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Customize Windows PE boot images

The Windows PE (WinPE) boot images that are included with the Windows ADK have a minimal number of features and drivers. However the boot images can be customized by adding drivers, optional components, and applying the latest cumulative update.

Microsoft recommends updating Windows PE boot images with the latest cumulative update for maximum security and protection. The latest cumulative updates may also resolve known issues. For example, the Windows PE boot image can be updated with the latest cumulative update to address the BlackLotus UEFI bootkit vulnerability as documented in KB5025885: How to manage the Windows Boot Manager revocations for Secure Boot changes associated with CVE-2023-24932 and CVE-2023-24932.

Tip

The boot images from the ADK 10.1.26100.1 (May 2024) and later already contain the cumulative update to address the BlackLotus UEFI bootkit vulnerability.

This walkthrough describes how to customize a Windows PE boot image, including updating with the latest cumulative update, adding drivers, and adding optional components. Additionally this walkthrough goes over how customizations in boot images affect several different popular products that utilize boot images, such as Microsoft Configuration Manager, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), and Windows Deployment Services (WDS).

Prerequisites

Steps

Step 1: Download and install ADK

  1. Download and install the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) from Download and install the Windows ADK.

    For this walk-through, when the Windows ADK is installed, it's only necessary to install the Deployment Tools. Other products, such as Microsoft Configuration Manager and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), may require additional features installed, such as the User State Migration Tool (USMT).

    One of the tools installed when installing the Deployment Tools feature is the Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment command prompt. When using the Command Line option to run the commands in this walk-through, make sure to run the commands from an elevated Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment command prompt. The Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment command prompt can be found in the Start Menu under Windows Kits > Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment.

    The paths in this article assume the Windows ADK was installed at the default location of C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit. If the Windows ADK was installed in a different location, then adjust the paths during the walk-through accordingly.

  2. Download and install the Windows PE add-on for the Windows ADK from Download and install the Windows ADK. The Windows PE add-on for the Windows ADK is a separate download and install from the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK). Make sure to individually download and install both.

Important

It's strongly recommended to download and install the latest version of the Windows ADK and the Windows PE add-on for the Windows ADK.

In certain instances, older versions of the Windows ADK and Windows PE add-on may need to be used instead of the latest version. For example:

  • Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) doesn't support versions of Windows or the Windows ADK beyond Windows 10. If using MDT, the recommendation is to instead use the ADK for Windows 10, version 2004. This version was the last version of the Windows ADK supported by MDT.

  • The latest versions of the Windows PE add-on for the Windows ADK only includes a 64-bit boot image. If a 32-bit boot image is required, then the recommendation in this scenario is to also use the ADK for Windows 10, version 2004. This version of the Windows ADK was the last version to include both 32-bit and 64-bit boot images.

Step 2: Download cumulative update (CU)

  1. Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog site and search for the latest cumulative update. The Windows version of the cumulative update should match the version of the Windows PE boot image that is being updated.

  2. When searching the Microsoft Update Catalog site, use the search term "<year>-<month> cumulative update for windows <x>" where year is the four-digit current year, <month> is the two-digit current month, and <x> is the version of Windows that Windows PE is based on. Make sure to include the quotes ("). For example, to search for the latest cumulative update for Windows 11 in August 2023, use the search term "2023-08 cumulative update for Windows 11", again making sure to include the quotes. If the cumulative update hasn't been released yet for the current month, then search for the previous month.

    Tip

    The boot images in the ADK 10.1.25398.1 (September 2023) are based off Microsoft server operating system, version 22H2 for x64-based Systems. Make sure to update the search term appropriately.

  3. Once the cumulative update has been found, download the appropriate version for the version and architecture of Windows that matches the Windows PE boot image. For example, if the version of the Windows PE boot image is Windows 11 22H2 64-bit, then download the Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems version of the update.

  4. Store the downloaded cumulative update in a known location for later use, for example C:\Updates.

Tip

It is recommended to use the full cumulative update when updating boot images with a cumulative update. However, instead of downloading the full cumulative update, the cumulative update for SafeOS can be downloaded and used instead. This will reduce the size of the final updated boot image. If any issues occur with a boot image updated with the SafeOS cumulative update, then use the full cumulative update instead.

Note

Step 3: Backup existing boot image

Before modifying the desired boot image, make a backup copy of the boot image that needs to be updated. For example:

  • For the 64-bit boot image included with the Windows PE add-on for the Windows ADK, the boot image is located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\en-us\winpe.wim.

  • For the default 64-bit boot image that is generated by Microsoft Configuration Manager, the boot image is located at <ConfigMgr_Install_Directory>\OSD\boot\x64\boot.wim. For other boot images in Configuration Manager, the path to the boot image is displayed in the Image path: field under the Data Source tab in the Properties of the boot image.

    However, for Microsoft Configuration Manager it's recommended to instead modify the winpe.wim boot image included with the Windows PE add-on for the Windows ADK. For more information, see Microsoft Configuration Manager considerations.

  • For the default 64-bit boot image that is generated by the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), the boot image is located at <Deployment_Share>\Boot\LiteTouchPE_x64.wim.

    However, for Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) it's recommended to instead modify the winpe.wim boot image included with the Windows PE add-on for the Windows ADK. For more information, see Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) considerations.

