How do I create and configure a Deployment Share in MDT?

by Drew Alison · Published 20/05/2025 · Updated 21/05/2025

Applies to: Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) 8456 and later
Last updated: May 2025

Problem

You’re ready to begin building your deployment environment in MDT and need to create and configure your first Deployment Share.

Solution

The Deployment Share is the core working directory in MDT that stores operating systems, applications, drivers, scripts, and Task Sequences. Here’s how to create and configure it properly.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Launch MDT

Open Deployment Workbench from the Start Menu.

2. Create the Deployment Share

In the Deployment Workbench, right-click Deployment Shares > New Deployment Share.
Enter the path for the new share (e.g., D:\DeploymentShare or \\ServerName\DeploymentShare$).
Click Next.

3. Configure the Share Name

Provide a share name if different from the folder name.
- Default: DeploymentShare$
Click Next.

4. Configure Descriptive Name

You can give your Deployment Share a friendly name (e.g., “Windows 11 Deployment”).
Click Next.

5. Set Initial Options (Optional)

Choose which components to enable:
- Ask for computer name
- Enable user data backup
- Allow product key entry
- Etc.
You can change these later via CustomSettings.ini.
Click Next, then Finish.

After Creation: Initial Configuration Steps

A. Update the Deployment Share

Right-click your new Deployment Share > Update Deployment Share.
Choose to completely regenerate boot images (on first run).
This will generate the LiteTouchPE_x86.iso and LiteTouchPE_x64.iso files.

B. Set Permissions (If Network Share)

Ensure the share has Read access for users/computers performing deployments.
Grant Full Control to MDT Admin accounts.

C. Optional: Configure CustomSettings.ini

Navigate to Control\CustomSettings.ini in the Deployment Share directory.
This file controls automation, defaults, and behavior during deployments.

Example Folder Structure

D:\DeploymentShare\
├── Applications
├── Boot
├── Control
├── Operating Systems
├── Out-of-Box Drivers
├── Packages
├── Scripts
├── Tools

Notes

You can have multiple Deployment Shares (e.g., for different environments or operating systems).
Avoid placing the Deployment Share on system drives or low-performance disks.
Backup your Deployment Share regularly, especially after major changes.