How to deploy Windows Server 2022 on physical servers with 2 disks using MDT and WDS

Question

I am trying to install Windows Server 2022 on physical servers using MDT and WDS. I have two disks, C and D, and I am wondering if it is possible to use Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Lite Touch for this purpose. I need to do this process in the lab environment first, using the free version for deployments, before moving to production. Can someone guide me on how to achieve this?

Answer 1

Hello,

Yes, you can use Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) Lite Touch to deploy Windows Server 2022 on physical servers using MDT and Windows Deployment Services (WDS). Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this: you could check the information in the link below:

How to deploy Windows using MDT and WDS | TechRepublic

1.Set up Windows Deployment Services (WDS):

Install the WDS server role on a Windows Server machine.

Configure the necessary network settings, including DHCP and DNS.

2.Set up the MDT deployment share:

Install the MDT tool on a separate Windows Server or Windows 10 machine.

Launch the Deployment Workbench and create a new deployment share.

Specify the deployment share properties, such as the path and share name.

3.Import the Windows Server 2022 media:

In the Deployment Workbench, right-click on “Operating Systems” under your deployment share.

Select “Import Operating System” and choose the Windows Server 2022 installation media as the source.

4.Create a task sequence:

Right-click on “Task Sequences” under your deployment share and select “New Task Sequence.”

Specify the task sequence ID and a meaningful name.

Choose “Standard Server Task Sequence” as the template and select the imported Windows Server 2022 operating system.

5.Customize the task sequence:

Configure the desired settings in the different task sequence steps, such as setting up partitions, product key, administrator password, and domain join.

6.Add drivers (if needed):

If your physical servers require additional drivers for hardware compatibility, import and add them to the “Out-of-Box Drivers” section under your deployment share.

Create a selection profile to specify which drivers are applicable to your particular hardware.

7.Update the deployment share:

Right-click on your deployment share in the Deployment Workbench and select “Update Deployment Share.”

Choose a location to store the boot images and click “Next” to start the update.

This process may take some time, depending on the size of the deployment share and the available resources.

8.Configure WDS to use the MDT Lite Touch boot images:

Open the WDS console on your WDS server.

Expand the server and right-click on “Boot Images.”

Select “Add Boot Image” and provide the path to the Lite Touch boot image (e.g., \\MDTServer\DeploymentShare$\Boot\LiteTouchPE_x64.wim).

Follow the wizard to complete the process.

9.PXE boot the physical servers:

Configure the BIOS/UEFI settings of the physical servers to enable PXE booting.

Boot the servers and choose the MDT Lite Touch boot image from the WDS boot menu.

Deploy Windows Server 2022:

After the MDT Lite Touch boot image loads, follow the prompts to select the task sequence you created and customize any required settings.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian

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