How do I capture a custom Windows image using MDT?

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

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Problem

You want to create a custom reference image (e.g., Windows 10/11 with apps, updates, and settings), then capture it as a .wim file for future deployments using MDT.

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Solution

MDT provides a “Sysprep and Capture” Task Sequence that automates the process of capturing a Windows image and saving it to your Deployment Share.

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Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Reference Machine

• Install Windows manually or from an MDT Task Sequence
• Customize as needed:
  • Install updates
  • Add apps (if needed in the base image)
  • Apply system settings (e.g., default profile changes)
• Do not join the domain

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2. Create a Sysprep and Capture Task Sequence

In Deployment Workbench:

1. Right-click Task Sequences > New Task Sequence
2. Choose:
   • Task Sequence ID: CAPTURE01
   • Name: Capture Windows 11 Reference
3. Select Sysprep and Capture as the template
4. Choose the OS version you’re capturing (this is just for compatibility)
5. Leave Product Key and Admin password fields empty or use defaults

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3. Update the Deployment Share

• Right-click the Deployment Share > Update Deployment Share
• Generate a fresh LiteTouchPE_x64.iso (or USB image)

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4. Boot the Reference Machine into MDT

Options:

• Use the LiteTouch ISO via:
  • Bootable USB
  • PXE (if WDS is set up)
  • Mounted ISO in a VM

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5. Run the Capture Process

• The MDT Wizard will launch
• Choose the “Sysprep and Capture” Task Sequence
• Enter:
  • Computer name
  • Destination path (e.g., \\MDT01\DeploymentShare$\Captures)
  • MDT will run Sysprep, reboot into WinPE, and capture the image

Final image is saved as a .wim file, usually named like C:\MININT\Captures\WIN11REF.wim

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6. Import the Captured Image into MDT

• In Deployment Workbench:
  • Right-click Operating Systems > Import Operating System
  • Select Custom Image file
  • Browse to the .wim you just captured
  • Specify the destination and name (e.g., “Windows 11 Custom Image”)

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Best Practices

• Use a virtual machine to create clean, repeatable reference images
• Always run Windows Update before capturing
• Avoid installing apps that will be deployed separately via MDT Task Sequences

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Notes

• Captured images are not version-updated—you’ll need to recapture periodically or update offline
• For multi-index .wim files, you can use DISM to list and manage indexes
• Review capture logs in C:\MININT\SMSOSD\OSDLOGS and C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\Panther