Step-by-Step Guide to Install and Configure Windows Deployment Services

Windows Deployment Services (WDS) is an essential utility that facilitates the network-based installation of Windows operating systems without the need for physical media. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up and configuring WDS on a Windows Server, aimed at achieving efficient and organized OS deployment across your network.

Steps to Install and Configure Windows Deployment Services

1. Verify that all requirements are met
2. Install the Windows Deployment Services Role
3. Configure Windows Deployment Services
4. Add boot and install images
5. Incorporate a boot image into the WDS server
6. Upload the install image to the server

Let’s dive into the installation process.

1] Verify that all requirements are met

Before you proceed with the installation and configuration of Windows Deployment Services, it’s crucial to ensure that your system meets the necessary prerequisites. Ignoring these may result in complications during WDS setup or operation.

1. Active Directory (AD): The server must either be a domain controller or a member of a domain.
2. DHCP: WDS requires DHCP for PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) capabilities to enable client machines to boot.
3. DNS: A functional Domain Name System must be in place.
4. NTFS Partition: The WDS server should have an NTFS partition for storing images.

2] Install the Windows Deployment Services Role

This role empowers the server to facilitate Windows OS deployment to client machines via network installation.

1. Open Server Manager, navigate to the Manager tab, select Add Roles and Features, and then click Next.
2. In the Select Installation Type prompt, choose the Role-based or feature-based installation option, and click Next.
3. Select the server designated for WDS Role installation by clicking Select a server from the server pool, followed by Next.
4. Under the server roles selection, check the Windows Deployment Services box and proceed by clicking Next.
5. In the Features window that appears, click Add Features, then click Next.
6. The Role Services wizard will be displayed. Both the Deployment Server and Transport Server options should be pre-selected by default.

Finally, hit Install, follow the prompts, and click Close after the process completes.

3] Configure Windows Deployment Services

Once the WDS roles are installed, the next step is to configure them properly.

1. Open Server Manager, go to the Tools tab, and select Windows Deployment Services.
2. In the WDS window, expand the Server section and right-click on your server.
3. Choose Configure Server, and hit Next when the Configuration Wizard opens.
4. In the Install Options window, opt for either integrating WDS with Active Directory or Standalone mode (for non-domain setups). For this guide, we will select the former. Click Next afterwards.
5. Provide the path to the Remote install folder and click Next, then confirm with Yes.
6. In the PXE Server Initial Settings, select your option and press Next.

The WDS configuration process may take some time. Once it’s finished, uncheck the Add Images to the Server Now option and click Finish.

4] Add Boot and Install Images

Boot and Install images are crucial components of the installation process. The boot image is required to start the client machines in a pre-installation environment, while the install image contains the necessary OS files for installation.

• Insert the Windows installation media into the server’s optical drive, or mount the Windows Installation ISO File. Alternatively, utilize a bootable USB drive that includes the Windows installation files. Ensure you copy the Boot.win file from the Source folder to the WDS server.
• Convert install.ESD (found in the Windows Installation Media) to install.WIM format using the DISM command. Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges and execute the following commands:
• Use the ‘cd’ command to navigate to the directory containing install.esd.

  cd c:/filepath

• Use this command to list available images and their associated index numbers: dism /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:install.esd
• Export the install.esd file to install.wim with the DISM command, replacing SourceIndex with the specific index number of the image you wish to export (e.g., 1, 2, etc.): dism /export-image /SourceImageFile:install.esd /SourceIndex:1 /DestinationImageFile:install.wim /Compress:max /CheckIntegrity

You should see the install.wim file created in your designated folder.

5] Incorporate a Boot Image into the WDS Server

Next, after preparing the boot.wim file, it’s time to add it to the Windows Deployment Services server. This boot image is vital for launching the client machines into Windows PE, which initiates the installation process. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Windows Deployment Services console, expand the Servers section, and select your WDS server.
2. Right-click on Boot Images and select Add Boot Image.
3. In the Image File field, click Browse to locate your Boot.wim file, select it, and open it.
4. Once selected, customize the Image Name to a descriptive title as this will serve as its identifier during PXE boot operations on client machines.
5. Proceed with Next on each window to continue the addition of the boot image to the WDS server.

After the installation of the boot image, click Finish. The boot image is now set up in WDS and ready to boot client machines into Windows PE during network boot.

6] Upload the Install Image to the Server

Once the boot image is added, the next step is to include an Install image, which contains the actual operating system meant for deployment to client machines, typically sourced from the install.wim file prepared earlier.

1. Open the Windows Deployment Services console, and expand the Server node along with the WDS server.
2. Right-click on Install Images, choose Add Install Image, and if it’s your first time adding, create a new image group; otherwise, select from the existing groups in the dropdown menu.
3. Afterward, click Finish and then Next. Now click Browse to find your install.wim file and open it.
4. Customize the Image Name with a meaningful descriptor to aid in identification during PXE boot selection.
5. Hit Next on each window to continue the process of uploading the install image to the WDS server.

Wait for the images to import, which could take a few minutes based on the size of the install.wim file. Once completed, click Finish. The install image will now be visible under the Install Images section in the WDS console.

And that’s a wrap!

How to Install Windows Deployment Service?

You can easily install the Windows Deployment Service role through the Server Manager. Open Server Manager, go to Add Roles and Features, find Windows Deployment Service, and install it following the provided instructions.

How to Install and Configure RSAT?

To install RSAT features, navigate through Windows Settings. Use the shortcut Win + I to open Settings, then go to System > Optional features. Click View features next to Add an optional feature, search for RSAT, and proceed with the installation.

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