Scripted Windows 11 install

Posted by Wolfishllama601@reddit | sysadmin | View on Reddit | 11 comments

Hello,

Is there a way to make a scripted Windows 11 install from a bootable USB that allows me to skip all of the promps such as reigon and keyboard layout, and maybe the domain part (I will be connecting to a domain though) by predefining what I want? I can't find much info about something like this on the web. Any help is appreciated.

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Nickisabi@reddit

I don't have a lot of experience with this personally, but my org used SmartDeploy for a long time to develop images and deploy Windows machines. There's a lot of trial and error and might not be the best solution, but it's worth taking a look at, I think.

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Mach5vsMach5@reddit

This is what I'm using right now.

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gordonv@reddit

Method 1: https://schneegans.de/windows/unattend-generator/
Method 2: https://www.ntlite.com/

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secret_configuration@reddit

Yep, method one works fine for us (SMB). There is also another way, which I plan on looking into: FFU - Full Flash Updates.

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TheNewFlatiron@reddit

Wow..your google skills suck, because there are multiple ways to do this and the info isn't hard to find. At all. Try to google: "unattended install for Windows 11"?

Anyway...I'll copy paste...

An unattended install for Windows 11 automates the setup process by using an autounattend.xml file to provide answers to all prompts, such as language, user accounts, and disk partitioning. This file can be created using tools like Windows System Image Manager or simpler online generators that ask you questions and then create the file for you to save and copy to a bootable USB drive, which then runs the installation automatically. This method bypasses hardware requirements, Microsoft account sign-in, and can pre-configure many other settings, like disabling widgets or Windows Defender.

How to create an unattended installation:

Create the answer file:

- Online Generator: Use a website like the one on schneegans.de to answer a series of questions about your desired settings. This is a simpler method that generates the autounattend.xml file based on your choices.

- Windows ADK: For a more advanced approach, download the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) and use the Windows System Image Manager to create the autounattend.xml file manually, as described on Microsoft Learn.

Integrate the file with installation media:

- After generating the file, save it as autounattend.xml.

- Copy the autounattend.xml file to the root directory of a bootable Windows 11 USB drive. You can create this USB using Microsoft's Media Creation Tool.

Perform the installation:

- Boot the target computer from the USB drive.

- The Windows 11 setup will automatically find and use the autounattend.xml file to complete the installation with your specified settings without further user input.

Key features and benefits

Bypass requirements: Easily skip hardware checks (like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot) and the need for an internet connection to create a local account, as explained on this YouTube video.

Automate configuration: Specify settings such as language, time zone, disk partitioning, and user accounts.

Customize the OS: Remove bloatware, disable widgets, tweak settings like Windows Defender and User Account Control, and apply pre-set privacy configurations.

Consistency and efficiency: Ensure a consistent and uniform setup across multiple machines, which can significantly speed up deployment and lower support costs, according to this Microsoft document.

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ADynes@reddit

You need to stop feeding the trolls. Just download and move on.

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WizzDK@reddit

Grab Windows Configuration Designer from the Windows Store (of all places). It's really easy to get started with, it created a package file that the installer automatically grabs off your USB media etc.

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n4txo@reddit

Yes, there are various methods for doing that, I prefer autounattend.xml, but microsoft provides other:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-setup-automation-overview?view=windows-11

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mrmattipants@reddit

This is the way to do it, if you're planning on going with clean windows 11 installs.

We ultimately deployed in-place upgrades through an RMM, using the Windows Update Assistant.

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AsphaltSailor@reddit

This is a script I run via my RMM. It downloads the latest win 11 installer from MS, and then runs the upgrade with no user input.

Things to note:

Reboot first.
Must be run as admin or in the system context
It may take a few hours
It will automatically reboot when done.
Test it on a few machines before rolling it out system wide.

I run this on my multiple small business clients. If you have a huge organization, you might want to store the executable file on a network share, and run it from there.

$workingdir = "c:\temp"
$url = "https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2171764"
$file = "$($workingdir)\Win11Upgrade.exe"

If(!(test-path $workingdir))
{
New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $workingdir
}

Invoke-WebRequest -Uri $url -OutFile $file

Start-Process -FilePath $file -ArgumentList "/Install  /MinimizeToTaskBar /QuietInstall /SkipEULA /copylogs $workingdir"

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ZovexUK@reddit

Image tools like Dell Image Assist etc would do this, you pre-build the "golden" image and then just apply the ISO after it was Sys prepped.