How to deploy Windows 11 21H2 (Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and Windows Deployment Services)

Learn how to deploy Windows 11 over the network using both the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) and Windows Deployment Service (WDS). In this example, I go over the process of installing both Windows Deployment Services (WDS) and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), configuring MDT using the Deployment Workbench, by adding operating systems, applications, and creating a task sequence to install Windows 11. I also showed how to configure the deployment share rules to reduce the number of steps in the deployment process, how to generate a MDT boot wim, and how to import that boot wim into WDS.

[TheBearAndTheBull]

This was fantastic and a nice touch to include the Rules and Bootstrap info to bypass a lot of the input sections would love to learn more to make it completely unattended. Will be using this for my training on VM's.

[jayanthsept]

Thank you Danny. I'll try your suggestion for removing error. Really appreciate the way you are helping many IT professionals like me 👍👏

[TechStudios]

Great Video - one suggestion please boost the volume, it’s very hard to hear you. Just some kindly advice - keep up the great work!

[FrankTranDesign]

This is incredible. Thanks for sharing in such a concise manner!

[PaulThomson-fqgw]

Thankyou very much for this guide, its very clear and instructive and has helped me a lot.

[double-you]

thank you so much. i kept getting stuck and there is much support materials out there its very time consuming to go through everything. this is the simples way anyone has ever explained this to me. i did this widn 2012 server ages and ages ago but then i lost interest.. but with windows 11 its a good way to deploy it

thanks again : )

[kurdorrr]

Man again, i really like your tutorials : )

[Bznyc]

Good video please raise your recorded volume

[TechStudios]

Dan I absolutely love your videos, you’ve been amazing. But please boost ur volume in your voice overs. 😚

[imranahmed]

Thanks a lot😊 But can you please briefly explain about how VM takes the PXE mode. Where you have enabled this?

[kineasx]

I've got to the part of importing the OS into the workbench and I'm getting an error. I have downloaded the latest Win 11 iso from Microsot, mounted it and selected the drive letter for the source directory, however it states the directory specified doesn't contain an install.wim file.

[AbdullahOllivierreIT]

Summary of the Video: How to Deploy Windows 11 21H2 using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) and Windows Deployment Services (WDS)
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Initial Setup:
• Clean install Windows Server 2022, added to the domain.
• Install the Windows Deployment Services (WDS) role:
• Go to Server Manager, add the Windows Deployment Services role.
• Select both Deployment and Transport Server options.
2. Download and Install Required Tools:
• Download the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) and Windows 11 ADKs:
• Search and download the latest version of MDT.
• Download Windows 11 ADK and the Windows PE add-on.
3. Install the Software:
• Install MDT by running the setup and following the default options.
• Install the Windows ADK and Windows PE add-on, also using default options.
4. Configure Windows Deployment Services (WDS):
• Open WDS from Server Manager, right-click to configure the deployment server.
• Integrate with Active Directory, set a path for Remote Install (preferably on a data drive, but C: drive works).
• Set PXE server settings to respond to all client computers.
5. Setup MDT Deployment Share:
• Open Deployment Workbench from MDT.
• Create a new Deployment Share:
• Leave default paths and names.
• The Deployment Share includes folders for applications, operating systems, drivers, packages, task sequences, and monitoring.
6. Import Windows 11 Operating System:
• Mount the Windows 11 ISO file and import the operating system into MDT.
• Rename as necessary (e.g., from Windows 10 to Windows 11).
7. Add Applications (e.g., 7-Zip):
• Download the application (e.g., 7-Zip MSI file).
• Add the application in MDT, specifying the command for a silent install (e.g., msiexec /i <filename> /quiet).
8. Create Task Sequence:
• Create a new Task Sequence in MDT for deploying Windows 11.
• Specify Task Sequence ID and name.
• Choose the standard client task sequence template.
• Set a product key if necessary, and specify local administrator password.
9. Configure Deployment Share Properties:
• Modify Deployment Share properties to suit the deployment (e.g., disabling x86).
• Update rules and bootstrap.ini to automate and streamline the deployment process (e.g., specifying domain join settings, skipping unnecessary steps).
10. Update and Generate Boot Image:
• Right-click Deployment Share and select "Update Deployment Share".
• Choose to completely regenerate the boot image to reflect changes.
11. Import Boot Image into WDS:
• In WDS, add the generated boot image (Light Touch PE) to the boot images.
12. Deploy Windows 11:
• Boot a device (e.g., virtual machine) to the network and start the deployment process.
• Log in with credentials, select the task sequence, and follow the wizard to deploy Windows 11.
• Monitor the deployment process in the MDT Workbench.
13. Monitoring Deployment:
• View deployment progress and details in the Monitoring section of MDT Workbench.
• Confirm successful deployment and software installation (e.g., 7-Zip).
The video covers the complete process from setting up a server with necessary roles and software, configuring deployment settings, creating task sequences, and finally deploying Windows 11 using MDT and WDS.

[trevormasterson]

Hi Danny.
Brilliant videos and so helpful.
Can I ask if you go to each pc/laptop home site and download drivers or do you get them from device itself using a powershell command.
Thank You so much.

[legolaskejcz]

Why do you speak so quietly in the videos? Volume on headphones at max, everything max but you can barely hear. It makes me want to sleep when listening and I can't focus :( I watch with replays to understand.

BTW great job! excellent tutorial

[Velorreaful]

Amazing tutorial. It helped me so much.🤓

[gjangkhanh]

Hi Danny, Could we choose the place where Disk partition we should install windows OS into? Example: Users have 2 disk partitions like C: Windows OS and D: Data. WDT should install OS to C drive.

[jasoncummings]

Very informative and well presented. Thank you.
What about environment that have 15 different laptop models?
And what about software like O365?

[TechStudios]

I’m struggling with the term “Capture” at work when we PXE boot, we have a staff network, and a Student Network. We have multiple images we can install. I’m trying to have a few different DS’s for my small PC flipping business. Does capture mean install windows on a machine, install all the apps then capture like a clone??? Or can I just add the apps I move into my DS folder and pick the exe’s and MSI files in the task sequence?? It’s the only thing I’m struggling with.

[BEASTYBOY]

I was able to successfully access the PXE but, but rather than going to the Windows Deployment Toolkit like yours did, mine was stuck on the windows logo. Anyone have pointers?

[oxgee]

where i download both folder, ADK(inside hava: installer, adksetup, userExperienceManifest), ADKWinPEddons(installer)