How To Automate Windows 10 Installation

Windows x autounattned.xml (Image credit: Windows Fundamental)

When you start a new installation of Windows ten, you must go through the Windows Setup, which is the feel that helps you lot to configure diverse settings, including linguistic communication preferences, product central, and partition layout. After the installation, yous also take to become through the out-of-box experience (OOBE), which you need to complete to configure settings like keyboard layout, account, and privacy settings.

Although the process is relatively easy for most people, you still have to spend the time controlling the installation and answering questions, which can take up a lot of time, peculiarly if you need to complete multiple installations in your workplace.

If you desire to automate the installation procedure (and save time in the procedure), you can create an answer file with instructions to consummate every on-screen prompt, which you can integrate onto a bootable media. So the Windows Setup can read to install Windows 10 automatically.

In this Windows x guide, we walk yous through the steps to create an autounattend.xml answer file containing all the necessary settings to perform a basic unattended installation of the OS.

On Windows 10, you tin can use many ways to create and set up an respond file to automate the installation procedure. This guide outlines the instructions to configure a ".xml" file to perform an unattended installation of Windows ten Pro 64-fleck on a reckoner with a single drive using Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) or Basic Input-Output System (BIOS).

Subsequently setting upwardly the answer file, the process will erase everything on the drive, create and configure the necessary partitions, and install a fresh re-create of Windows ten with the most basic settings.

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that the installation process will completely erase the hard drive of your computer. If yous have anything important on this device, it'due south recommended to make a full backup of your PC earlier proceeding.

• Requirements
• How to install Windows System Image Managing director
• How to create Windows 10 answer file projection
• How to create Windows 10 answer file
• How to relieve Windows ten reply file project
• How to install Windows ten with respond file
• How to troubleshoot problems with Windows x answer file

Requirements

This guide has quite a few steps, and y'all'll demand a few things to complete the project successfully:

• Windows Assessment and Development Kit (ADK).
• Windows ten installation files.
• Windows 10 account with administrator privileges.
• USB flash drive with 8GB of space.
• Spare computer to examination the installation.

How to install Windows System Image Manager

Anyone can write an answer file manually. Microsoft offers the Windows System Image Director (SIM) console available through the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) to make information technology easier to create the file to install Windows 10 unattended.

To install the Windows Organization Paradigm Managing director, use these steps:

1. Download the Windows ADK installer (opens in new tab) for Windows 10 version 2004.
2. Double-click the adksetup.exe file to brainstorm the installation.
3. Select the Install the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit - Windows 10 to this computer pick.

Source: Windows Fundamental (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

4. Click the Next push.
5. Select your privacy setting.
6. Click the Next button.
7. Click the Accept button to agree to the license agreement.
8. Articulate all preselected choices.
9. Check just the Deployment Tools packet to install the Windows System Image Managing director components.

Source: Windows Cardinal (Image credit: Source: Windows Cardinal)

10. Click the Install button.
11. Click the Close button.

Once yous consummate the steps, you lot can use the console to create a ".xml" file with the answer to all the questions to automatically install Windows ten.

After the file is created, yous can arrange the settings and reuse it for other installations, instead of having to use the Windows Organization Prototype Managing director tool.

How to create Windows 10 respond file projection

After installing the Windows System Paradigm Manager console, you need to import the OS installation files onto your device, and gear up up the environment to create an reply file.

Import Windows ten epitome files

To create an answer file, you demand to open a Windows 10 prototype and create a catalog of all the components to automate the installation. Withal, to perform this task, you must start import the installation files onto your device.

To import the Windows 10 installation files, use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the Windows x ISO file location.Quick tip: Alternatively, you can too connect the USB flash drive with the installation files. If you don't have the files below, you can find the steps to use Rufus to download the latest ISO for Windows x.
3. Correct-click the ISO file and select the Mount pick.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Fundamental)

4. Open up the drive with the Windows 10 installation files.
5. Click the Select all button from the "Abode" tab.
6. Click the Copy push from the "Dwelling" tab.

Source: Windows Cardinal (Prototype credit: Source: Windows Central)

7. Navigate to the folder yous want to employ to shop the files for the project.
8. Click the New folder push button from the "Home" tab.
9. Specify a name for the folder – for case, Windows2004.
10. Open up the newly created folder.
11. Click the Paste button from the "Dwelling house" tab.

