Installing the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) along with the Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) is a critical step for IT professionals and system administrators who manage large-scale Windows deployments. The ADK provides essential tools to customize, assess, and deploy Windows operating systems, while WinPE is a lightweight environment used for installation and maintenance tasks. Whether your workflow requires online or offline installation, understanding how to properly set up both components ensures a smoother deployment experience.
TL;DR: Installing Windows ADK and WinPE is essential for deploying and customizing Windows 10 and 11 environments. You will first download the latest ADK and WinPE add-ons from Microsoft, with the option to install online or download the full set of installers for offline use. The process is relatively straightforward but requires administrative access and attention to system compatibility. Mastering this setup is key to effective system imaging and deployments in enterprise or home lab setups.
Understanding the Role of the ADK and WinPE
The Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) includes a set of tools such as:
- Deployment Tools – Includes DISM, Windows System Image Manager (SIM), and other command-line utilities for managing images.
- Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) – A minimal OS used for capturing and applying Windows images.
- User State Migration Tool (USMT) – Helps with preserving user data during OS upgrades.
- Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) – Assists in the management of volume activation for Microsoft products.
Microsoft separates the WinPE component from the main ADK as of Windows 10, version 1809. This means you have to install the base ADK and then the WinPE Add-on separately. This modular approach reduces the download size and lets administrators customize their installation more precisely.
System Requirements
Before you begin the installation process, ensure your system meets the following requirements:
- Supported OS: Windows 10 version 1809 or later, Windows 11
- Administrator privileges
- Stable internet connection (for online installation)
- 1.5 GB to 3 GB of free disk space depending on selected components
Installing Windows ADK and WinPE Online
To install the ADK and WinPE components online, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Microsoft ADK download page:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/get-started/adk-install - Download the installer for the most current version of Windows ADK for Windows 10 or 11.
- Run the ADK installer (
adksetup.exe). - Choose “Install the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit to this computer”.
- Accept the license agreement.
- Select the features to install. At a minimum, choose:
- Deployment Tools
- User State Migration Tool (optional based on need)
- Click Install to begin the download and installation process.
After the ADK installation completes, proceed with installing WinPE:
- Download the WinPE add-on installer from the same Microsoft ADK page.
- Run the WinPE installer (
adkwinpesetup.exe). - Repeat the installation steps, selecting only the Windows Preinstallation Environment feature.
Installing Windows ADK and WinPE Offline
For systems that are air-gapped or have restricted internet access, you can perform an offline installation. This method also allows you to keep a reusable installer for future deployments.
Step-by-Step Offline Download
- On a computer with internet access, run the ADK installer (
adksetup.exe). - Select “Download the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit for installation on a separate computer”.
- Choose a directory to save the downloaded files.
- Repeat the process for the WinPE Add-on using
adkwinpesetup.exe.
Step-by-Step Offline Installation
- Move the downloaded ADK and WinPE folders to the target offline machine.
- Run
adksetup.exefrom the ADK folder. Since the setup files are local, it won’t require internet access. - Repeat using
adkwinpesetup.exeto install the WinPE add-on.
Post-Installation Considerations
After installation, confirm the tools are available using the following methods:
- Open the Start Menu and look for folders beginning with “Windows Kits”.
- Open a command prompt and run
DISM /?to verify tool integration. - Access deployment scripts and WinPE tools located in:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10
You may also want to test creating a custom WinPE ISO to verify that tools like DISM and Oscdimg are functioning correctly. A basic command to create a bootable WinPE ISO is:
copype amd64 C:\WinPE_amd64
MakeWinPEMedia /ISO C:\WinPE_amd64 C:\WinPE_amd64\WinPE.isoThis ISO can then be written to a USB stick or used in virtual machines.
Tips for Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues during or after installation, consider the following tips:
- Installer not launching: Ensure you are running it with Administrator privileges.
- Error messages: Check the
setup.logfile located in the temporary folder (%TEMP%). - Missing components after installation: Re-run setup and verify that the required modules were selected.
- Compatibility: Verify that you downloaded the correct version of the ADK for your target Windows OS version.
Automation and Scripting Options
For enterprise environments, consider automating the ADK and WinPE installation using PowerShell or batch scripts. This reduces setup time and ensures consistency across multiple deployments.
Start-Process -FilePath ".\adksetup.exe" -ArgumentList "/quiet /features OptionId.DeploymentTools OptionId.USMT" -Wait -Verb RunAs
Start-Process -FilePath ".\adkwinpesetup.exe" -ArgumentList "/quiet /features OptionId.WinPE" -Wait -Verb RunAsThese scripts should be run with administrative privileges. Logs can be redirected for review and troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Installing Windows ADK and WinPE for Windows 10 and 11 is an essential procedure for IT professionals who conduct system imaging, deployment, or recovery tasks. Whether you’re setting up in an isolated environment or taking advantage of online availability, the key is understanding the tools included and how they apply to your infrastructure goals. Once installed and configured, these tools empower you to manage Windows deployments efficiently, whether at scale in a corporate setting or during smaller laboratory tests and repairs.
