windows

Create WinPE image

Admin

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Create WinPE image
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Steps to create a minimal WinPE

  1. Install the Windows ADK: On a deployment computer, install the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) and its WinPE add-on. During the ADK setup, only the "Deployment Tools" are required.
    Screenshot 2025-11-19 133903.png

  2. Create working files: Run the Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment as an administrator and use the copype command to create a working folder for WinPE files.

    copype amd64 C:\WinPE_amd64

    This command copies the base WinPE files to the specified directory.

  3. Mount the image: Mount the default boot.wim image to a mount directory.

    Dism /Mount-Image /ImageFile:"C:\WinPE_amd64\media\sources\boot.wim" /index:1 /MountDir:"C:\WinPE_amd64\mount"

  4. Remove unnecessary packages: To reduce the size, you can remove optional components. For a pure, consider removing scripting environments, which can significantly reduce the image size.

  5. Add tools: Copy any additional tools (e.g., portable versions or specialized scripts) into the WinPE mounted image.

  6. Unmount and commit: Unmount the image and save your changes.

    Dism /Unmount-Image /MountDir:"C:\WinPE_amd64\mount" /commit

  7. Create the ISO: Create a bootable ISO file from your customized WinPE directory.

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