Question Windows 2019 expires after some days

[hitchhiker0]

Hello,
I created some Windows 2019 virtual machine starting from a single installation. I did the installation from an evalutation .iso file I downloaded from microsoft (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-2019).
I picked the virtual disc and I copied it and attached it to a new virtual machine then I did the sysprep (with generalize option). After some days (10-15 days) the Windows Licence is expired.
I did the rearm of all 4 virtual machines I deployed from the same virtual disk, but I did not understand why the licence expired because I use Windows only around 2 weeks not 180 days.
Suggestion to avoid the rearm due to this odd behaviour?

Regards,
H.

 

[USAFRet]

The "evaluation .iso" is strictly that...for evaluation.

Why 2 weeks instead of 180 days? Unknown.

You want a permanent install, purchase a valid license. Yes, even VM's need a valid license.
Server2019 starts at around $500 ea.

 

[hitchhiker0]

Yes, I did a laboratory to test some software. I need to use them at least for a month so 180 days are enough, but Windows 2019 installed on my vms expires within 2 weeks. I do not know why, so I ask if someone can give me some hints.

 

[onespeedbiker]

Even with the Evaluation versions they must be activated over the internet. My guess is you have not done so, they will expire in weeks, not months.

 

[hitchhiker0]

I do not why but it's around 7 days. It appears it activated.

Maybe I should switch to Windows 2016, not so picky.

 

[USAFRet]

Yes, it will be activated. Right up until the moment it isn't.

When you downloaded this from Microsoft, did it specifically state 180 days?