How to create an unattended installation of Windows 10
You can perform an automated installation of Windows 10, and in this guide, we’ll show you steps to complete this task.
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When you start anew installation of Windows 10, you must go through the Windows Setup, which is the experience that helps you to configure various settings, including language preferences, product key, and partition layout. After the installation, you also have to go 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, especially if you need to complete multiple installations in your workplace.
If you want to automate the installation process (and save time in the process), you can create an answer file with instructions to complete every on-screen prompt, which you can integrate onto a bootable media. Then the Windows Setup can read to installWindows 10automatically.
In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to create anautounattend.xmlanswer file containing all the necessary settings to perform a basic unattended installation of the OS.
How to create unattended Windows 10 installation media
On Windows 10, you can use many ways to create and set up an answer file to automate the installation process. This guide outlines the instructions to configure a “.xml” file to perform an unattended installation of Windows 10 Pro 64-bit on a computer with a single drive using Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) or Basic Input-Output System (BIOS).
After setting up the answer file, the process will erase everything on the drive, create and configure the necessary partitions, and install a fresh copy of Windows 10 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 you have anything important on this device, it’s recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.
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Requirements
This guide has quite a few steps, and you’ll need a few things to complete the project successfully:
How to install Windows System Image Manager
Anyone can write an answer file manually. Microsoft offers the Windows System Image Manager (SIM) console available through the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) to make it easier to create the file to install Windows 10 unattended.
To install the Windows System Image Manager, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you can use the console to create a “.xml” file with the answer to all the questions to automatically install Windows 10.
After the file is created, you can adjust the settings and reuse it for other installations, instead of having to use the Windows System Image Manager tool.
How to create Windows 10 answer file project
After installing the Windows System Image Manager console, you need to import the OS installation files onto your device, and set up the environment to create an answer file.
Import Windows 10 image files
To create an answer file, you need to open a Windows 10 image and create a catalog of all the components to automate the installation. However, to perform this task, you must first import the installation files onto your device.
To import the Windows 10 installation files, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the installation files will be available on your device. However, to continue, you need to confirm theinstall.wimfile image is present in the “sources” folder. If the ISO was created using the Media Creation Tool, you’re likely to have aninstall.esd, which you won’t be able to open because it’s encrypted.
If you don’t have an.wimimage file, you can get the uncrypted image by downloading the latest Windows 10 ISO file from theWindows Insider ProgramorMSDN with a subscription.
Convert install.esd to install.wim
In the case that you’re stuck with an “install.esd” image, you can use the DISM command tool to export the image files and create a “.wim” image from a “.esd” file.
To decrypt an install.esd image, use these steps:
Alternatively, you can also use the Rufus tool to download the Windows 10 ISO with an “install.wim” file.
Download install.wim using Rufus
To download a Windows 10 ISO file with Rufus, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, you’ll end up with an ISO file of Windows 10 that includes the install.wim file inside the “sources” folder.
Setting up an answer file environment
To prepare the environment to create a new answer file project, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the environment will be created to configure an answer file.
How to create Windows 10 answer file
Ananswer file contains seven different stages (passes), and the stages you need to configure will depend upon the type of automation you want to create.
This guide will help you to get started configuring anautounattend.xmlanswer file with the minimum requirements to automate the installation of Windows 10 Pro using the1 windowsPE,4 specialize, and7 oobeSystemstages.
Pass 1 windowsPE
Using the pass “1 windowsPE,” you’ll set up region and language, drive configuration, installation location, and product key.
Quick note:Depending on the image, you may see the components name starting withamd64_Microsoft-Windowsfor the 64-bit version orx86_Microsoft-Windowsfor the 32-bit version of Windows 10. For this guide, we’ll be using theamd64_Microsoft-Windowsname format.
Configure language and region settings
To configure the region and language settings, while in the Windows System Image Manager, use these steps:
Configure installation settings
Inside the answer file, you also have to specify the settings to properly configure the drive.
To configure the drive settings in the answer file, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps to configure theDiskConfigurationsettings, you’ll need to set up the partition layout, depending on whether your device uses a legacy BIOS or UEFI.
The reason is that BIOS-based computers only require two partitions (System Reserved and Windows), and UEFI-based devices require four partitions (WinRE, EFI, MSR, and Windows).
You can check if you’re using BIOS or UEFI by openingSystem Informationfrom the Start menu, and checking the “System Summary.” If “BIOS Mode” readsLegacy, then you’re using BIOS; if it readsUEFI, you’re using UEFI.
BIOS only: Creating and modifying partitions
If you have a computer using the legacy BIOS, continue with these steps. Otherwise, skip this part, andfollow the UEFI instructions below.
To configure the partition layout for a device using BIOS, use these steps:
Using the above steps, outlined the steps to carved the partitions. The next steps specify the required file format and partition properties.
To specify the format settings in the answer file, use these steps:
In the steps, using theOrderandPartitionID, you’re specifying how the Windows Setup should configure on each of the two raw partitions we created earlier.
You can learn more about the partition layout required for a BIOS system in thisMicrosoft support page.
As part of this 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:
The above settings tell the setup to install Windows 10 automatically on the first drive inside the second partition.
Once you complete the steps, continue with theDefining the product keyinstructions.
UEFI only: Creating and modifying partitions
If you have a computer using UEFI, continue with these steps. Otherwise, skip this part, andfollow the BIOS instructions outlined above.
Using the above steps, outlined the steps to carved the partitions. The next steps specify the required file format and partition properties.
To specify the format settings in the answer file, use these steps:
In the steps, using theOrderandPartitionID, you’re specifying how the setup should configure each of the four raw partitions you have created earlier.
You can learn more about the partition layout required for a UEFI system in thisMicrosoft support page.
As part of this part 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:
The above settings will indicate for the setup to install Windows 10 on the first drive inside the fourth partition.
Once you complete the steps, continue with theDefining the product keyinstructions below.
Defining the product key
In the first pass, you can also specify the product key for Windows 10. If you’re creating an answer file that you’ll use in multiple devices, you should be using a volume or generic product key.
To specify a product key, use these steps:
You can also use a generic product key to create an answer file:
You can always check thisMicrosoft support websiteto find the appropriate generic key for your installation.
Pass 4 specialize
If you want to configure additional settings, such as model, manufacturer, computer name, ownership name, timezone, and more during the installation, while in the Windows System Image Manager, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, during the installation, the setup will 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, accept the licensing agreement, create a user account, and more.
To configure the out-of-box experience, while in the Windows System Image Manager, use these steps:
While you’ll see the password in plain text, after saving the autounattend.xml file, the value will be encrypted.
How to save Windows 10 answer file project
Once you complete setting up all the configurations to install Windows 10 automatically, you 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, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, you need to validate the answer file.
Validating answer files
To validate the answer file, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, it’s time to save the file and imported to the installation media.
Saving the answer file
To save the answer file, use these steps:
If you’re configuring multiple answer files, it’ll be best to save the file on a different folder with a descriptive name.
Import answer file to USB media
To include an autounattend.xml file on a Windows 10 bootable media, use these steps:
In the case that you don’t have a Windows 10 USB installation media, you can create one using theMedia Creation Toolor using athird-party tool, such as Rufus.
How to install Windows 10 using answer file
Once you have the USB bootable media with the answer file incorporated, you can perform an unattended installation of Windows 10 with these steps:
Warning:This process will delete everything on your computer and install Windows 10 without any prompts. Make sure to connect the USB flash drive to the correct device. Otherwise, you may end up wiping out the incorrect device.
If the Windows Setup doesn’t start, it’s likely because you don’t have the device configured to boot from the USB installation media. If this is the case, you’ll need to access the BIOS or UEFI firmware on your motherboard to change the boot order.
This process typically requires hitting one of the function keys (F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12), the ESC, or Delete key as soon as you start your device. However, these settings will be 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, find theBootsettings and change the boot order to start with the USB drive that includes the installation files, and save the settings (usually using theF10key).
If your computer is based on UEFI, then the steps to change the boot order will be different.
On a Windows 10 device using UEFI, you’ll need to access toSettings>Update & Security>Recovery, and under “Advanced Startup,” click theRestart nowbutton.
Then click onTroubleshoot>Advanced options>UEFI Firmware Settings, and click theRestartbutton.
Once you’re in the UEFI firmware interface, find theBootsettings and change the boot order to start with the USB drive that includes the installation files, and then save the settings.
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 10 answer file
Although an answer file can make the process of installing Windows 10 easier, one small mistake can halt the setup and cause unwanted errors.
When validating the answer file, if you come across any problems, you should always re-check the settings for each component you selected and remove any additional element that was not modified.
If you made a mistake configuring a property value for a component, don’t empty the field, instead right-click the property and select theRevert Changeoption.
At the time to begin the Windows 10 installation, disconnect the computer from the network, because sometimes you may come across problems while the setup is trying to download updates. You can always reconnect to the network after the installation.
An answer file explicitly crafted for a computer using a legacy BIOS will not work on a UEFI-based device. Always make sure to use the correct settings for the hardware you’re trying to automate the installation process.
In the rare case that the answer file you created using Windows System Image Manager isn’t working, then you should open the “autounattend.xml” file with any text editor and correct any error manually.
Anyone can use 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. However, you can always create an installation with a Windows 10 local account and then link it to your Microsoft account. You can perform this task fromSettings>Accounts>Your info, and clicking theSign in with your Microsoft account insteadlink.
You can check out thisMicrosoft support websiteto learn more about each setting, which you can configure to create an answer file to perform an automated installation of Windows 10.
Wrapping things up
While creating a bootable media with the instructions to install Windows 10 automatically has a lot of steps, the automation process will save you a significant amount of time and hassle, especially when you’re in a network environment 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’s up 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 has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
