Steps to Migrate Windows Deployment Services (WDS) and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) to a New Windows Server

There are various scenarios where migrating your services to a different server is necessary, such as addressing security compliance, hardware upgrades, or managing increased server loads. This article will outline the process for transferring WDS and MDT to a new Windows Server.

Steps for Migrating WDS and MDT to a New Windows Server

You may need to transfer your WDS or MDT services to a different server due to evolving compliance and security standards within your organization. This transition might require modifications to your deployment setup, enhanced security protocols, or even moving WDS roles to a new server due to hardware upgrades. Incorporating WDS migration into your disaster recovery strategy is crucial. Many organizations opt to centralize their IT systems to improve management, efficiency, and security.

1. Install Windows Deployment Services
2. Prepare the source server
3. Download and install the ADK and MDT
4. Import and set up the Deployment Share Folder
5. Start the Deployment process
6. Refresh the Deployment Share
7. Create the WDS Directory

To successfully migrate WDS and MDT from Windows Server 2016/2019 to Windows Server 2022, follow these detailed instructions.

1] Install Windows Deployment Services

First, ensure that WDS is set up on both the source and target machines. Since you are moving from an older server, the WDS service should already be operational there. Here’s how to install it on the new server:

1. Launch the Server Manager.
2. Select Manage > Add Roles and Features.
3. Choose the Role-based or feature-based installation option and click Next.
4. Select the server where you want WDS to be installed and click on Next.
5. On the Server Roles page, check the Windows Deployment Services box, then click Next.
6. Follow the remaining on-screen prompts to finalize the installation.

Complete the installation process as guided.

2] Prepare the Source Server

Before initiating the deployment, disable the Windows Deployment Services Server on the source machine. Access the Services app, find the Windows Deployment Services Server, right-click, and select Stop.

Ensure that both the source and target setups are aligned. Navigate to the Deployment Shares via Computer Management > System Tools > Shared Folder > Shares to check the name of the Deployment Share folder, which you will recreate on the new server.

Next, right-click the Deployment Share folder, select Properties, go to Sharing > Advanced Sharing > Permissions, and take note of all current permissions. You will need this information for the new folder configuration.

3] Download and Install Windows ADK and MDT

The next step is to install the Windows ADK and MDT on the destination server. Visit learn.microsoft.com to download and install the ADK, and go to microsoft.com for the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

4] Import and Configure the Deployment Share Folder

On the target server, open File Explorer, navigate to the shared location, and copy the Deployment folder to the local drives. The time taken will vary depending on the folder’s size.

Once this is done, continue with the following:

• Rename the copied Deployment Share folder to match the source’s name, right-click it, and select Properties.
• In Sharing > Advanced Sharing, enable ‘Share this folder’ and rename it to the source’s share name.
• Access Permissions, remove existing users, and then add ‘administrator’ by typing it into the ‘Enter the object name’ box and checking names for confirmation.
• Go to the Security tab, click on Advanced, disable Inheritance, and convert inherited permissions to explicit permissions for this object.
• Eliminate all users not present in the original folder.
• Ensure that the user responsible for the deployments has full control permissions.

Once the Deployment folder is set up, you can proceed to initiate the deployment.

5] Initiate the Deployment Process

With the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and Windows ADK installed, launch MDT on the target machine and start the deployment following these steps:

1. Open the MDT application.
2. Right-click on Deployment Shares and select Open Deployment Share.
3. Keep the default settings by clicking Next until completion.

Once these steps are complete, verify that everything is correctly configured.

Since the Deployment Share was imported from an older server, you need to update the Network (UNC) Path. Right-click the deployment share, select Properties, go to Rules > Edit Bootstrap.ini, and modify the DeployRoot field accordingly. Click Apply, then Ok.

6] Update the Deployment Share

After setting up your deployment share, it’s time to update it. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click your Deployment Share and select Update Deployment Share.
2. Use the default settings and click Next through the prompts.
3. Click Finish to complete the process.

This should finalize the setup, but one more step is necessary for thoroughness.

7] Create the WDS Directory

Next, you’ll create the WDS Directory. Follow these instructions:

1. Open the Windows Deployment Services tool.
2. Expand the Servers section, right-click your server, and select Configure server.
3. Continue clicking Next until reaching ‘PXE Server initial settings’; select ‘Respond to all client computers’ and proceed.
4. On the final screen, check ‘Add images to the server now’ and click Finish.
5. This action will launch the Add Image Wizard. Click Browse, navigate to the Deployment Share, and locate your image in the Boot folder (confirm with your organization if unsure).
6. Name the image and wait for the process to conclude.

You can now proceed to test and install the image.

That’s all there is to it!

How Do You Migrate a WDS Server?

To migrate a WDS server, ensure the WDS feature is installed on your new machine. Stop the WDS service on both the old and new servers, then access the share on the old server to copy the files over to the new server’s share. Finally, restart the WDS service.

What Sets Windows MDT Apart from WDS?

Windows Deployment Services (WDS) and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) are tools designed for deploying Windows operating systems. WDS primarily focuses on network-based deployments, while MDT offers capabilities for customization and automation. Combining these tools provides a robust deployment framework.

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