  • For 64-bit boot images in Windows Deployment Services (WDS), the boot images are located at <RemoteInstall>\Boot\x64\Images.

Adjust the above paths for 32-bit boot images (only available with Windows 10 ADKs).

The following command backs up the 64-bit boot image included with the Windows PE add-on for the Windows ADK:

From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to create a backup copy of the 64-bit boot image included with the Windows ADK. If a backed-up boot image already exists, this command needs confirmation before it overwrites the existing backed up boot image:

Copy-Item "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\en-us\winpe.wim" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\en-us\winpe.bak.wim"

Adjust paths and file names accordingly to back up other boot images.

To automatically overwrite an existing backed up boot image without confirmation, for example in a script, add the -Force parameter to the end of the command line.

For more information, see Copy-Item.

Important

When using the default winpe.wim boot image from the Windows PE add-on for the Windows ADK, it's recommended to always have a backed up copy of the original unmodified boot image. This allows reverting back to the pristine untouched original boot image in case any issues occur with any iteration of an updated boot image. Additionally, whenever a new cumulative update needs to be applied to a boot image, it's recommended to always start fresh and update from the original boot image with no updates instead of updating a previously updated boot image.

Step 4: Mount boot image to mount folder

  1. Create a new empty folder to mount the boot image to. For example, C:\Mount. If using a previously created mount folder, ensure that it's empty and doesn't have any previously mounted images in it.

  2. Mount the boot image to the mount folder using one of the following methods:

    From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to mount the boot image to the mount folder:

    Mount-WindowsImage -Path "<Mount_folder_path>" -ImagePath "<Boot_image_path>\<boot_image>.wim" -Index 1 -Verbose

    Example:

    Mount-WindowsImage -Path "C:\Mount" -ImagePath "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\en-us\winpe.wim" -Index 1 -Verbose

    For more information, see Mount-WindowsImage.

Step 5: Add drivers to boot image (optional)

If needed, add any drivers to the boot image:

From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run one of the following commands to add drivers to the boot image:

Add-WindowsDriver -Path "<Mount_folder_path>" -Driver "<Driver_INF_source_path>\<driver>.inf"

or

Add-WindowsDriver -Path "<Mount_folder_path>" -Driver "<Drivers_source_path>" -Recurse

Examples:

Add-WindowsDriver -Path "C:\Mount" -Driver "C:\Drivers\driver.inf"

or

Add-WindowsDriver -Path "C:\Mount" -Driver "C:\Drivers" -Recurse

For more information, see Add-WindowsDriver.

The cumulative update installed later in this walkthrough doesn't affect drivers. Once a driver is added to a boot image, it doesn't need to be added again if a newer cumulative update is applied to the boot image.

Tip

A full set of drivers is not needed in Windows PE boot images. Only a small subset of drivers is needed that provides basic functionality while in WinPE. In most cases, no drivers need to be added to an out-of-box Windows ADK boot image since it already has many drivers built in. Don't add drivers to a boot image until it is verified that they are needed. When drivers do need to be added, generally only network (NIC) drivers are needed. Occasionally, mass storage (disk) may also be needed. Some Surface devices may also need keyboard and mouse drivers.

Important

For Microsoft Configuration Manager and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) boot images, don't manually add drivers to the boot image using the above steps. Instead, add drivers to the boot images via Microsoft Configuration Manager or Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT):

  • In Configuration Manager, via the Drivers tab in the Properties of the boot image.
  • In Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), via the Drivers and Patches tab under the Windows PE tab in the Properties of the deployment share.

This will ensure that the drivers in the boot image can be properly managed through Configuration Manager or Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).

Step 6: Add optional components to boot image

  1. Add any desired optional components to the boot image:

    From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to add optional components to the boot image:

    Add-WindowsPackage -PackagePath "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\WinPE_OCs\<Component>.cab" -Path "<Mount_folder_path>" -Verbose

    Example:

    Add-WindowsPackage -PackagePath "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\WinPE_OCs\WinPE-Scripting.cab" -Path "C:\Mount" -Verbose

    These examples assume a 64-bit boot image. If a different architecture is being used, then adjust the paths in the commands accordingly.

    For more information, see Add-WindowsPackage.

  2. After adding an optional component to the boot image, make sure to also add the language-specific component for that optional component.

    Not all optional components have the language-specific component. However, for optional components that do have a language-specific component, make sure that the language-specific component is installed.

    To check if an optional component has a language component, check the C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\WinPE_OCs\<Language>\ directory to see if there's a matching language component for that optional component.

    For example, to install the English United States (en-us) language component for an optional component, use the following command line:

    From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to add the language components for the optional components to the boot image:

    Add-WindowsPackage -PackagePath "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\WinPE_OCs\en-us\<Component>_en-us.cab" -Path "<Mount_folder_path>" -Verbose

    Example:

     Add-WindowsPackage -PackagePath "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\WinPE_OCs\en-us\WinPE-Scripting_en-us.cab" -Path "C:\Mount" -Verbose

    These examples assume a 64-bit boot image. If a different architecture is being used, then adjust the paths accordingly.

    For more information, see Add-WindowsPackage.