Source: Windows Primal (Image credit: Source: Windows Key)

Once you complete the steps, the installation files will exist available on your device. Nonetheless, to continue, you demand to confirm the install.wim file image is present in the "sources" binder. If the ISO was created using the Media Creation Tool, you lot're probable to have an install.esd, which you won't be able to open up considering it's encrypted.

If y'all don't have an .wim paradigm file, you can become the uncrypted image by downloading the latest Windows 10 ISO file from the Windows Insider Plan (opens in new tab) or MSDN with a subscription (opens in new tab).

Convert install.esd to install.wim

In the example that you're stuck with an "install.esd" image, you tin can use the DISM command tool to export the image files and create a ".wim" epitome from a ".esd" file.

To decrypt an install.esd image, use these steps:

1. Open Beginning.
2. Search for PowerShell, correct-click the top result, and select the Run equally administrator option.
3. Blazon the following command to identify the index number of the edition you want to use and press Enter:dism /Become-WimInfo /WimFile:C:\path\to\binder\sources\install.esdIn the command, make sure to alter the path to the sources binder location with the "install.esd" file on your computer.
4. Ostend the alphabetize number for the edition you lot want to deploy. For instance, in the case, select the index number of six to excerpt the files for Windows 10 Pro.
5. Type the following command to create an install.wim file and press Enter:dism /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:C:\path\to\folder\sources\install.esd /SourceIndex:6 /DestinationImageFile:C:\path\to\binder\sources\install.wim /Compress:Max /CheckIntegrityIn the control, make sure to alter the path to the sources folder location with the "install.esd" file on your device. The destination path should be the same equally the source.

Source: Windows Key (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Alternatively, yous tin likewise utilise the Rufus tool to download the Windows 10 ISO with an "install.wim" file.

Download install.wim using Rufus

To download a Windows x ISO file with Rufus, apply these steps:

1. Open Rufus download page.
2. Under the "Download" department, click the latest release of the tool to save the file on the computer.

Source: Windows Central (Paradigm credit: Source: Windows Central)

3. Double-click the Rufus-x.10.exe file to launch the tool.
4. Nether the "Device" department, select the USB wink drive with at least 8GB of infinite.
5. Under the "Boot option" section, click the arrow button next to the "Select" option, and cull the Download option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Cardinal)

6. Click the now available Download button.
7. Use the "Version" driblet-down carte du jour and select Windows 10.
8. Click the Continue push button.
9. Select the 20H1 (Build 19041.264 - 2020.05) option to download the Windows 10 May 2020 Update.
10. Click the Continue button.
11. Employ the "Edition" driblet-downwardly carte du jour and select the Windows 10 Home/Pro choice.
12. Click the Continue push.
13. Apply the "Language" drop-downwardly bill of fare and select your installation language.Quick note: If you're in the United States, you should select "English" instead of "English International."
14. Click the Continue push.
15. Use the "Architecture" drop-down carte du jour and select the 32-chip or 64-bit (recommended).Quick tip: You tin find out the architecture of your device on Settings > System > Near, under Device specifications.
16. Check the Download using a browser option.

Source: Windows Cardinal (Image credit: Source: Windows Fundamental)

17. Click the Download button.
18. Save the ISO file on your device.

Once you complete the steps, you'll finish up with an ISO file of Windows 10 that includes the install.wim file inside the "sources" folder.

Setting up an respond file environment

To prepare the surround to create a new answer file project, apply these steps:

1. Open up Start.
2. Search for Windows Arrangement Image Manager and click the top result to open the console.
3. Click the File menu.
4. Select the Select Windows Image pick.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

5. Navigate to the folder with the Windows 10 installation files exported.
6. Access the source folder.
7. Select the install.wim prototype file.

Source: Windows Central (Paradigm credit: Source: Windows Central)

8. Click the Open button.Important: Make certain that image is an install.wim file. Otherwise, if you have an install.esd epitome, this will not piece of work.
9. Select the edition of Windows 10 you want to employ. (Normally, you desire to select the version that you're planning to install.)

