Hi @AZBruno
It seems you cannot create a WinPE ISO without installing the ADK according to the below Microsoft article. To create Windows PE media, you'll have to install the ADK with the Deployment tools option and then install the Windows PE add-on.
Download Windows PE (WinPE)
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/download-winpe--windows-pe?view=windows-11
As you have said that this is possible through some third-party apps like MiniTool, Macrium, these tools might have certain other background processes which might replicate the usage of ADK. You might need to look into this perspective to get an idea of this.
Hope this resolves your Query!!
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