Windows ADK Quickstart

Applies To: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2

This document helps you understand the high-level scenarios that the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) supports. For in-depth reference documentation, see Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK).

Select Your Scenario

Assess Quality on One or More Computers

Deploy Windows to Many Computers

Review Application Compatibility

Migrate User Data

Manage Licenses

Assess Quality on One or More Computers

The Windows Assessments tools measure the performance, reliability, and functionality of one or more computers.

You can evaluate performance of a single computer, or multiple computers in a lab environment. The Windows® Assessment Services tools are designed to assess a model of computers before the line goes into large-scale production. For more information, see Windows Assessment Toolkit Technical Reference, Windows Assessment Services Technical Reference, and Windows Performance Toolkit Technical Reference.

Deploy Windows to Many Computers

The Windows Deployment tools help you customize and deploy Windows in the following process.

First, install and customize a Windows image. Then add branding, drivers, and other customizations to Windows. This step produces a reference image that represents all of the basic customizations that are used on the computers you create.

Deploy the reference image to a computer. This step produces destination computers.

Update the reference image by adding new or updated drivers, language packs, or other updates. For more information, see Deployment and Imaging Tools Technical Reference and Windows PE Technical Reference.

Review Application Compatibility

The following scenarios are intended for IT professionals.

Use the Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) to inventory the PCs and applications in your organization and evaluate whether the applications you have already deployed are compatible with the new version of Windows and Internet Explorer. For more information, see Application Compatibility Toolkit.

Migrate User Data

Use the User State Migration Tool (USMT) to migrate user or application data from another version of Windows, to make the user data available on the destination computer. For more information, see USMT Technical Reference.

Manage Licenses

Use the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) to review and manage the Windows licenses in your organization. For more information, see Volume Activation Management Tool.

See Also

Other Resources

Installing the Windows ADK
Windows ADK Release Notes
Windows Assessment Toolkit Technical Reference
Windows Assessment Services Technical Reference
Windows Performance Toolkit Technical Reference
Deployment and Imaging Tools Technical Reference
Windows PE Technical Reference
Application Compatibility Toolkit
User State Migration Tool Technical Reference
Volume Activation Management Tool Technical Reference