Create and manage images

Before you can do anything else. You’ll need to create your images. The starting point is a reference image. The reference image is the standard operating system that you’ll deliver to your users. You’ll have to consider what you want to add to the image; for example, adding drivers, apps, or specific configurations.

Create a reference image

After you’ve determined what will be included in the image, you’ll need to create it. Use the following procedure:

1. On a reference computer, install Windows 10.
2. Apply any Windows updates.
3. Add any drivers, apps, or other required software.
4. Apply any app updates.
5. Configure any installed apps or software as needed.
6. Generalize the image.

Exam Tip

You use the Sysprep.exe program to generalize your image. It’s located in the C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\ folder.

7. Capture the generalized image.

8. Store the captured image in a location accessible to MDT.

In addition to your operating system image, you’ll also need a boot image. Typically, you’ll use the boot image provided on the Windows 10 product DVD or ISO.

Need More Review? Create a Windows 10 Reference Image

To review further details about reference image creation, refer to the Microsoft website at https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/create-a-windows-10-reference-image.

Add the images to MDT

After you’ve created any required images, the next step is to add the images to MDT. Before you can add images, you’ll need to create a deployment share. Use the following procedure:

1. Open the Deployment Workbench.
2. Select the Deployment Shares folder.
3. Right-click Deployment Shares and then select New Deployment Share.
4. Complete the New Deployment Share Wizard by providing the following:

• A local path on the MDT server for the share.
  • A share name, such as Deployment Share$.
  • A description.
  • Options that control the deployment experience when images are applied:
    • Ask if a computer backup should be performed.
    • Ask for a product key.
    • Ask to set the local Administrator password.
    • Ask if an image should be captured.
    • Ask if BitLocker should be enabled.

When you’ve created the deployment share, you can add your images to it.

To add an operating system image, use the following procedure:

1. Expand your deployment share and select Operating Systems.
2. Right-click Operating Systems and then select Import Operating System.
3. Complete the Import Operating System Wizard, displayed in Figure 1-12, by entering the following information:

Figure 1-12 Choosing the operating system image type

• Choose between Full set of source files, Custom image file, and Windows Deployment Services image.
  • The source location for your image.
  • A WDS server name, if you’re using a Windows Deployment Services image.
  • A destination directory name.