Important

When adding optional components, make sure to check if an optional component has a prerequisite for another optional component. When an optional component does have a prerequisite, make sure that the prerequisite component is installed first. For more information, see WinPE Optional Components (OC) Reference: How to add Optional Components.

Important

Cumulative updates always need to be applied or reapplied after adding optional components to the boot image. If additional optional components are added to a boot image after a cumulative update has been applied, then the cumulative update needs to be reapplied.

Important

Both Microsoft Configuration Manager and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) boot images require certain optional components to work properly. Make sure to add these required components when using either Microsoft Configuration Manager and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT). For more information, see Configuration Manager boot image required components or MDT boot image required components.

Additionally, when adding any optional component for either Microsoft Configuration Manager or Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) boot images, make sure to manually add the optional components using this walkthrough instead of adding them through Configuration Manager or MDT. For more information and reasons why, see Microsoft Configuration Manager considerations or Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) considerations.

The following list contains the more popular optional components that are commonly added to boot images:

Feature File Name Dependency Purpose Required by ConfigMgr Required by MDT
Scripting/WinPE-Scripting WinPE-Scripting.cab NA Supports running non-PowerShell scripts in WinPE Yes Yes
Network/WinPE-WDS-Tools WinPE-WDS-Tools.cab NA Supports WDS in WinPE, including image capture and multicast Yes No
Scripting/WinPE-WMI WinPE-WMI.cab NA Supports WMI and WMI scripting in WinPE Yes Yes
Startup/WinPE-SecureStartup WinPE-SecureStartup.cab Scripting/WinPE-WMI Supports managing BitLocker and TPMs within WinPE Yes Yes
File management/WinPE-FMAPI WinPE-FMAPI.cab NA Supports access to the Windows PE File Management API No Yes
Windows PowerShell/WinPE-PowerShell WinPE-PowerShell.cab Scripting/WinPE-Scripting
Scripting/WinPE-WMI
Microsoft .NET/WinPE-NetFx		 Supports running PowerShell commands and scripts in WinPE No No
Microsoft .NET/WinPE-NetFx WinPE-NetFx.cab Scripting/WinPE-WMI Supports .NET applications in WinPE No No
Network/WinPE-Dot3Svc WinPE-Dot3Svc.cab NA Supports the 802.1X network protocol in WinPE No No
HTML/WinPE-HTA WinPE-HTA.cab Scripting/WinPE-WMI Supports running HTML applications in WinPE No No
Database/WinPE-MDAC WinPE-MDAC.cab NA Supports connecting to databases in WinPE No No

For a full list of all available WinPE optional components including descriptions for each component, see WinPE Optional Components (OC) Reference: WinPE Optional Components.

Step 7: Add cumulative update (CU) to boot image

Apply the cumulative update (CU) downloaded during the Step 2: Download cumulative update (CU) step to the boot image:

From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to add the cumulative update (CU) to the boot image:

Add-WindowsPackage -PackagePath "<Path_to_CU_MSU_update>\<CU>.msu" -Path "<Mount_folder_path>" -Verbose

Example:

Add-WindowsPackage -PackagePath "C:\Updates\windows11.0-kb5029263-x64_4f5fe19bbec786f5e445d3e71bcdf234fe2cbbec.msu" -Path "C:\Mount" -Verbose

For more information, see Add-WindowsPackage

Important

Make sure not to apply the cumulative update (CU) until all desired optional components have been installed via the Step 6: Add optional components to boot image step. Waiting to install the cumulative update (CU) until all optional components are installed makes sure that the optional components are also properly updated by the cumulative update. If in the future any additional optional components need to be added to the boot image, make sure to reapply the cumulative update.

Servicing stack update (SSU) and error 0x800f0823

Sometimes when applying a cumulative update (CU) to a boot image, you may receive error 0x800f0823:

VERBOSE: Target Image Version <WinPE version>
WARNING: Failed to add package <Cumulative_Update_Path>\<Cumulative_Update>.msu
WARNING: Add-WindowsPackage failed. Error code = 0x800f0823
Add-WindowsPackage : An error occurred applying the Unattend.xml file from the .msu package.
For more information, review the log file.
At line:1 char:1
+ Add-WindowsPackage -PackagePath "<Cumulative_Update_Path>\<Cumulative_Update> ...
+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    + CategoryInfo          : NotSpecified: (:) [Add-WindowsPackage], COMException
    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : Microsoft.Dism.Commands.AddWindowsPackageCommand

Inspecting the DISM.log reveals the following error:

