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

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

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Problem

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Example Folder Structure

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

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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.