Windows Deployment Options

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

These topics describe additional Windows® deployment options and customization scenarios.

In This Section

UEFI Firmware

Describes considerations for deploying to computers that are based on the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI).

Hard Drives and Partitions

Describes methods to deploy different drive configurations, including hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and virtual hard drives (VHDs).

Deploy Windows on a VHD (Native Boot)

Describes how to create and deploy virtual hard disks (VHDs) that have native-boot capabilities.

Configure Network Settings in an Unattended Installation

Describes common networking scenarios and how to implement them in unattended installations.

Device Drivers and Deployment

Describes methods of adding and configuring device drivers.

Language Packs (lp.cab) and Windows Deployment

Describes methods of adding language packs and language interface packs (LIPs).

Configure Oobe.xml

Describes Oobe.xml, which is a content file that is used to collect text and images for customizing Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE), the OEM First Run application, and ISP Signup.

Work with Product Keys and Activation

Describes how to enter a product key and how to activate Windows.

Battery Life

Describes methods of managing battery life on different hardware and software platforms.

Customize Help and Support

Describes how to add help topics, support information, and contact information.

Understanding Servicing Strategies

Describes servicing strategies, including customization during installation, offline servicing, and online servicing (audit mode).

Audit Mode Overview

Describes audit mode, which enables you to customize a Windows installation without configuring the user interface pages of OOBE.

Enable and Disable the Built-in Administrator Account

Describes how to enable and disable the built-in Administrator account, which helps you run programs and apps as an administrator.

Windows Server Deployment Options

Describes considerations when deploying Server editions of Windows.

Configure a Trusted Image Identifier for Windows Defender

You can speed up the initial performance of your computer for the end user by adding a trusted image identifier to Windows® Defender. Windows Defender is a Microsoft® application that can help to prevent, remove, and quarantine malware and spyware.

High DPI Support for IT Professionals

Windows 8.1 includes features that improve the user experience with premium high density display panels such as 1920x1080 displays that have about 200 DPI and 150% scaling, and 2560x1440 and 3200x1800 displays that have 225-275DPI and 200% scaling.

PAE/NX/SSE2 Support Requirement Guide for Windows 8

Describes the PAE/NX/SSE2 processor requirements for Windows 8 installations.

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Deployment Considerations

Describes how IT Professionals can deploy .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 8.

See Also

Other Resources

Windows Deployment Tools Technical Reference