This edition cannot be upgraded error while upgrading to Windows server 2016 datacenter

If you have installed Windows Server 2019 / Windows Server 2016 StandardEvaluation or DatacenterEvaluation edition to try the new features of the Microsoft server platform , you have 180 days to test it. During this period, all features of Windows Server 2019/2016 are available to you.

This edition cannot be upgraded Windows server 2016 datacenter

Before we activate the Windows server with the key we have, we need to ensure that we are eligible for upgrading to full version. So, we will know the current and eligible versions of windows server with the below powershell ommands.

DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition

To know the possible target version of the windows server run the below PowerShell command,

 DISM /online /Get-TargetEditions

Now that we know the target version, run the below PowerShell command to activate windows.

DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx /AcceptEula

DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey: 
xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx /AcceptEula 

Now our windows server is activates successfully !!! You can see below now the Windows edition is Windows Server 2016 datacenter.

Hope this helps, enjoy your development and learning !!!