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Issues with Windows 11 24H2 OS Deployment, OEM Customizations, PBR and Updates!

Arthur Durand 171 Reputation points
2024-12-18T18:09:27.68+00:00

I am a proud Windows 11 Pro user, running the latest version 24H2 (OS Build 26100.2605). I deploy Windows 11 24H2 updates to refurbished OEM laptops that meet the requirements. If they don't meet the requirements, I deploy Windows 10 instead. I use customized Windows images and update them after every Patch Tuesday to save me the time in applying the updates after OS deployment.

Currently, I am facing the following issues with Windows 11:

  1. Updates needs to be reapplied after OS Deployment: When I apply updates to my online image in audit mode, I must reapply the same updates during OS deployment. If not, Windows Update will redownload and reinstall the same updates, even though the image was already updated. This issue has persisted in Windows 11, but not in Windows 10.
  2. Push-Button-Reset Update Issue: After a push-button reset, Windows 11 redownloads the last cumulative update (26100.2605) and attempts to install it, even if it was part of the image before the reset. This results in a failure, and I have to manually install the update, which is cumbersome and often fails, causing me to reset again.
  3. LayoutModification.json Issue: Previously, copying LayoutModification.json to C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Shell before OOBE would pin OEM apps to the Start Menu for new users. This no longer works in the current version. However, capturing a provisioning package and creating AutoApply folders can pin the apps after a push-button reset. This issue does not occur in prior versions of Windows 11 without the September/October 2024 cumulative updates.

These issues cause significant challenges in deploying and maintaining Windows 11. I do not experience these issues with Windows 10.

Any advice and guidance will be highly valued and greatly appreciated!

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
A collection of Microsoft tools and documentation for automating desktop and server deployment. Previously known as Microsoft Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployment (BDD).
919 questions
Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
10,417 questions
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  1. Arthur Durand 171 Reputation points
    2025-01-11T10:51:59.7+00:00

    I use the following script in my online image in audit mode to cleanup after I've applied all updates and restarted:

    net stop wuauserv
ren %SystemRoot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
rd %SystemRoot%\SoftwareDistribution.old /s /q
net start wuauserv
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase
start /wait cleanmgr /sageset
start /wait cleanmgr /sagerun

    I suspect that cleaning the update cache (deleting the SoftwareDistribution directory) or the DISM cleanup command may be responsible for me having to reapply the same updates during OS deployment. I mounted my custom image that I want to deploy, then I applied the updates I usually reapply during OS deployment, and then I captured my custom image again. When I deploy this image, I don't have to reapply updates. I haven't tested Windows Update after a push-button reset in this case.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Q&A Assist
    2024-12-18T18:09:27.7+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    It seems you are experiencing several challenges with Windows 11 OS deployment and OEM customizations. Here are some insights based on the context provided:

    1. Updates during Deployment: When applying updates to your online image in audit mode, it is essential to retain the same updates for the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) to avoid Windows Update redownloading them. This behavior can be a known issue with Windows 11, as it may not properly recognize that the updates have already been applied if they are not reapplied during the MDT deployment.
    2. Push-Button Reset (PBR) Issues: The problem with Windows 11 redownloading the last cumulative update after a Push-Button Reset, even when it was previously installed, can lead to installation failures. This is a frustrating issue, and it may require manual intervention to resolve, as you've noted. Keeping track of the update sequence (like KB numbers) can be cumbersome.
    3. LayoutModification.json Functionality: The change in behavior regarding the LayoutModification.json file not working as expected before OOBE is another issue. It seems that capturing a provisioning package after the image is created allows for the desired pinning of apps to the Start Menu, which indicates a change in how Windows 11 handles these customizations compared to earlier versions.

    These challenges highlight some of the differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 in terms of deployment and customization. It may be beneficial to provide feedback to Microsoft regarding these issues, as they could be affecting many users in similar situations.

    References:

  3. XinGuo-MSFT 20,396 Reputation points
    2024-12-19T08:10:51.1866667+00:00

    Hi,

    Deploying Windows 11 using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit can be a bit tricky since MDT doesn't officially support Windows 11.

    Thank you for your feedback. I will report this to the product team.

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