Package "Package_for_RollupFix~<Cumulative_Update>" requires Servicing Stack v<Required_Servicing_Stack_Version> but current Servicing Stack is v<Current_Servicing_Stack_Version>. [HRESULT = 0x800f0823 - CBS_E_NEW_SERVICING_STACK_REQUIRED]
Failed to initialize internal package [HRESULT = 0x800f0823 - CBS_E_NEW_SERVICING_STACK_REQUIRED]
Failed to create internal package [HRESULT = 0x800f0823 - CBS_E_NEW_SERVICING_STACK_REQUIRED]
Failed to create windows update package [HRESULT = 0x800f0823 - CBS_E_NEW_SERVICING_STACK_REQUIRED]
DISM Package Manager: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> Failed opening package. - CDISMPackageManager::Internal_CreatePackageByPath(hr:0x800f0823)
DISM Package Manager: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> Failed to get the underlying CBS package. - CDISMPackageManager::OpenPackageByPath(hr:0x800f0823)
DISM Package Manager: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> The specified package cannot be added to this Windows Image due to a version mismatch. - GetCbsErrorMsg
DISM Package Manager: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> Failed to open package at location [<Temp_Path>\<Cumulative_Update>.cab]. - CPackageManagerUnattendHandler::Internal_ProcessPackageFromSource(hr:0x800f0823)
DISM Package Manager: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> Failed to install package from source [0] - trying next source location. hr = [0x800F0823] - CPackageManagerUnattendHandler::Internal_UnattendInstallPackage
DISM Package Manager: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> Failed to Install the package [Multiple_Packages~~~~0.0.0.0]. - CPackageManagerUnattendHandler::Internal_UnattendInstallPackage(hr:0x800f0823)
DISM Package Manager: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> Package failed to install [Multiple_Packages~~~~0.0.0.0]. - CPackageManagerUnattendHandler::Internal_UnattendProcessPackage(hr:0x800f0823)
DISM Package Manager: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> Failed to process package at node <package[1]>. - CPackageManagerUnattendHandler::Apply(hr:0x800f0823)
DISM Package Manager: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> Failed to Apply the unattend. - CDISMPackageManager::Apply(hr:0x800f0823)
DISM Unattend Manager: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> "Error applying unattend for provider: DISM Package Manager" - CUnattendManager::Apply(hr:0x800f0823)
DISM Package Manager: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> Failed applying the unattend file from the MSU package. - CMsuPackage::ApplyMsuUnattend(hr:0x800f0823)
DISM Package Manager: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> Failed to apply the MSU unattend file to the image. - CMsuPackage::Install(hr:0x800f0823)
API: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> Failed to install msu package <Path_to_CU_MSU_update>\<MSU_Cumulative_Update>.msu - CAddPackageCommandObject::InternalExecute(hr:0x800f0823)
API: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> InternalExecute failed - CBaseCommandObject::Execute(hr:0x800f0823)
API: PID=<PID> TID=<TID> CAddPackageCommandObject internal execution failed - DismAddPackageInternal(hr:0x800f0823)

The problem occurs when the WinPE boot image that is being serviced requires the installation of a servicing stack update (SSU) before installation of the cumulative update (CU) can occur. The problem usually occurs when using older Windows ADKs and older versions of Windows PE. The suggested fix is to upgrade to the latest version of the Windows ADK and Windows PE. The latest versions of the Windows ADK and Windows PE most likely don't need a servicing stack update (SSU) installed before installing the cumulative update (CU).

For scenarios where older versions of the Windows ADK and Windows PE need to be used, for example when using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), the servicing stack update needs to be installed before installing the cumulative update. The servicing stack update (SSU) is contained within the cumulative update (CU). To obtain the servicing stack update (SSU) so that it can be applied, it can be extracted from the cumulative update (CU).

The following steps outline how to extract and then install the servicing stack update (SSU) to the boot image. Once the servicing stack update (SSU) has been installed in the boot image, then the cumulative update (CU) should install to the boot image without error:

Important

These steps are only necessary if the error 0x800f0823 occurs when installing the cumulative update (CU) to the boot image. If error 0x800f0823 didn't occur when installing the cumulative update (CU) to the boot image, then skip to the next step Step 8: Copy boot files from mounted boot image to ADK installation path

  1. Create a folder to extract the servicing stack update (SSU) into. For example, C:\Updates\Extract:

  2. Extract the contents of the cumulative update (CU) to the folder created in the previous step using the following command:

    Start-Process "expand.exe" -ArgumentList " -f:* `"<Cumulative_Update_Path>\<Cumulative_Update>.msu`" `"<Extract_Folder_Path>`"" -Wait -LoadUserProfile

    Example:

    Start-Process "expand.exe" -ArgumentList " -f:* `"C:\Updates\windows10.0-kb5028166-x64_fe3aa2fef685c0e76e1f5d34d529624294273f41.msu`" `"C:\Updates\Extract`"" -Wait -LoadUserProfile

    For more information, see Start-Process and expand.

  3. Inspect the extracted files in the extract folder and identify the servicing stack update (SSU) CAB file. One of the files should be called SSU-<Version>-<Arch>.cab. For example, SSU-19041.3205-x64.cab. Make a note of the name of the servicing stack update (SSU) CAB file.

  4. Using the name of the servicing stack update (SSU) CAB file obtained in the previous step, apply the servicing stack update (SSU) CAB file to the boot image using the following command:

    From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to add the cumulative update (CU) to the boot image:

    Add-WindowsPackage -PackagePath "<Path_to_SSU_CAB_update>\<SSU>.cab" -Path "<Mount_folder_path>" -Verbose

    Example:

    Add-WindowsPackage -PackagePath "C:\Updates\Extract\SSU-19041.3205-x64.cab" -Path "C:\Mount" -Verbose

    For more information, see Add-WindowsPackage.

  5. Attempt to apply the cumulative update (CU) to the boot image again using the commands from Step 7: Add cumulative update (CU) to boot image.