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Primal)

10. Click the OK button.
11. Click the Yes button to create a new catalog file (if applicable).Quick notation: This process will take some time, but information technology's a one-time procedure. The .clg file will exist saved in the aforementioned location where the install.wim is stored, and you can reuse it afterward on other projects.
12. Under the "Distribution Share" section, right-click on "Select a Distribution Share" and select the Create Distribution Share option.

Source: Windows Central (Prototype credit: Source: Windows Central)

13. Click the Create New Folder selection in the dialog box.
14. Specify a proper noun for the folder – for example, "Distribution" and select the folder.
15. Click the Open up button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

16. Click the File card.
17. Select the Select Distribution Share option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

18. Locate the folder y'all recently created for the distribution files.
19. Click the Open button.
20. Click the File carte du jour.
21. Select the New Answer File choice.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

After you complete the steps, the surround will be created to configure an answer file.

How to create Windows 10 reply file

An reply file contains seven different stages (passes) (opens in new tab), and the stages y'all need to configure will depend upon the blazon of automation you lot want to create.

This guide will help you to get started configuring an autounattend.xml answer file with the minimum requirements to automate the installation of Windows 10 Pro using the 1 windowsPE, 4 specialize, and vii oobeSystem stages.

Pass one windowsPE

Using the pass "1 windowsPE," yous'll gear up up region and language, drive configuration, installation location, and product key.

Quick notation: Depending on the prototype, you may see the components name starting with amd64_Microsoft-Windows for the 64-bit version or x86_Microsoft-Windows for the 32-bit version of Windows 10. For this guide, we'll be using the amd64_Microsoft-Windows name format.

Configure language and region settings

To configure the region and language settings, while in the Windows System Image Manager, apply these steps:

1. Under the "Windows Epitome" section, aggrandize the Components binder.
2. Expand the amd64_Microsoft-Windows-International-Core-WinPE component.
3. Right-click the SetupUILanguage component and select the Add Setting to Pass 1 windowsPE pick.

Source: Windows Central (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Central)

4. Under the "Answer File" section, on the right side, select the amd64_Microsoft-Windows-International-Core-WinPE component.
5. Under the "Settings" section, on the right side, ascertain the keyboard, region, master and autumn back linguistic communication, and device location. For instance, if y'all're located in the United states of america, you should be using these settings:
   • InputLocale: en-U.s.a..
   • SystemLocale: en-US.
   • UILanguage: en-US.
   • UserLocale: en-US.
   Quick tip: Only users outside the United States should configure ULLanguageFallback using the en-US value as the fallback language. To identify the correct input profile name, you can check out this Microsoft support folio (opens in new tab).

Source: Windows Central (Prototype credit: Source: Windows Central)

6. Select the SetupUILanguage sub-component.
7. Under the "Settings" section, on the correct side, gear up UILanguage with the correct language. For example, because we're doing an install in "English," we're using the en-United states of america option.

Source: Windows Central (Prototype credit: Source: Windows Central)

Configure installation settings

Inside the answer file, you lot besides have to specify the settings to properly configure the drive.

To configure the drive settings in the answer file, apply these steps:

1. Nether the "Windows Paradigm" section, expand the Components folders.
2. Expand the amd64_Microsoft-Windows-Setup component.
3. Aggrandize the DiskConfiguration component.
4. Right-click the Disk component, and select the Add Setting to Laissez passer i windowsPE pick.

Source: Windows Central (Paradigm credit: Source: Windows Central)

5. Under the "Answer File" section, on the right side, select the DiskConfiguration component.
6. Under the "Settings" department, on the right side, set the WillShowUI value to OnError. (If you leave this setting empty, the installation will cease during the hard drive setup process.)

Source: Windows Central (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Key)

7. Select the Disk component.
8. Under the "Settings" section, on the right side, employ these values:
   • DiskID: 0
   • WillWipeDisk: true
   Quick note: Setting the WillWipeDik setting to truthful volition make certain to erase everything on the outset difficult drive before setting upwards the partitions. If yous have anything of import on this drive, you lot should backup the information earlier proceeding.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Once you complete the steps to configure the DiskConfiguration settings, y'all'll need to set the partition layout, depending on whether your device uses a legacy BIOS or UEFI.

