5. Server rebooted and will show the Windows is being upgraded during the startup of the Windows.

6. Check from the DISM and also the System Properties, the Windows Edition has been changed to Enterprise Edition.

7. Done. Easy right?

However, you may need to follow the supported upgrade paths for this Upgrade, else the thing won't work.

i) Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard ->Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise -> Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter

ii) Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Server Core -> Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Server Core -> Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter Server Core

iii) Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation -> Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard