Check out various methods to deploy Windows 10 operating system (OS) image to similar and dissimilar computers via Windows deployment tools with detailed instructions through this article.
Windows deployment tools, AKA Microsoft deployment toolkit, as its name suggests, is a collection of tools that system administrators use to make Windows operating system images. You can then use these images, along with drivers and business applications, on desktops, laptops, and servers. Windows deploy tool generally will boot all target PCs from the network which has to be set in BIOS. This also makes sense in deploying Windows 7 system image to different hardware or deploying Windows 8, XP, and other Windows OS to other PCs.
Apparently, reinstalling OS and necessary applications on each computer is not a wise choice when one plans to re-image computers on a large scale, performing Windows 10 business deployment in particular. These computers that need to be deployed may be new computers (bare metal) or dead computers, so additional work is added if you try the traditional method. Therefore, Windows deployment and imaging tools will be fairly helpful when one needs to accomplish a lot of deployments in a short amount of time.
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Currently, there are three Microsoft built-in deployment toolkits and several third-party Windows imaging tools specialized for large-scale deployment environments on the market. If you have come across different machine restore, you may have heard of these products slightly. They are the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK), the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).
Windows ADK is a collection of tools including Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer, Windows Assessment Toolkit, Windows Performance Toolkit, and a set of other deployment tools. These tools allow administrators to view image settings, policies, and add third-party drivers that they may need.
The latter two tools are more likely used in new installation and automating deployments for desktop and Server operating systems. All operations in the three toolkits are image-based.
Using Windows deployment tools like Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) offers several benefits:
✌ Streamlined Deployment: These tools automate the process of deploying Windows operating system images, drivers, and applications to multiple devices, saving time and effort for system administrators. ✌ Centralized Management: Deployment tools often provide centralized management capabilities, allowing administrators to remotely deploy and manage Windows images across the network from a single console. ✌ Cost-Effectiveness: By automating deployment tasks, organizations can reduce labor costs associated with manual setup and configuration of devices, making the deployment process more cost-effective in the long run.
☝ Complexity: Setting up and configuring deployment tools like Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) can be complex, requiring expertise in system administration and deployment technologies. System administrators may need to invest time in learning and mastering these tools. ☝ Initial Setup Time: Setting up deployment tools and creating standardized images can take time and effort, especially for organizations with complex IT environments or diverse hardware/software requirements. This initial setup phase may delay the realization of deployment benefits. ☝ No Technical Support: MDT doesn't come with official tech support from Microsoft. If you need help, you can try the MDT forum, share feedback on the Windows 10 Feedback Hub (for bugs), or contact Microsoft's general support. There are also community forums like Reddit, or you can try fixing things yourself if you're up for it.
Mentioned Windows 10 OS deployment tools are powerful strategies yet they will be fully utilized only in the hands of IT professionals mostly. This results from their complex preparations and parameter settings.
Fortunately, a lot of third-party deployment tools attempt to streamline Windows installation by replacing those complicated processes with easy-to-use interfaces and wizards. AOMEI Image Deploy (AID) is such Windows deployment software that strives to make large-scale deployment of Windows efficient and flexible with its professional technologies.
You can learn a quick comparison between the two editions from the following table.
| Free Edition | Technician Edition | |
| Number limit of client computers | unlimited PCs and up to 20 servers | unlimited PCs and servers |
| Real-time process monitor | monitor IP address, restore status and progress, and final result. | monitor IP address, restore status and progress, and final result. |
| Batch preset name of client computers | Yes | Yes |
| Batch preset IP address of client computers | No | Yes |
| Dissimilar hardware restore | No | Yes |
| Business use | No | Yes |
As you see, with AID Technician, you are allowed to preset client computer IP address and deploy the same operating system to multiple dissimilar computers as long as they are in the same LAN, while its Free edition only supports deploying images to computers with the same hardware. Learn the specific Windows 10 deployment guide in the next part. All the steps are similar with minor differences.
Before you start, please make sure:
Also, you'll need a system image without SID before Windows 10 deployment. Here the image should be created by AOMEI Backupper. Follow the steps below:
1. Download AOMEI Backupper Standard on the server computer and create bootable media with it. You have to boot from a bootable disk so that you can create a system image without SID.
2. Press "Win + R" and enter "sysprep" to find Sysprep.exe. Run it and choose "Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)", tick "Generalize" option, and select "Shutdown". This step is used to remove SID on the server computer, thus avoiding compatible issues after deployment.
3. Boot the server computer from the bootable USB just made and create a full system image with AOMEI Backupper. Remember to put the image on NAS or network share folder, which is on the same network segment of the same LAN as the server computer and all the client computers.
1. Download and install AID on the server computer. Start AOMEI Image Deploy to create a bootable WinPE ISO file for client computers by choosing Create Windows PE automatically. The ISO image will be auto-stored in the installation directory. If you want to add third-party drivers to this ISO image, choose the next one Create bootable WinPE ISO manually.
2. Check Enable DHCP box based on your condition. Generally, there should have one and only one DHCP Server in deploying. If there is no DHCP server in your LAN, check this box. After entering the second interface, you will get a prompt says: “The service has started, waiting for connect…”
3. Then it is time to start client computers. Please note that all client computers have to boot from network, meaning, you have to change boot priority of each client computer manually in BIOS.
4. After all client computers boot successfully, their status in the display list in AOMEI Image Deploy will show as “Client computers connected”. Then tick “I confirm all the client computers which need to be restored are online” option and click Next to continue.
5. Configure your deployment as follows.
a. Select backup images from network or NAS by clicking Browse.
b. Select client computers that you will deploy image to from the display list.
c. Specify disk number in client computers. Assume that there is more than one hard drive in client computers, the start disk number is 0, and the limitation is 256.
d. Now set how many computers you would like to restore at a time. For instance, if you set the value 3, AID will deploy three computers first, then deploy next three ones. This value can be set from 1 to 33. Given that all data are transferred via network, too many computers deployed at a time may slow down the transferring speed. So it is better to set the value 5.
6. (Optional) Click Settings to set client computers' names.
Tip: If there are different drivers in client computers, please upgrade to AOMEI Image Deploy Technician and check Universal Restore to ensure secure boot. It also allows you to preset IP addresses. Make sure the IP addresses you set aren’t the in-used ones in the LAN.
7. Finally, click Start Deploy to execute the deployment. You have choices to decide whether shut down or restart client PCs after deployment. Now go grab a cup of coffee and wait for the process to be completed.
Here are some key features that AOMEI Image Deploy offers:
1. Setting up and using AOMEI Image Deploy is a breeze, even for beginners. You can have it up and running in just an afternoon, and start deploying Windows OS images in minutes. 2. Forget about managing multiple images for different groups. With this Windows deployment tool, you create one custom golden image that works for any Windows device, regardless of the make or model. 3. Installing apps and drivers is easy with this Windows deployment software. You can include custom apps and devices in your Windows OS image, or deploy them separately without any complicated setups.
To make the image deployment process simpler, you can try AOMEI Backupper Technician or Technician Plus. They are embedded with the AOMEI Image Deploy tool and the backup function. What's more, the standalone AOMEI Image Deploy only supports BIOS boot while the integrated AOMEI Image Deploy in AOMEI Backupper Technician/Technician Plus supports both BIOS and UEFI boot.
After deploying system imimages o multiple computers, you’d better create a backup for each computer regularly. AOMEI Cyber Backup, the best backup software for businesses of all sizes, can give you a hand.
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To make backups for client computers, just log in AOMEI Cyber Backup, and add the Windows device that you want to backup. Then click Backup Task on the left menu bar and select Backup Task > Create New Task.
To restore data on client computers, you need to click Backup Task on the left menu bar and click the three dots icon on the task you want to restore. Then select Restore from the drop-down menu.
Note: AOMEI Cyber Backup can not only help you backup physical machines but also virtual machines. It enables you to backup VMware and Hyper-V easily.
1. What are the Windows OS does Windows Deployment Tools support?
They support every single one that has been released from Microsoft, including Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP (offline imaging and deployment), Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019,2016,2012 R2,2012,2008 R2,2008,2003 R2 (offline imaging and deployment),2003 (offline imaging and deployment).
2. What is the difference between ADK and MDT?
MDT adds extra features to the main deployment tools in the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK). These features aim to make deployment in big businesses easier and faster by providing more guidance and reducing complexity.
3. Is SCCM better than MDT?
In simple terms, MDT works well for small setups, while SCCM is better for big setups. MDT is just for deploying, but if you want to manage your devices after deploying, you'll need SCCM.
4. Can I install MDT on Windows 10?
Yes. First, ensure that you have Windows ADK installed (you’ll need this for MDT to function properly). Then, download and install the MDT itself. You can find the latest version on the official Microsoft website.
5. Can I install Windows Deployment Services on Windows 10?
Yes. You can open PowerShell as an administrator and run Install-WindowsFeature WDS to install the WDS feature.
6. What is the difference between WDS and MDT?
The following table will show you the main differences between WDS and MDT:
|
|
WDS (Windows Deployment Services) |
MDT (Microsoft Deployment Toolkit) |
|
Purpose |
Primarily used for network-based installation of Windows operating systems |
A free, lightweight tool that customizes and deploys Windows operating systems |
|
Functionality |
Deploys “fat” images, which are complete OS images containing all applications and settings |
|
|
Use Case |
Commonly used in enterprise environments for mass deployments |
Suitable for smaller environments, where customization and flexibility are essential |
Follow the Windows deployment tools guide step by step, and it is quite easy to accomplish those so-called difficult businesses. AOMEI Image Deploy does have a clearer and simpler operation wizard compared to Windows 10 deployment tools offered by Microsoft. AID is useful in Windows update deployment, no matter which OS you would like to deploy.
If you have a Server 2012 system image, you can use it to deploy Server 2012 to multiple computers. Download to learn more about multiple computer eployment.
Here are those Windows deployment tools mentioned above that you might find useful: