If your Windows Server license has expired, or your server doesn't have one, the server may automatically shut down every hour. This can disrupt operations and productivity.

You can quickly stop the recurring shutdowns using the PsExec tool from Microsoft.

Here's how:

  1. Download PsExec from the Microsoft site.
  2. Extract the PsExec files to a folder.
  3. Open an elevated Command Prompt.
  4. CD to the PsExec folder.
  5. Run "psexec -i -s cmd.exe"

This will open a new command prompt with SYSTEM privileges.

  1. Type "services.msc" to open the services manager.
  2. Locate the Windows License Monitoring Service.
  3. Right-click and select Properties.
  4. Change the Startup Type to Disabled.
  5. Click OK and restart the server.

Video Guide: Link

This will stop the automatic hourly shutdowns.

Note: While a license is not required for Windows Server to function, running it unactivated does result in a watermark on the desktop. Purchasing a license removes the watermark.

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