The reason is that BIOS-based computers only require 2 partitions (System Reserved and Windows), and UEFI-based devices require four partitions (WinRE, EFI, MSR, and Windows).

You can check if y'all're using BIOS or UEFI by opening System Information from the Get-go menu, and checking the "System Summary." If "BIOS Style" reads Legacy, then you lot're using BIOS; if information technology reads UEFI, y'all're using UEFI.

BIOS only: Creating and modifying partitions

If you have a estimator using the legacy BIOS, continue with these steps. Otherwise, skip this part, and follow the UEFI instructions beneath.

To configure the partition layout for a device using BIOS, utilise these steps:

1. Under the "Reply File" section, expand the amd64_Microsoft-Windows-Setup component.
2. Aggrandize the DiskConfiguration component.
3. Expand the Disk component.
4. Right-click the CreatePartitions component, and select the Insert New CreatePartition option to create the first partition.

Source: Windows Fundamental (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

5. Right-click CreatePartitions over again, and select the Insert New CreatePartition selection to create a second partition.
6. Select the first CreatePartition.
7. Nether the "Settings" section, on the right side, use these values to create a system reserved partition:
   • Extend: false.
   • Society: 1.
   • Size: 500.
   • Type: Primary.
   Using these settings, yous're indicating the setup to create the system reserved partition of 500MB, a division required for Windows to boot.

Source: Windows Central (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Central)

8. Select the 2nd CreatePartition.
9. Under the "Settings" department, on the right side, utilise these values to create a segmentation to install Windows 10:
   • Extend: true.
   • Lodge: 2.
   • Blazon: Chief.
   Using these settings, you're indicating the setup to create a partition to install Windows x. You'll too notice that the Size value wasn't specified, and Extend was set to true. This is because we want the Windows Setup to create a segmentation with all the available infinite left on the bulldoze later on creating the arrangement reserved sectionalisation.If you desire to create multiple partitions, y'all need to prepare the value of Extend to false, and enter a value in megabytes in the Size setting. So the last partitioning should accept Extend set to true without specifying the Size value to bespeak the setup to use the remaining bachelor infinite to create the partition.

Source: Windows Central (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Fundamental)

Using the above steps, outlined the steps to carved the partitions. The side by side steps specify the required file format and partition properties.

To specify the format settings in the answer file, utilize these steps:

1. Nether the "Answer File" section, aggrandize the amd64_Microsoft-Windows-Setup component.
2. Aggrandize the DiskConfiguration component.
3. Expand the Deejay component.
4. Right-click the ModifyPartition component, and select the Insert ModifyPartition option to change the first partition.

Source: Windows Key (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

5. Correct-click ModifyPartition over again, and select the Insert ModifyPartition option to modify the second partitioning.
6. Select the kickoff ModifyPartition.
7. Under the "Settings" section, on the right side, use these values to configure a system reserved division:
   • Active: true.
   • Format: NTFS.
   • Label: System.
   • Order: 1.
   • PartitionID: ane.

Source: Windows Central (Paradigm credit: Source: Windows Central)

8. Select the 2nd ModifyPartition.
9. Under the "Settings" department, on the right side, apply these values to configure a sectionalization to install Windows 10:
   • Format: NTFS.
   • Characterization: Windows.
   • Letter: C.
   • Gild: 2.
   • ProductID: 2.

Source: Windows Fundamental (Image credit: Source: Windows Fundamental)

In the steps, using the Order and PartitionID, you're specifying how the Windows Setup should configure on each of the two raw partitions we created earlier.

You can learn more than almost the segmentation layout required for a BIOS system in this Microsoft support page (opens in new tab).

Every bit part of this setup, the concluding task is to indicate the setup where to install Windows ten.

To select the drive to install Windows 10 automatically, use these steps:

1. Under the "Windows Image" section, expand the Components folders.
2. Expand the amd64_Microsoft-Windows-Setup component.
3. Expand the ImageInstall component.
4. Aggrandize the OSImage.
5. Right-click the InstalTo component, and select the Add together Setting to Pass 1 windowsPE choice.

Source: Windows Key (Image credit: Source: Windows Key)

6. Under the "Reply File" section, on the correct side, select the InstallTo component.
7. Under the "Settings" section, on the right side, employ these values:
   • DiskID: 0.
   • PartitionID: 2.

