Problem:
Some of the virtual servers in my infrastructure kept shutting down unexpectedly. All of these VMs are Windows Server 2016 evaluation (datacenter edition) and all my others VMs (Linux, Windows 7) wasn’t presenting these symptoms. Obviously, the problem related to the VM and the operating system itself.
Probably you have tried (or should try first) these solutions already here: Computer Shuts Down Randomly
Solution:
This is another simple solution but difficult to identify. I am using Windows Server 2016 evaluation in my test lab and didn’t notice that the evaluation period has expired. So, I need to rearm the server license to extend the trial period.
Windows will shut down on purpose, to remind you to activate the license! After solving this issue, the servers won’t shut down again, until you rearm the license again (You could do it up to 6 times). Of course, this is not for commercial purpose, only for testing labs.
Follow these steps:
- Open Windows PowerShell
- To check current license status, run slmgr -dlv
- To ream Windows license, run slmgr -rearm.
- Restart Windows, run Restart-Computer
For more information go to this well-written post about how to extend the Windows license. Windows Server 2016 Evaluation: How to extend the Trial Period
Note: Curious thing, I had the same issue two years ago, and I totally forgot about it. That is why I consider important documenting everything, even though it could be a simple thing like this, the solution will change depending on your environment/situation.