You can modify images by using the tools in the Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK). The processes are similar for a boot or install image—however the tool sets and syntax vary between image types. If you only need to add drivers to an image, you can do that using Windows Deployment Services. To add drivers to install images, you can add drivers to your server and then define which client computers should install them. For more information, see Managing Driver Packages (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=143313).
Modifying boot images
You can modify your boot images using the ImageX and Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management (DISM) tools in the Windows AIK. For more information, see (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=143437). You can also use Windows Deployment Services to add driver packages to boot images. For instructions, see Add Driver Packages to a Boot Image.
You can also make additional changes to the boot menu, using the Bcdedit.exe tool to edit the Default.bcd file located at RemoteInstall\boot\<architecture>. For more information, see How to Modify the BCD Store Using Bcdedit (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=115267).
![]() |
To modify a boot image |
-
Disable the image that you want to modify. If you are using the Windows Deployment Services snap-in, right-click the image and select Disable. This will allow existing installations to continue, but new clients will not be able to install the image.
-
Export the image.
-
Modify the image using the tools included in the Windows AIK.
-
Add the image back to the Windows Deployment Services server. There are two ways to accomplish this:
- Replace the existing image with the newly
serviced version (assuming that all installations using the
existing image have completed). (Recommended) To do this,
right-click the image and click Replace Image.
- Add the image as a new image and remove the
old image at a later time.
- Replace the existing image with the newly
serviced version (assuming that all installations using the
existing image have completed). (Recommended) To do this,
right-click the image and click Replace Image.
Modifying install images
You can modify install images using the tools in the Windows AIK. For more information, see the following in the Waik.chm (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=139641):
- Phase 5: Managing and Servicing Your Windows
Image
- Deployment Image Servicing and Management
Technical Reference
- Add and Remove Drivers Offline
- Add and Remove Language Packs Offline
![]() |
To modify an install image |
-
Disable the image that you want to modify. In the Windows Deployment Services MMC snap-in, right-click the image and select Disable. This will allow existing installations to continue, but new clients will not be able to enumerate the image.
-
Export the image.
-
Modify the image by using the tools included in the Windows AIK.
-
Add the image to the server. There are two ways to do this:
- Replace the existing image with the updated
version (as long as all installations using the existing image have
completed) (Recommended). To do this, right-click the image and
click Replace Image.
- Add the image as a new image. Later, you can
remove the old image (which will not be enumerated because it was
disabled).
- Replace the existing image with the updated
version (as long as all installations using the existing image have
completed) (Recommended). To do this, right-click the image and
click Replace Image.