Windows Deployment Tools Technical Reference

Applies To: Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2

The Windows ADK helps you to customize, deploy Windows images. Windows deployment is a scenario that applies to both OEM and IT Professionals. However, there are additional tools included in the Windows ADK that are specifically for IT Professionals evaluating application compatibility, user data migration, and volume license activation.

The help content in this section supports tools that are included with the Windows ADK as well as tools that are available in Windows, like Sysprep.

Download and install the Windows ADK from this website.

In This Section

Step-by-Step: Windows 8 Deployment for IT Professionals

Provides step-by-step instructions to deploy Windows. Intended for IT Professionals.

WinPE for Windows 8: Windows PE 5.0

Windows PE is a minimal Windows OS used to boot a PC and to capture and deploy Windows images.

Windows Setup Technical Reference

Provides technical details about Windows Setup technology, including command-line options.

DISM - Deployment Image Servicing and Management Technical Reference

Provides technical details about the DISM tool and its command-line options.

Sysprep (System Preparation) Overview

Provides technical details about the Sysprep tool and its command-line options. Also defines the server roles that support Sysprep.

Windows SIM (System Image Manager)

Provides technical details about the Windows SIM tool. Also provides some instructions for using the tool.

Windows Image File Boot (WIMBoot) Overview

Describes how OEMs can configure a PC to boot and run from a compressed Windows image (.wim) file.

Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) Technical Reference

Provides technical details about how to configure and use Windows RE.

Customize and Deploy Windows Server Essentials in Windows Server 2012 R2

Describes OEM information about how to customize and install Windows Server Essentials.

Windows Deployment Command-Line Tools Reference

Describes command-line options for additional tools that can be used for deployment but aren't included in the Windows ADK.

Windows Deployment Options

Describes various options that you can use when you're customizing and deploying Windows. Includes information about language packs, device drivers, and network deployment options.

Automate Windows Setup

Describes how to automate Windows Setup by using an answer file.

Settings for Automating OOBE

Describes how to automate OOBE by using an answer file.

Deployment Troubleshooting and Log Files

Describes the log files that you can use to troubleshoot deployment issues.

Windows Assessment Toolkit Technical Reference

Describes the Windows Assessment console and the available Windows assessments you can use.

Windows Assessment Services Technical Reference

Describes how to use Windows assessments in a large scale environment.

Windows Performance Toolkit Technical Reference

Describes how to use the Windows Performance Recorder and Windows Performance Analyzer tools.

See Also

Concepts

Windows ADK Overview
What's New in the Windows ADK for Windows 8.1
Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) Technical Reference

Other Resources

Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) Technical Reference
User State Migration Tool (USMT) Technical Reference