Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: mssql error: The evaluation period has expired

MSSQL evaluation period has expired error on CentOS installation

Quick Answer: The issue is caused by the evaluation period expiring. Try reinstalling MSSQL with a new edition or purchasing a license to continue using the software.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. 💡 Conclusion

The 'mssql error: The evaluation period has expired' issue is typically encountered by users who are trying to install or use Microsoft SQL Server on CentOS systems. This error occurs when the user attempts to configure SQL Server without purchasing a valid license, which includes an expiration date.

This error can be frustrating for system administrators and developers who rely on SQL Server for their projects. Fortunately, there are several methods to resolve this issue and continue using SQL Server.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that the user has chosen a free edition of SQL Server (Evaluation, Developer, or Express) without purchasing a valid license. These editions have an expiration date after which they lose their functionality.
  • Another possible cause could be that the user's system is experiencing issues with the installation process, causing the setup to fail and return this error.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Reinstalling SQL Server with a valid license

  1. Step 1: Uninstall SQL Server using the following command: sudo /opt/mssql/bin/mssql-uninstall
  2. Step 2: Download a valid license for SQL Server from Microsoft's official website or through a retail sales channel.
  3. Step 3: Install SQL Server again using the following command: sudo /opt/mssql/bin/mssql-conf setup

Updating the system and reinstalling SQL Server

  1. Step 1: Update the system to ensure all packages are up-to-date using the following command: sudo yum update -y mssql-server
  2. Step 2: Reinstall SQL Server using the following command: sudo /opt/mssql/bin/mssql-conf setup

💡 Conclusion

To resolve the 'mssql error: The evaluation period has expired' issue, it is recommended to reinstall SQL Server with a valid license or update the system and reinstall SQL Server. By following these steps, users can continue using SQL Server without any issues.

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