Overview
The Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) enables you to deploy Windows images over the network without using physical media. It is commonly used in large‑scale roll‑outs, labs, and automated testing environments.
PXE boots a client machine from a network server, receives a Windows PE image, and then applies a Windows image (WIM) to the target system.
Prerequisites
- DHCP server configured with PXE options.
- WDS (Windows Deployment Services) or a third‑party PXE server.
- Windows ADK (Assessment and Deployment Kit) installed on the admin workstation.
- Boot and installation images prepared (boot.wim, install.wim).
Step‑by‑Step Guide
1. Install and configure WDS
Install-WindowsFeature -Name WDS -IncludeManagementTools
wdsutil /Initialize-Server /Server:ServerName /RemInst:{/Architecture:x64}
2. Add boot and install images
wdsutil /Add-Image /ImageFile:"C:\Sources\boot.wim" /ImageType:Boot /NewServer:"ServerName" wdsutil /Add-Image /ImageFile:"C:\Sources\install.wim" /ImageType:Install /NewServer:"ServerName" /Name:"Windows 11 Enterprise"
3. Configure DHCP PXE options
# Set option 66 (Boot Server Host Name) and option 67 (Bootfile Name) netsh dhcp server ScopeIP set optionvalue 66 STRING "WDS_Server_IP" netsh dhcp server ScopeIP set optionvalue 67 STRING "boot\x64\wdsnbp.com"
4. Boot client via PXE
Configure the client’s BIOS/UEFI to boot from the network adapter, then power on. The client will retrieve the boot image and start the Windows Setup wizard.
Troubleshooting
- PXE boot fails: Verify DHCP option 66/67 are correct and that the network interface supports PXE.
- WDS service not starting: Check that the server has the required role services and that the firewall allows ports 67, 68, 69, and 4011.
- Installation hangs at
Applying image...: Ensure the install.wim is accessible and not corrupted; re‑rundism /Get-WimInfoto validate.