Read first post again try 8250-8400 WM Aero Re-Enabler registry trick for aero. If dism not allows to install at betas try first post registry keys and copying your files. As the files are a few, maybe mum and manifests can be edited for beta versions number and cat can be recreated.
Main thread/post updated with: [Update from March 22, 2025] - Related to Windows 2008 R2 specific procedure; and [Update from March 22, 2025] - Added images for Windows 8.1 and Server 2012 R2
I did not try something like this before. But I'm planning in two different versions. Timebombed version (by taking files from 7000, replace versions in .manifest and .mum files, re-generate catalog) Debombed version which is way tougher. But thanks, I ran out of ideas to do anyways.
After some works, I was able to activate Windows 7 build 7100 x86 using ServerHyperCore SKU. I replaced the ProductPolicy BINARY value in .manifest file to match with RTM Ultimate edition. These are the only two problems: Aero isn't supported by default. Due to the SKU. Had to use Personalization Panel v1.2.1 which worked on ServerHyperCore too. OOBE doesn't launch, preventing the user from logging on by default. You have to do the utilman.exe trick in order to login to the disabled Administrator account or create a new one. Spoiler: Windows 7 build 7100 32-Bit
@example12345678912345678 Unfortunately after integrating the packages in Windows Thin PC (Windows Embedded POSReady 7) Hyper-V key is not accepted and reported as invalid and not-Embedded key, any workaround?
Can this method be used to offline activate: Windows Server DC 2025 with Desktop Experience (26100.XXXXX) Windows Server DC 2025 Azure-Edition with Desktop Experience
Yes but azure sku in 2025 are useless datacenter sku same features Only exception are azure sku for datacenter 2022
Where can I get the necessary files to integrate into the Windows server 2025 WIM file? The guide on 1st post is not clear. "- Azure Stack HCI, 24H2 to be added on Windows 11 2024 Update 24H2/Server 2025 build 26100 and in this case you will get permanent activation;" Do I need to get a hold of an AzureStackHCI ISO and extract the files from it? Do I need to get the fiiles from somewhere else, and create cab files? I have used DISM many times, and intergrated packages into mounted wim files. I just don't understand where to get the files from. Someone please explain in proper English.
So, if I have Windows Server DC 2025 26100.32230 x64 en-US, I can use the files from Azure Local 26100.1742 to activate it? Spoiler In particular, here are some of the files I found inside the install.WIM file inside the AzureLocal24H2.26100.1742.LCM.12.2601.0.3137.x64.en-us.iso file: Spoiler Microsoft-Windows-Branding-ServerAzureStackHCICor-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1.cat Microsoft-Windows-Branding-ServerAzureStackHCICor-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1.mum Microsoft-Windows-Licenses-ServerAzureStackHCICor-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1.cat Microsoft-Windows-Licenses-ServerAzureStackHCICor-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1.mum Microsoft-Windows-Licenses-ServerAzureStackHCICor-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~en-US~10.0.26100.1.cat Microsoft-Windows-Licenses-ServerAzureStackHCICor-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~en-US~10.0.26100.1.mum Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-AzureStackHCIAddOn-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1.cat Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-AzureStackHCIAddOn-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1.mum Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-AzureStackHCIAddOn-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~en-US~10.0.26100.1.cat Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-AzureStackHCIAddOn-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~en-US~10.0.26100.1.mum Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-Component-SKU-ServerAzureStackHCICor-Default-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1.cat Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-Component-SKU-ServerAzureStackHCICor-Default-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1.mum Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-Component-SKU-ServerAzureStackHCICor-License-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1.cat Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-Component-SKU-ServerAzureStackHCICor-License-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1.mum Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-Component-SKU-ServerAzureStackHCICor-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1.cat Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-Component-SKU-ServerAzureStackHCICor-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.26100.1.mum How to package them into installable CAB files, for installing using DISM? NOTE - I could have just used the 26100 package that pp03 published and integrate that into my Server 2025, but the files in it are PL-PL, not en-US language.