How do I deploy Windows 10/11 using MDT?

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

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.

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).

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)

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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