I have recently started playing with Server 2025 Evaluation and trying to configure it in my homelab so it is easy to deploy as I test things out.
However, there was a recent Reddit thread that pointed my attention to supposedly not having any rearms like you did in the previous server versions.
With a fresh install of Server 2025, you are put into the initial grace period with 10 days. After this grace period the product will activate and you will have 180 days (I forced it with slmgr /ato), with 1 rearm left. From my testing I believe you will get 1 full year with the product. (10 days + 180 days + rearm (180 days)).
However, if you deploy Server 2025 and then try to create a VMware Template and deploy from template the customization, you will kill the 1 rearm you have. I think this might be where the disconnect is.
If we go back to 2006 though, and after installing Server 2025 on the VM you want to be your template, you can perform the following tasks so all new deployments will retain the 1 re-arm.
- Set the Rearm Registry Setting to 1
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform\SkipRearm
- Run Sysprep, and make sure to check the generalize checkbox, and have the system shutdown
- Convert said VM into a template, and then deploy from that template
- Make sure you do not then try to customize in vmware! Just Deploy From Template and Power On!
From my initial experience this should provide any new VMs you deploy from template to also land in that 10 day grace period with 1 rearm left.