Source: Windows Fundamental (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

The higher up settings tell the setup to install Windows 10 automatically on the first drive within the second division.

Once y'all complete the steps, keep with the Defining the product key instructions.

UEFI only: Creating and modifying partitions

If you take a computer using UEFI, continue with these steps. Otherwise, skip this part, and follow the BIOS instructions outlined above.

1. Under the "Respond File" section, expand the amd64_Microsoft-Windows-Setup component.
2. Aggrandize the DiskConfiguration component.
3. Aggrandize the Disk component.
4. Right-click the CreatePartitions component, and select the Insert New CreatePartition option to create the commencement segmentation.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Fundamental)

5. Correct-click CreatePartitions again, and select the Insert New CreatePartition selection to create a 2nd partitioning.
6. Right-click CreatePartitions again, and select the Insert New CreatePartition option to create a 3rd partition.
7. Correct-click CreatePartitions over again, and select the Insert New CreatePartition option to create a fourth partition.
8. Select the first CreatePartition.
9. Under the "Settings" department, on the correct side, utilize these values to create the Windows Recovery (WinRE) sectionalization:
   • Extend: fake.
   • Society: 1.
   • Size: 500.
   • Type: Primary.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Fundamental)

10. Select the second CreatePartition.
11. On the right side, nether "Settings," use these values to create an EFI sectionalisation:
    • Extend: false.
    • Order: 2.
    • Size: 100.
    • Type: EFI.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

12. Select the 3rd CreatePartition.
13. On the right side, under "Settings," apply these values to create a Microsoft reserved segmentation (MSR) partition:
    • Extend: false.
    • Gild: iii.
    • Size: 16.
    • Blazon: MSR.

Source: Windows Central (Prototype credit: Source: Windows Central)

14. Select the third CreatePartition.
15. On the right side, under "Settings," utilise these values to create the Windows sectionalisation:
    • Extend: true.
    • Order: 4.
    • Blazon: Master.

Source: Windows Key (Prototype credit: Source: Windows Central)

Using the above steps, outlined the steps to carved the partitions. The next steps specify the required file format and segmentation backdrop.

To specify the format settings in the answer file, use these steps:

1. Under the "Answer File" department, expand the amd64_Microsoft-Windows-Setup component.
2. Aggrandize the DiskConfiguration component.
3. Expand the Deejay component.
4. Right-click the ModifyPartition component, and select the Insert ModifyPartition selection to create the start partitioning.

Source: Windows Central (Paradigm credit: Source: Windows Key)

5. Right-click ModifyPartition again, and select the Insert ModifyPartition option to modify the 2d partition.
6. Right-click ModifyPartition once again, and select the Insert ModifyPartition selection to modify the third partition.
7. Right-click ModifyPartition over again, and select the Insert ModifyPartition selection to modify the fourth partition.
8. Select the outset ModifyPartition.
9. On the right side, nether "Settings," utilize these values to configure the Windows Recovery (WinRE) partition:
   • Format: NTFS.
   • Label: WinRE.
   • Lodge: 1.
   • PartitionID: 1.
   • TypeID: DE94BBA4-06D1-4D40-A16A-BFD50179D6AC.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Primal)

10. Select the second ModifyPartition.
11. On the right side, nether "Settings," use these values to configure an EFI partition:
    • Format: FAT32.
    • Label: Organization.
    • Social club: ii.
    • PartitionID: 2.

Source: Windows Central (Paradigm credit: Source: Windows Central)

12. Select the third ModifyPartition.
13. On the right side, under "Settings," use only these two values to configure a Microsoft reserved partition (MSR) division:
    • Order: 3.
    • PartitionID: three.

Source: Windows Primal (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Central)

14. Select the 3rd ModifyPartition.
15. On the right side, under "Settings," use these values to configure a partition to install Windows ten:
    • Format: NTFS.
    • Label: Windows.
    • Letter of the alphabet: C.
    • Order: 4.
    • PartitionID: four.

Source: Windows Central (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Primal)

In the steps, using the Guild and PartitionID, you're specifying how the setup should configure each of the iv raw partitions you have created earlier.

You can learn more about the sectionalisation layout required for a UEFI organisation in this Microsoft back up page (opens in new tab).

