What edition of MSSQL to choose, then to switch to a license?

Question

SQL Server

Good afternoon!
Couldn't find a clear answer to my question on google.
The situation is as follows: the enterprise needs to update the software, and for this you need a server of at least 17th; the purchase is already going on for half a year and the key will arrive, perhaps only at the end of the year, and the deadline is running out, - as a result, I decided to carry out a test update, but I don’t know what to choose - MSSQL Express, or you can install the Developer version, - after receiving key to painlessly license the server, is it possible to do this? Or will I have to reinstall the edition?

Answer 1

To change the edition, migration is required, as the set of components changes.

Answer 2

Updated Express on Dev. Everything went off without a hitch. You only need to update not by installing on top, but by selecting the appropriate item in the installer (Edition Upgrade). I don’t remember about the key, but judging by the mana on the network, it is possible to enter a new one.
UPD: yes, I updated within the same version (14 like).