Windows Deployment Services (WDS) is a powerful tool that allows network-based installation of Windows operating systems, which can significantly streamline the deployment process in enterprise environments. WDS enables you to deploy Windows to computers without needing physical media, making it a valuable asset for IT administrators who manage large numbers of machines. This article will guide you through the setup and usage of WDS on a Windows Server, highlighting its importance and providing practical examples.

Examples:

Step 1: Install Windows Deployment Services

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Click on Manage and select Add Roles and Features.
3. In the Add Roles and Features Wizard, click Next until you reach the Select server roles page.
4. Check the box for Windows Deployment Services and click Next.
5. Follow the prompts to install the necessary features and complete the installation.

Step 2: Configure Windows Deployment Services

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Click on Tools and select Windows Deployment Services.
3. In the WDS Management Console, right-click on Servers and select Add Server.
4. Choose the local server and click OK.
5. Right-click on the server name and select Configure Server.
6. Follow the Windows Deployment Services Configuration Wizard:
   • Choose Integrated with Active Directory.
   • Specify the Remote Installation Folder (e.g., C:\RemoteInstall).
   • Choose Respond to all client computers (known and unknown).

Step 3: Add Boot and Install Images

1. In the WDS Management Console, expand the server node.
2. Right-click on Boot Images and select Add Boot Image.
3. Browse to the location of the Windows installation media and select the boot.wim file.
4. Follow the prompts to add the boot image.
5. Repeat the process for Install Images by right-clicking on Install Images and selecting Add Install Image.
6. Create an image group and add the install.wim file from the Windows installation media.

Step 4: Configure DHCP (if needed)

If your DHCP server is on the same server as WDS, you need to configure DHCP options:

1. Open DHCP from Server Manager.
2. Right-click on the server and select Properties.
3. Go to the Advanced tab and check the box for Enable DHCP options 60.
4. Click OK.

Step 5: PXE Boot a Client Machine

1. Ensure the client machine is set to boot from the network (PXE boot).
2. Restart the client machine and press the appropriate key to enter the boot menu (usually F12).
3. Select the network boot option.
4. The client machine should now connect to the WDS server and display the boot image selection screen.
5. Follow the prompts to install the desired Windows operating system.