As office of this office of the setup, the last task is to indicate the setup where to install Windows 10.

To select the drive to install Windows 10 automatically, use these steps:

1. Under "Windows Image," expand the Components folders.
2. Expand the amd64_Microsoft-Windows-Setup component.
3. Expand the ImageInstall component.
4. Aggrandize the OSImage component.
5. Right-click the InstalTo component, and select the Add together Setting to Pass i windowsPE option.
6. Under the "Answer File" section, on the right side, select the InstallTo component.
7. Under the "Settings" section, on the correct side, utilise these values:
   • DiskID: 0.
   • PartitionID: 4.

Source: Windows Key (Prototype credit: Source: Windows Central)

The in a higher place settings will indicate for the setup to install Windows 10 on the start drive inside the fourth division.

Once you complete the steps, proceed with the Defining the product key instructions below.

Defining the production cardinal

In the offset pass, y'all can too specify the product fundamental for Windows 10. If y'all're creating an answer file that you'll use in multiple devices, you should be using a book or generic product central.

To specify a product cardinal, use these steps:

1. Under the "Windows Image" component, expand the Components folders.
2. Expand the amd64_Microsoft-Windows-Setup component.
3. Expand the UserData component.
4. Right-click the ProductKey component and select the Add Setting to Pass 1 windowsPE pick.

Source: Windows Central (Paradigm credit: Source: Windows Cardinal)

5. Under the "Answer File" section, on the right side, select the UserData component.
6. Under the "Settings" section, on the right side, utilize the following settings:
   • AcceptEula: true.
   • System: WC.
   In the above settings, you can use any name for the Organization value. For example, habitation users could "Family" as the organisation name.

Source: Windows Central (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Central)

7. Aggrandize the UserData component.
8. Select the ProductKey component.
9. Under the "Settings" section, make sure to update the Key value using the product key for the edition of Windows 10 y'all intend to install.

Source: Windows Cardinal (Image credit: Source: Windows Primal)

You can also use a generic product key to create an reply file:

• Windows 10 Pro: VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T.
• Windows x Home: YTMG3-N6DKC-DKB77-7M9GH-8HVX7.
• Windows 10 Enterprise: NPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43.

Yous can ever cheque this Microsoft back up website (opens in new tab) to detect the appropriate generic cardinal for your installation.

Laissez passer four specialize

If you want to configure boosted settings, such as model, manufacturer, computer name, ownership name, timezone, and more during the installation, while in the Windows System Prototype Manager, use these steps:

1. Nether the "Windows Epitome" section, expand the Components folders.
2. Expand the amd64_Microsoft-Shell-Setup component.
3. Right-click the OEMInformation component and select the Add together Setting to Pass 4 specialize pick.

Source: Windows Fundamental (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Central)

4. Under the "Reply File" department, on the right-side, select the amd64_Microsoft-Shell-Setup component.
5. Under the "Settings" section, on the right side, apply the post-obit values (specifying your custom data):
   • ComputerName: Workstation.
   • CopyProfile: true.
   • RegisteredOrganization: Windows Central.
   • RegisteredOwner: WC.
   • TimeZone: Eastern Standard Fourth dimension.
   If you don't configure the TimeZone setting, Windows 10 will prepare the zone based on the language you're installing. You can cheque the Microsoft support website (opens in new tab) to find out the exact name for your time zone.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

6. Expand the amd64_Microsoft-Shell-Setup component.
7. Select the OEMInformation component.
8. (Optional) Under the "Settings" section, on the right side, specify some reckoner specific backdrop:
   • Manufacturer: Dell.
   • Model: XPS.

Source: Windows Central (Epitome credit: Source: Windows Cardinal)

Once you complete the steps, during the installation, the setup volition read the autounattend.xml file and configure the settings you specified.

Pass 7 oobeSystem

Using an answer file, you can also automate the configuration of the out-of-box experience (OOBE), including additional language settings, have the licensing understanding, create a user business relationship, and more.

To configure the out-of-box experience, while in the Windows System Image Manager, apply these steps:

1. Under "Windows Epitome," expand the Components folders.
2. Correct-click the amd64_Microsoft-Windows-International-Core component, and select the Add Setting to Laissez passer 7 oobeSystem option.