Step 8: Copy boot files from mounted boot image to ADK installation path

Some cumulative updates contain updated bootmgr boot files that are added to the boot image. After these bootmgr boot files have been updated in the boot image, it's recommended to copy these updated bootmgr boot files from the boot image back to the Windows ADK. Copying these files ensures that the Windows ADK has the updated bootmgr boot files.

From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following commands to copy the updated bootmgr boot files from the mounted boot image to the ADK installation path. These commands also back up any existing bootmgr boot files its finds. When applicable, the commands need confirmation to overwrite any existing files:

Copy-Item "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\Media\bootmgr.efi" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\Media\bootmgr.bak.efi"

Copy-Item "<Mount_folder_path>\Windows\Boot\EFI\bootmgr.efi" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\Media\bootmgr.efi"

Copy-Item "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\Media\EFI\Boot\bootx64.efi" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\Media\EFI\Boot\bootx64.bak.efi"

Copy-Item "<Mount_folder_path>\Windows\Boot\EFI\bootmgfw.efi" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\Media\EFI\Boot\bootx64.efi"

Example:

Copy-Item "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\Media\bootmgr.efi" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\Media\bootmgr.bak.efi"

Copy-Item "C:\Mount\Windows\Boot\EFI\bootmgr.efi" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\Media\bootmgr.efi"

Copy-Item "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\Media\EFI\Boot\bootx64.efi" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\Media\EFI\Boot\bootx64.bak.efi"

Copy-Item "C:\Mount\Windows\Boot\EFI\bootmgfw.efi" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\Media\EFI\Boot\bootx64.efi"

To overwrite the bootmgr boot files and any backed up bootmgr boot file without confirmation, for example in a script, add the -Force parameter to the end of the command lines.

For more information, see Copy-Item.

This step doesn't update or change the boot image. However, it makes sure that the latest bootmgr boot files are available to the Windows ADK when creating bootable media via the Windows ADK. When these files are updated in the Windows ADK, products that use the Windows ADK to create bootable media, such as Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), also have access to the updated bootmgr boot files.

In particular, this step is needed when addressing the BlackLotus UEFI bootkit vulnerability as documented in KB5025885: How to manage the Windows Boot Manager revocations for Secure Boot changes associated with CVE-2023-24932 and CVE-2023-24932.

Tip

The boot images from the ADK 10.1.26100.1 (May 2024) and later already contain the cumulative update to address the BlackLotus UEFI bootkit vulnerability.

Note

Microsoft Configuration Manager and Windows Deployment Services (WDS) automatically extract the bootmgr boot files from the boot images when the boot images are updated in these products. They don't use the bootmgr boot files from the Windows ADK.

Step 9: Perform component cleanup

Run DISM.exe commands that clean up the mounted boot image and help reduce its size:

From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to clean up the mounted boot image and help reduce its size:

Start-Process "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools\amd64\DISM\dism.exe" -ArgumentList " /Image:"<Mount_folder_path>" /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup /Resetbase /Defer" -Wait -LoadUserProfile

Start-Process "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools\amd64\DISM\dism.exe" -ArgumentList " /Image:"<Mount_folder_path>" /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup /Resetbase" -Wait -LoadUserProfile

Example:

Start-Process "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools\amd64\DISM\dism.exe" -ArgumentList " /Image:`"C:\Mount`" /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup /Resetbase /Defer" -Wait -LoadUserProfile

Start-Process "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools\amd64\DISM\dism.exe" -ArgumentList " /Image:"C:\Mount" /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup /Resetbase" -Wait -LoadUserProfile

For more information, see Modify a Windows image using DISM: Reduce the size of an image, DISM Operating System Package (.cab or .msu) Servicing Command-Line Options: /Cleanup-Image, and Start-Process.

Step 10: Verify all desired packages have been added to boot image

After the optional components and the cumulative update (CU) have been applied to the boot image, verify that they're showing as installed:

From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to verify that all optional components and the cumulative update (CU) have been applied to the boot image:

Get-WindowsPackage -Path "<Mount_folder_path>"

Example:

Get-WindowsPackage -Path "C:\Mount"

For more information, see Get-WindowsPackage.

Step 11: Unmount boot image and save changes

Once drivers, optional components, and the cumulative update (CU) have been applied to the boot image, unmount the boot image and save changes.

From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to unmount the boot image and save changes:

Dismount-WindowsImage -Path "<Mount_folder_path>" -Save -Verbose

Example:

Dismount-WindowsImage -Path "C:\Mount" -Save -Verbose

For more information, see Dismount-WindowsImage.

Step 12: Export boot image to reduce size

  1. Once the boot image has been unmounted and saved, its size can be further reduced by exporting it:

    From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to further reduce the size of the boot image by exporting it:

    Export-WindowsImage -SourceImagePath "<Boot_image_path>\<boot_image>.wim" -SourceIndex 1 -DestinationImagePath "<Boot_image_path>\<boot_image>-export.wim" -CompressionType max -Verbose

    Example:

    Export-WindowsImage -SourceImagePath "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\en-us\winpe.wim" -SourceIndex 1 -DestinationImagePath "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\en-us\winpe-export.wim" -CompressionType max -Verbose

    For more information, see Export-WindowsImage.

