Windows Deployment Services (WDS)

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Windows Deployment Services (WDS)

Overview

The Windows Deployment Services (WDS) role allows administrators to install Windows operating systems over a network. It eliminates the need for physical media like USB drives or DVDs and is commonly used for mass or remote installations.

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Key Points

  • WDS can install Windows OS within the network using PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) boot.
  • It can be installed on:
 * A Domain Controller, or  
 * A Domain-joined separate server (recommended).
  • Requires both DNS and DHCP servers to function properly.

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1. Install the WDS Role

1. Open Server Manager → Add Roles and Features. 2. Choose Role-based or feature-based installation → Next. 3. Select the target server and click Next. 4. Under Server Roles, select Windows Deployment Services. 5. Include both sub-components: 

  * Deployment Server  
  * Transport Server

6. Proceed with the wizard and click Install.

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2. Configure the WDS Server

1. Open the WDS Console from Administrative Tools. 2. Right-click the server name → Configure Server. 3. Choose the following settings: 

  * Integrated with Active Directory (recommended).  
  * Specify the folder path to store remote installation files (e.g., D:\RemoteInstall).  
  * Select the checkbox for DHCP if the same server provides DHCP service.  
  * Choose the option:  
    → Respond to all client computers (known and unknown).

4. Finish the configuration wizard. 5. Once configured, right-click the WDS server → All Tasks → Start to start WDS services.

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3. Add Boot and Install Images

WDS requires two types of images:

  • Boot Image: Used to start the installation process.
  • Install Image: Contains the actual Windows OS files.

Add Boot Image

1. Attach or mount a Windows ISO file to the server. 2. In the WDS Console → Right-click Boot Images → Add Boot Image. 3. Browse to the ISO location: 

  → Sources folder → select boot.wim.

4. Provide a suitable image name and description. 5. Complete the wizard.

Add Install Image

1. In the WDS Console → Right-click Install Images → Add Install Image. 2. Create a new Image Group (e.g., Windows_Images). 3. Browse to the ISO Sources folder → select install.wim. 4. Choose the required editions (e.g., Windows 10 Pro, Home, Enterprise). 5. Complete the wizard to add installation images.

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✅ Result

  • Successfully installed and configured Windows Deployment Services (WDS).
  • Boot and install images added correctly.
  • WDS server is ready for network-based OS deployment.

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Summary

The WDS role provides a centralized way to manage and distribute Windows images over the network. It simplifies image management, supports remote installations, and ensures consistency across deployed systems.


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