How do I deploy Windows 10/11 using MDT?

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

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Problem

You want to use MDT to fully deploy Windows 10 or Windows 11 to new or existing machines, either over the network or using bootable media.

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Solution

Once you’ve set up MDT with a Deployment Share, imported the OS, created a Task Sequence, and configured drivers, you’re ready to perform the deployment. This process can be done via USB boot, ISO, or PXE (if integrated with WDS).

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Prerequisites Checklist

Before deploying:

• MDT installed and configured
• Deployment Share created and updated
• OS imported (Windows 10/11)
• Task Sequence created
• Drivers and applications added (optional)
• Boot media generated (LiteTouchPE_x64.iso)

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Step-by-Step Guide

1. Boot the Target Machine

Option A: Boot from ISO or USB

• Create bootable media:
  • Use Rufus or another tool to write LiteTouchPE_x64.iso to a USB stick.
• Insert USB into the target machine and boot from it.

Option B: PXE Boot (Optional)

• If you’ve integrated MDT with WDS, boot the target machine via PXE (network boot).
• Ensure PXE is enabled in BIOS/UEFI.

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2. MDT Deployment Wizard Starts

• Select the Task Sequence (e.g., “Windows 11 Enterprise x64”).
• Follow prompts:
  • Computer name
  • Join domain or workgroup
  • Locale/timezone settings
  • Application selection (if enabled)
  • Disk wipe (if not fully automated)

These steps can be skipped or preconfigured in CustomSettings.ini.

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3. Automated Deployment Begins

• MDT will:
  • Format and partition the drive
  • Apply the OS
  • Inject drivers (based on configuration)
  • Install applications (if configured)
  • Apply Windows settings
  • Optionally join to the domain
  • Reboot and finalize setup

Deployment typically takes 15–40 minutes depending on hardware and complexity.

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4. Verify Deployment Success

Once deployment completes:

• Log in with domain or local credentials.
• Check device manager for driver issues.
• Confirm apps are installed and Windows is activated (if applicable).

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Troubleshooting Tips

• Stuck at “Gathering Information” = Check CustomSettings.ini
• Drivers missing = Verify model folder structure and driver injection logic
• Domain join fails = Check account permissions and logs at:
  • C:\Windows\Panther\UnattendGC\setupact.log

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Notes

• Always test deployment on a non-production machine first.
• Save and analyze logs for any failed deployments (stored in C:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS or C:\Windows\Temp\DeploymentLogs).
• Use the MDT Monitoring feature to track deployments in real time.