  2. Once the export has completed:

    1. Delete the original updated boot image:

      From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to delete the original updated boot image:

      Remove-Item -Path "<Boot_image_path>\<boot_image>.wim" -Force

      Example:

      Remove-Item -Path "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\en-us\winpe.wim" -Force

      For more information, see Remove-Item.

    2. Rename the exported boot image with the name of the original boot image:

      From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to rename the exported boot image with the name of the original boot image:

      Rename-Item -Path "<Boot_image_path>\<exported_boot_image>.wim" -NewName "<original_boot_image_name>.wim"

      Example:

      Rename-Item -Path "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\en-us\winpe-export.wim" -NewName "winpe.wim"

      For more information, see Rename-Item.

Step 13: Update boot image in products that utilize it (if applicable)

After the default winpe.wim boot image from the Windows ADK has been updated, additional steps usually need to take place in the products that utilize the boot image. The following links contain information on how to update the boot image for several popular products that utilize boot images:

For any other products that utilize boot images, consult the product's documentation on updating the boot image.

Microsoft Configuration Manager considerations

How Microsoft Configuration Manager creates boot images

Microsoft Configuration Manager creates its own boot images by taking the winpe.wim from the Windows ADK, adding some optional components it requires to function correctly, and then saving the boot image as boot.wim in the directory <ConfigMgr_Install_Directory>\OSD\boot\<architecture>\boot.wim. This boot.wim boot image is considered the pristine authoritative copy of the boot image by Configuration Manager. Configuration Manager never touches, modifies, or updates the boot.wim boot image except in some specific scenarios. Instead, when changes are done in the properties of the boot image in Configuration Manager such as:

  • Adding drivers
  • Adding optional components
  • Enabling the command prompt

Configuration Manager makes a copy of boot.wim, applies the changes to the copy, and then saves the new boot image as boot.<package_id>.wim.

If in the future any additional changes are done to the boot image, Configuration Manager discards the previously created boot.<package_id>.wim boot image, makes a new copy of boot.wim, applies the changes to the copy, and then saves the new boot image as boot.<package_id>.wim. In other words, boot.wim is never touched. Anytime any changes are made to a boot image, both the new changes and any changes done in the past are all reapplied to a new copy of boot.wim.

This process has the following advantages:

  1. Keeps boot.wim pristine.

  2. Makes sure that changes done to a boot image are being done to a pristine unmodified version of the boot image. This process helps avoid corruption when a boot image is updated multiple times. I can also correct issues with existing boot images.

  3. Helps manage components in the boot image. The process doesn't need to know what components may need to be removed from the boot image each time the boot image is rebuilt. Instead, it just needs to know what components need to be added to the boot image.

  4. It reduces the size of the boot image which can occur when components are repeatedly added to and removed from the boot image.

Configuration Manager updates the boot.wim boot image in two scenarios:

  1. When Configuration Manager is upgraded between versions or a hotfix roll-up (HFRU) is applied, boot.wim may be updated as part of the upgrade process.

  2. When selecting the option Reload this boot image with the current Windows PE version from the Windows ADK in the Update Distribution Points Wizard.

In these scenarios, the boot.wim boot image is updated using the winpe.wim boot image from the Windows ADK as described earlier in this section. This process creates a new pristine copy of the boot.wim boot image using the current version of the winpe.wim boot image that is part of the Windows ADK.

Which boot image should be updated with the cumulative update?

When manually adding a cumulative update to a Configuration Manager boot image, it's recommended to update the winpe.wim boot image from the Windows ADK instead of directly updating the boot.wim boot image generated by Configuration Manager.

The winpe.wim boot image from the Windows ADK should be updated because if boot.wim generated by Configuration Manager is updated instead, then the next time boot.wim is updated via a Configuration Manager upgrade or the Reload this boot image with the current Windows PE version from the Windows ADK option, then changes made to boot.wim, including the applied cumulative update, will be lost. If the winpe.wim boot image from the Windows ADK is updated with the cumulative update instead, then the cumulative update persists and is preserved even when Configuration Manager does update the boot.wim boot image.

Important

Never manually update the boot.<package_id>.wim boot image. In addition to facing the same issues when manually updating the boot.wim boot image, the boot.<package_id>.wim boot image will also face additional issues such as:

  • Any time any changes are done to the boot image (adding drivers, enabling the command prompt, etc.), any manual changes done to the boot image, including the cumulative update, will be lost.

  • Manually changing the boot.<package_id>.wim boot image changes the hash value of the boot image. A change in the hash value of the boot image can lead to download failures when downloading the boot image from a distribution point.

Updating winpe.wim from the Windows ADK ensures that the cumulative update stays applied regardless of what changes are made to the boot.wim boot image via Configuration Manager.

Add optional components manually to Configuration Manager boot images

For Microsoft Configuration Manager boot images, when applying a cumulative update to a boot image, make sure to add any desired optional components manually using the command lines from the walkthrough instead of adding them through Configuration Manager. Optional components are added to boot images in Configuration Manager via the Optional Components tab in the Properties of the boot image.

Optional components need to be added to the boot image manually instead of via Configuration Manager because:

  • When the cumulative update is applied, it also updates any optional components as needed.

