Windows 10/11: How to Implement a Bootable Windows PE Recovery Deployment Environment in Command Shell
The following guide is a step-by-step tutorial where we will go through the process of creating the boot media along with Windows installation to a virtual hard disk image. This environment may be suitable for the developer or enthusiast, however is not recommended for inexperienced users. The methods contained herein apply to both conventional and USB disks.
Important Considerations
· Recommended to try with a USB disk first. When erasing an OEM copy of Windows, keep in mind there’s no going back.
· With regard to support, the end-user is on their own.
Requirement Checklist
· Windows 10/11 64bit 21H2+
· UEFI supported bios
Getting the ISO and Command Script
· Recommended to use builds 21H2+
· Windows 10/11 ISO’s can be downloaded here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/
· Download the command script here: https://github.com/joshuacline/windick/releases/
Importing boot.wim and install.wim
1. Mount the ISO, or burn the ISO to disc and insert into the drive.
2. Extract the .cmd file from the Zip archive, and place into any folder.
3. Open the command script, run as Administrator.
4. Press (1) to enter the Image Processing Menu.
5. Press (-) to import boot.wim from the Windows installation media.
6. Press (+) to import install.wim from the Windows installation media.
* · Press (Enter) to return to the Main Menu. Proceed to the next section.*
Applying install.wim to a Virtual Hard Disk Image
1. Press (S) to select the source install.wim.
2. Press (I) to cycle through the targeted Index/Edition.
3. Press (T) to specify the name for the target Virtual Hard Disk Image.
4. Press (V) to specify the Virtual Hard Disk size in megabytes. Note: the default is 25600MB.
5. Press (G) to begin applying install.wim to the specified Virtual Hard Disk Image.
· Press (Enter) to return to the Main Menu. Proceed to the next section.
Creating the WinPE Boot Environment (Method 1) * · For alternative command line method skip to the next section.*
1. Press (5) to enter the Disk Management Menu.
2. Press (B) to enter the Boot Creator Menu.
3. Press (V) to select the Virtual Hard Disk Image you created.
4. Press (G) to enter the Disk Selection Menu.
5. Select the target Disk # to erase and begin the partitioning process, followed by creation of the WinPE boot environment.
* · When the process is complete, the scope of this guide has been concluded.*
Creating the WinPE Boot Environment (Method 2)
Disks can be addressed via static disk UID or by disk #, the command script parses both identifiers together.
The specified boot-media (WIM) and VHDX must be in the command-script folder or the operation will fail.
* windick.cmd -bootmaker -create -disk [Disk #] -src boot.sav -vhdx [Vhdx-Name].vhdx
* - OR -
** *** windick.cmd -bootmaker -create -diskid [Disk ID] -src boot.sav -vhdx [Vhdx-Name].vhdx
* · When the process is complete, the scope of this guide has been concluded.