WinPE: Create a Boot CD, DVD, ISO, or VHD

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

Create a Windows PE (WinPE) bootable DVD, CD, ISO file, or virtual hard drive (VHD).

The default installation runs from memory (also known as a RAM disk), which allows you to remove the USB drive while Windows PE is running.

1. Install the following features from the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK):

   • Deployment Tools: includes the Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment.

   • Windows Preinstallation Environment : includes the files used to install Windows PE.

1. Click Start, and type deployment. Right-click Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment and then select Run as administrator.

2. Create a working copy of the Windows PE files. Specify either x86 or amd64:

   copype amd64 C:\WinPE_amd64
   

3. Create an ISO file containing the Windows PE files:

   MakeWinPEMedia /ISO C:\WinPE_amd64 C:\WinPE_amd64\WinPE_amd64.iso
   

4. To burn a DVD or CD: In Windows Explorer, right-click the ISO file, and select Burn disc image > Burn, and follow the prompts.

When running Windows PE in Hyper-V, consider using an ISO file format instead of a VHD, to enable quick setup of the virtual PC. For more information, see the previous section.

1. Create a virtual hard drive (.vhd or .vhdx):

   diskpart
   create vdisk file="C:\WinPE.vhdx" maximum=1000
   attach vdisk
   create partition primary
   assign letter=V
   format fs=ntfs quick
   exit
   

2. Prepare the drive by using MakeWinPEMedia:

   MakeWinPEMedia /UFD C:\WinPE_amd64 V:
   

3. Detach the drive:

   diskpart
   select vdisk file="C:\WinPE.vhdx"
   detach vdisk
   exit
   

• If Windows PE doesn't appear, try the following workarounds, rebooting the PC each time:

  • To boot a PC that supports UEFI mode: In the firmware boot menus, try manually selecting the boot files: \EFI\BOOT\BOOTX64.EFI.

  • If your PC requires storage or video drivers to boot, try adding those same drivers to the Windows PE image. For more information, see WinPE: Mount and Customize.

• If the PC doesn't connect to network locations, see WinPE Network Drivers: Initializing and adding drivers.

WinPE: Create USB Bootable drive
WinPE: Install on a Hard Drive (Flat Boot or Non-RAM)
WinPE: Mount and Customize
WinPE: Boot in UEFI or legacy BIOS mode

Windows Setup Supported Platforms and Cross-Platform Deployments

WinPE for Windows 8: Windows PE 5.0