  • If optional components are added through Configuration Manager on a boot image that has a cumulative update, then the optional components aren't updated with the cumulative update. Adding the optional components through Configuration Manager could lead to unexpected behaviors and problems. The cumulative update needs to be added after the optional components have been added to the boot image for the optional components to be updated properly with the cumulative update.

Note

If an optional component is attempted to be added via the Optional Components tab in the Properties of the boot image in Configuration Manager but the optional component has already been manually added to the boot image, Configuration Manager won't add that optional component again. Instead, Configuration Manager detects that the optional component has already been added and it won't try to add the optional component again.

Configuration Manager boot image required components

For Microsoft Configuration Manager boot images to function correctly, it requires the following optional components:

Feature File Name Dependency Required by ConfigMgr
Scripting/WinPE-Scripting WinPE-Scripting.cab NA Yes
Scripting/WinPE-WMI WinPE-WMI.cab NA Yes
Network/WinPE-WDS-Tools WinPE-WDS-Tools.cab NA Yes
Startup/WinPE-SecureStartup WinPE-SecureStartup.cab Scripting/WinPE-WMI Yes

When adding optional components to any boot image used by Configuration Manager during the Step 6: Add optional components to boot image step, make sure to first add the above required components in the above order to the boot image. After adding the required components to the boot image, add any additional desired optional components to the boot image.

For a list of all available WinPE optional components including descriptions for each component, see WinPE Optional Components (OC) Reference: WinPE Optional Components.

Updating the boot image in Configuration Manager

After updating the winpe.wim boot image from the Windows ADK, generate a new boot.wim boot image for Configuration Manager so that it contains the cumulative update. A new boot.wim boot image can be generated by using the following steps:

  1. Open the Microsoft Configuration Manager console.

  2. In the Microsoft Configuration Manager console, navigate to Software Library > Overview > Operating Systems > Boot Images.

  3. In the Boot Images pane, select the desired boot image.

  4. In the toolbar, select Update Distribution Points.

  5. When the Update Distribution Points Wizard window that appears:

    1. In the General/Update distribution points with this image page, select the Reload this boot image with the current Windows PE version from the Windows ADK option, and then select the Next > button.

    2. In the Summary page, select the Next > button.

    3. The Progress page appears while the boot image builds.

    4. Once the boot image finishes building, the The task "Update Distribution Points Wizard" completed successfully/Completion page appears. Select the Close button.

This process updates the boot image used by Configuration Manager. It also updates the boot image and the bootmgr boot files used by any PXE-enabled distribution points.

Important

If there are multiple boot images used in the environment for PXE-enabled distribution points, make sure to update all of the PXE-enabled boot images with the same cumulative update. This will ensure that the PXE-enabled distribution points all use the version of the bootmgr boot files extracted from the boot images (if applicable).

Updating Configuration Manager boot media

After completing the walkthrough, including updating boot images in Configuration Manager, update any Configuration Manager task sequence media. Updating any Configuration Manager task sequence media ensures that the task sequence media has both the updated boot image. If applicable, it will also update bootmgr boot files on the media by extracting the latest versions from the boot image. For more information on creating Configuration Manager task sequence media, see Create task sequence media.

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) considerations

When adding a cumulative update to a Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) boot image, it's recommended to update the winpe.wim boot image from the Windows ADK instead of directly updating the LiteTouchPE_<arch>.wim boot image in the MDT Deployment Share.

The winpe.wim boot image from the Windows ADK should be updated because if LiteTouchPE_<arch>.wim is updated instead, then the next time the MDT Deployment Share is updated, the changes made to LiteTouchPE_<arch>.wim, including the applied cumulative update, will be lost. If the winpe.wim boot image from the Windows ADK is updated with the cumulative update instead, then the cumulative update persists and is preserved even when the MDT Deployment Share is updated.

MDT and Windows ADK versions

Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) doesn't support versions of Windows or the Windows ADK beyond Windows 10. When MDT is used, the recommendation is to use the ADK for Windows 10, version 2004 instead of the latest version of the Windows ADK. ADK for Windows 10, version 2004 was the last version of the Windows ADK supported by MDT. When updating the boot image for the ADK for Windows 10, version 2004 with a cumulative update, use the cumulative update for Windows 10 Version 22H2.

MDT boot image required components

For Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) boot images to function correctly, it requires the following optional components:

Feature File Name Dependency Required by MDT
Scripting/WinPE-Scripting WinPE-Scripting.cab NA Yes
Scripting/WinPE-WMI WinPE-WMI.cab NA Yes
File management/WinPE-FMAPI WinPE-FMAPI.cab NA Yes
Startup/WinPE-SecureStartup WinPE-SecureStartup.cab Scripting/WinPE-WMI Yes
HTML/WinPE-HTA WinPE-HTA.cab Scripting/WinPE-WMI Yes

When adding optional components to any boot image used by MDT during the Step 6: Add optional components to boot image step, make sure to first add the above required components in the above order to the boot image. After adding the required components to the boot image, add any additional desired optional components to the boot image.

For a list of all available WinPE optional components including descriptions for each component, see WinPE Optional Components (OC) Reference: WinPE Optional Components.

