How do I configure a Task Sequence to format and partition the hard drive?
Applies to: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 8456 and later
Last updated: May 2025
Problem
During deployment, you want MDT to automatically wipe the existing disk and create the correct partitions (e.g., for UEFI or BIOS systems).
Solution
MDT includes a built-in Task Sequence step called Format and Partition Disk, which you can configure to clean the drive and create the appropriate partitions for your deployment scenario.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Open the Task Sequence
- In Deployment Workbench, go to:
- Task Sequences > Right-click your sequence > Properties
- Click the Task Sequence tab.
2. Locate or Add “Format and Partition Disk” Step
- Expand the Preinstall group.
- Look for Format and Partition Disk.
- If not present, click Add > Disks > Format and Partition Disk.
3. Choose Disk Type
Click the Format and Partition Disk step, then in the right pane:
- Choose Disk 0 (default for most systems)
- Select a layout type:
- Standard (MBR BIOS) – for legacy BIOS systems
- UEFI – for modern UEFI-based systems
- Custom – if you need to define partitions manually
4. Configure Partitions (Optional for Custom Layout)
If using a custom layout, define partitions manually:
- Click New to add partitions
- Set sizes, file systems, and flags (e.g., boot, system, primary)
Typical UEFI layout:
| Name | Type | Size | Format | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EFI | FAT32 | 500 MB | Yes | Bootable |
| MSR | MSR | 128 MB | No | |
| OS Partition | Primary | Remainder | NTFS | Yes |
5. Multiple Disk Scenarios (Optional)
If deploying to systems with multiple drives, you can:
- Create separate steps for each disk
- Use WMI queries to apply only if certain conditions are met (e.g., drive model or size)
Best Practices
- Use Standard (UEFI) for Windows 10/11 unless you have a legacy requirement.
- Avoid using entire disk for recovery partitions.
- Label partitions clearly (e.g., “System”, “OS”, “Recovery”) to simplify troubleshooting.
Notes
- The Format and Partition step erases all data on the target disk.
- Logs for this action are found under:
C:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS\ZTIDiskPart.log
