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

Arthur Durand 166 Reputation points
2024-12-18T18:09:27.68+00:00

I am a proud Windows 11 Pro user, I am running the latest current version of Windows 11, 24H2, 26100.2605 (OS Build). I deploy Windows 11 24H2 including updates to supported OEM laptop PCs that has been refurbished. All the PCs that I deploy Windows 11 to does meet the requirements, if they don't I deploy Windows 10. I have use customized Windows images and I always update my custom images after patch Tuesday to save myself time. I use the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit to deploy my custom images. Currently I am faced with the following issues with Windows 11:

  1. Whenever I apply updates to my online image in audit mode, I have to retain the same updates for MDT to reapply during OS deployment. If I don't reapply the same updates during MDT OS deployment, Windows Update will redownload and reinstall the same updates even though the image was already updated. Windows 11 has had this issue for as long as I remember. Windows 10 doesn't have this issue!
  2. After a Push-Button-Reset, Windows 11 will redownload the last cumulative update (currently 26100.2605) and attempt to install it, even though it was installed prior to push-button-reset (which means that it is already part of the image), which will result in a failure to download and install the update. I have to manually try to install the update, which causes my many headaches as its not as straightforward as simply downloading the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog and installing it! I usually have to figure out the I need to install i.e. KB5043080 before installing KB5048667 and this may fail also causing me to perform another push-button-reset before I get WIndows Update working correctly again!
  3. I was once upon a time able to copy my LayoutModification.json to C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Shell before OOBE and my OEM pins would be pinned to the Start Menu after completing OOBE, this no longer works! However, if I capture a provisioning package after I'm done with the image, and I create AutoApply folders and I then perform a push-button-reset, the apps will be pinned after completing OOBE. The same LayoutModification.json still works correct in prior versions of Windows 11 that doesn't have the September/October 2024 cumulative updates installed!

These issues are really giving me a pain in the nut when it comes to deploying Windows 11 and when it comes to maintaining my work! I don't experience these issues in Windows 10!!!

I hope that Microsoft Devs reads this post!

To anyone that can provide me with guidance and advice: I will greatly value and appreciate it!

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).
917 questions
Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
10,276 questions
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  1. 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:

  2. XinGuo-MSFT 20,156 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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