Updating the boot image and boot media in MDT

After updating the winpe.wim boot image from the Windows ADK, generate a new LiteTouchPE_<arch>.wim boot image for MDT that contains the cumulative update followed by creating new MDT boot media. New MDT boot images and MDT boot media can be generated by using the following steps:

  1. Make sure Step 8: Copy boot files from mounted boot image to ADK installation path has been completed. MDT copies the bootmgr boot files from the Windows ADK installation path to its deployment share. Following this step makes sure that the deployment share has the latest bootmgr boot files that are needed when creating MDT boot media.

  2. Open the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) Deployment Workbench console.

  3. In the Deployment Workbench console, navigate to Deployment Workbench > Deployment Shares > MDT Deployment Share.

  4. Right click on MDT Deployment Share and select Update Deployment Share.

  5. In the Update Deployment Share Wizard window that appears:

    1. In the Options page, select the Completely regenerate the boot images option, and then select the Next > button.

    2. In the Summary page, select the Next > button.

    3. The Progress page appears while the boot image and deployment share build.

    4. Once the boot image and deployment share finish building, the The process completed successfully/Confirmation page appears. Select the Finish button.

These steps also update the MDT boot media in the MDT Deployment Share. After following the above steps, use the newly updated ISO files in the <DeploymentShare>\Boot folder to create new MDT boot media.

Windows Deployment Services (WDS) considerations

Original WDS boot image is updated

If the WDS boot image modified was the original WDS boot image in the <RemoteInstall> folder, then the only additional step to take is to restart Windows Deployment Services Server service. WDS can be restarted by using the following command lines:

From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to restart the Windows Deployment Services Server service:

Restart-Service -Name WDSServer

For more information, see Restart-Service.

WDS boot image is replaced with new updated boot image

In the following boot image replacement scenario for WDS:

  • The boot image modified as part of this guide is outside of the <RemoteInstall> folder. For example, the winpe.wim boot image that comes with the Windows ADK.
  • An existing boot image in WDS is being replaced with the updated boot image.

Follow these steps to update the boot image in WDS:

  1. Replace the existing boot image in WDS with the modified boot image using the following command lines:

    In PowerShell, the original boot image needs to be removed first and then replaced with a new image. From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following commands to replace an existing boot image in WDS with a new boot image:

    Remove-WdsBootImage -Architecture <Architecture_x64_or_x86> -ImageName "<Name_Of_Existing_Boot_Image_In_WDS>"
Import-WdsBootImage -Path "<Path_To_Updated_Boot_Image>\<boot_image>.wim" -NewImageName "<Name_Of_Existing_Boot_Image_In_WDS>"

    Example:

    Remove-WdsBootImage -Architecture x64 -ImageName "Microsoft Windows PE (amd64)"
Import-WdsBootImage -Path "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\en-us\winpe.wim" -NewImageName "Microsoft Windows PE (amd64)"

    For more information, see Remove-WdsBootImage and Import-WdsBootImage.

  2. Once the existing boot image in WDS has been replaced, restart the WDS service:

    From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to restart the Windows Deployment Services Server service:

    Restart-Service -Name WDSServer

    For more information, see Restart-Service.

Add updated boot image as a new boot image in WDS

In the following boot image scenario for WDS:

  • The boot image modified as part of this guide is outside of the <RemoteInstall> folder. For example, the winpe.wim boot image that comes with the Windows ADK
  • The updated boot image is being added as a new boot image in WDS

Follow these steps to add the boot image in WDS:

  1. Add the updated boot image to WDS using the following command lines:

    From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following commands to add the updated boot image in WDS as a new boot image:

    Import-WdsBootImage -Path "<Path_To_Updated_Boot_Image>\<boot_image>.wim" -NewImageName "<Boot_Image_Name_In_WDS>"

    Example:

    Import-WdsBootImage -Path "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Windows Preinstallation Environment\amd64\en-us\winpe.wim" -NewImageName "Microsoft Windows PE (amd64) - Updated"

    For more information, see Import-WdsBootImage.

  2. Once the existing boot image in WDS has been replaced, restart the WDS service:

    From an elevated PowerShell command prompt, run the following command to restart the Windows Deployment Services Server service:

    Restart-Service -Name WDSServer

    For more information, see Restart-Service.

Boot.wim support

The boot.wim that is part of Windows installation media isn't supported for deploying Windows 11 with Windows Deployment Services (WDS). Additionally, the boot.wim from Windows 11 installation media isn't supported for deploying any version of Windows with Windows Deployment Services (WDS). For more information, see Windows Deployment Services (WDS) boot.wim support.

Windows Server 2012 R2

This walk-through isn't intended for use with Windows Server 2012 R2. The steps in this article may work with Windows Server 2012 R2 when using older versions of the Windows ADK. However, it may have compatibility problems with versions of the Windows ADK that are newer than the ADK for Windows 10, version 2004. To resolve compatibility problems with newer ADKs and Windows Server 2012 R2:

  1. Upgrade Windows Server 2012 R2 to a newer version of Windows Server.
  2. Perform the boot image customizations on a computer running a version of Windows that supports the newer ADKs, for example Windows 10 or Windows 11, and then transfer the modified boot image to the Windows Server 2012 R2 server.

For more information, see Windows Server 2012 R2 Lifecycle.