Source: Windows Central (Paradigm credit: Source: Windows Fundamental)

3. Under the "Windows Image" section, expand the amd64_Microsoft-Beat out-Setup component.
4. Right-click the OOBE component, and select the Add Setting to Laissez passer 7 oobeSystem option.

Source: Windows Central (Paradigm credit: Source: Windows Key)

5. Aggrandize the UserAccounts component.
6. Expand the LocalAccounts component.
7. Correct-click the LocalAccounts component, and select the Add Setting to Pass 7 oobeSystem choice.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Key)

8. Under the "Answer File" section, select the amd64_Microsoft-Windows-International-Cadre component.
9. Under the "Settings" section, on the right-side, specify the language settings:
   • InputLocale: en-U.s.a..
   • SystemLocale: en-US.
   • UILanguage: en-US.
   • UserLocale: en-US.
   Merely users outside the U.s.a. should configure ULLanguageFallback using the en-The states value as the fallback language.To identify the correct input profile name, you can cheque out this Microsoft back up page (opens in new tab).

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

10. Under the "Answer File" section, expand the amd64_Microsoft-Vanquish-Setup component.
11. Select the OOBE component.
12. Under the "Settings" section, on the right size, utilise the following values:

• HideEULAPage: truthful.*
• HideOEMRegistrationScreen: true.
• HideOnlineAccountScreens: true.
• HideWirelessSetupinOOBE: true.
• ProtectYourPC: 1.While most settings are self-explanatory, you lot'll find that the ProtectYourPC setting is also configured to ascertain how the express settings (opens in new tab) should be handled. Using the value of i, y'all're telling the setup to enable the limited settings using the default preferences.
  1. Expand the UserAccounts component.
  2. Correct-click the LocalAccounts component and select the Insert New LocalAccount option.
  3. Under the "Settings" department, on the right side, utilise the following configuration to create a master local account:
  • Description: My master local account.
  • DisplayName: admin.
  • Group: Administrators.
  • Name: John.
  Using the above settings, y'all'll be creating an account chosen "admin" for user "John," and we're adding the account to the "Administrators" grouping that gives the user unrestricted admission to the device. Of course, you tin always define your custom preferences, including for "Description," "DisplayName," "Group," and "Proper name."
  1. Expand the LocalAccount component.
  2. Select the Password component.
  3. Nether the "Settings" section, on the right-side, type a password in the Value field.

Source: Windows Primal (Prototype credit: Source: Windows Fundamental)

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Key)

While you'll see the password in plain text, after saving the autounattend.xml file, the value volition be encrypted.

How to save Windows 10 answer file project

Once you complete setting up all the configurations to install Windows 10 automatically, yous need to remove all the unmodified components, validate the answer file, and save changes as an autounattend.xml file.

Remove unmodified components

To remove unnecessary components, apply these steps:

1. Under the "Respond File" section, expand all the components y'all added from the "Windows Prototype" section.
2. Select the component that y'all didn't configure. (These are those with lite purple color.)
3. Right-click the components, and select the Delete option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

4. Echo steps No. 2 and 3 until you remove all the components that you didn't modify.

Later on you complete the steps, yous demand to validate the answer file.

Validating answer files

To validate the answer file, apply these steps:

1. Click the Tools menu.
2. Select the Validate option.
3. Nether the "Messages" section, at the lesser, check the Validation tab. If you don't see any warnings, the file is good to go.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Fundamental)

Once you complete the steps, information technology's time to save the file and imported to the installation media.

Saving the answer file

To salvage the answer file, employ these steps:

1. Click the File carte du jour.
2. Select the Save Answer File As option.
3. Navigate to the folder you lot want to relieve the file.
4. Under "File name," use the autounattend.xml file name.

Source: Windows Fundamental (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

5. Click the Salve button.

If you're configuring multiple answer files, it'll be best to save the file on a different folder with a descriptive proper name.

Import answer file to USB media

To include an autounattend.xml file on a Windows 10 bootable media, use these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the autounattend.xml file location.
3. Correct-click the file, and select the Copy option.

Source: Windows Cardinal (Image credit: Source: Windows Primal)

4. Open the USB media with the Windows 10 installation files.
5. In the root of the drive, right-click the Paste to copy the autounattend.xml to the Windows x installation media.Quick tip: When placing the "autounattend.xml" file on the installation media, make sure you're using a bootable media that just includes i architecture (in this case, Windows x 64-bit). If you created an installation media for both 32-chip and 64-fleck, the process would intermission at the beginning until you select the compages to install.

Source: Windows Central (Prototype credit: Source: Windows Central)

In the example that y'all don't take a Windows 10 USB installation media, y'all can create one using the Media Cosmos Tool (opens in new tab) or using a third-party tool, such as Rufus.

How to install Windows 10 using answer file

Once y'all take the USB bootable media with the answer file incorporated, you tin can perform an unattended installation of Windows ten with these steps:

Warning: This process volition delete everything on your computer and install Windows 10 without any prompts. Make sure to connect the USB wink drive to the correct device. Otherwise, you may end up wiping out the incorrect device.

1. Turn off the reckoner you lot desire to install Windows 10.
2. Connect the USB flash bootable media with the autounattend.xml file.
3. Power on the figurer and then Windows 10 should install automatically.

If the Windows Setup doesn't start, it's likely considering y'all don't have the device configured to kick from the USB installation media. If this is the case, you'll demand to access the BIOS or UEFI firmware on your motherboard to modify the boot social club.

This process typically requires hitting one of the part keys (F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12), the ESC, or Delete key equally before long as you beginning your device. However, these settings will exist different per manufacturer, and even per device model. Make sure to check your computer manufacturer's support website for more specific instructions.

After getting access to the firmware interface, observe the Boot settings and change the boot order to kickoff with the USB drive that includes the installation files, and save the settings (commonly using the F10 fundamental).

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

If your computer is based on UEFI, then the steps to change the boot society will be different.

On a Windows 10 device using UEFI, you'll need to admission to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, and under "Advanced Startup," click the Restart now button.

So click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings, and click the Restart button.

In one case you're in the UEFI firmware interface, notice the Boot settings and change the boot order to start with the USB drive that includes the installation files, and then save the settings.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Primal)

If the drive doesn't have an OS already installed, check your manufacturer support website for details to access the UEFI firmware.

How to troubleshoot Windows ten respond file

Although an answer file can make the procedure of installing Windows 10 easier, i pocket-size mistake can halt the setup and cause unwanted errors.

When validating the respond file, if you come across any problems, you should always re-cheque the settings for each component you selected and remove any additional chemical element that was not modified.

If you made a error configuring a property value for a component, don't empty the field, instead right-click the property and select the Revert Change pick.

At the time to begin the Windows ten installation, disconnect the computer from the network, considering sometimes yous may come up across problems while the setup is trying to download updates. You can ever reconnect to the network after the installation.

An respond file explicitly crafted for a computer using a legacy BIOS will not piece of work on a UEFI-based device. Always brand sure to use the correct settings for the hardware y'all're trying to automate the installation process.

In the rare example that the respond file you created using Windows System Paradigm Manager isn't working, and then you lot should open the "autounattend.xml" file with any text editor and correct whatsoever mistake manually.

Anyone tin can apply this automation process, but this method has been designed for organizations. This means that you won't find an option to perform an installation using a Microsoft account. Yet, you can ever create an installation with a Windows 10 local account and so link information technology to your Microsoft account. Yous can perform this job from Settings > Accounts > Your info, and clicking the Sign in with your Microsoft account instead link.

You can check out this Microsoft back up website (opens in new tab) to acquire more about each setting, which you lot can configure to create an answer file to perform an automated installation of Windows 10.

Wrapping things upward

While creating a bootable media with the instructions to install Windows 10 automatically has a lot of steps, the automation process will save you lot a significant amount of fourth dimension and hassle, especially when you lot're in a network surround where you need to setup Windows 10 on multiple machines.

We're focusing on the minimum steps to perform an unattended clean installation of Windows 10 to help get started with the process. It'southward upwards to you to dig through and configure the components you need to comply with your situation. Furthermore, depending on your installation requirements, you may need to create multiple answer files.

Mauro Huculak is technical author for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to assistance users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an Information technology background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he'southward a recognized fellow member of the Microsoft MVP community.

Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-create-unattended-media-do-automated-installation-windows-10

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