Windows Preinstallation Environment: Difference between revisions
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Windows PE is used for the following purposes: | Windows PE is used for the following purposes: | ||
* To install Windows versions starting with [[Windows Vista]]. The user configures multiple aspects of the installation, such as what SKU of Windows the user would like to install, where Windows should be installed, and whether the user would like to perform an upgrade or clean installation. The install process works by deploying a pre-packed WIM image to the hard disk where Windows should be installed. The image index determines what SKU of Windows will be installed. From [[Windows 7]] onwards, the DISM command line tool is used to deploy the image to the location where Windows is installed. After the WIM image is applied, the installer creates boot files on the hard disk, and restarts the machine so that devices can be set up, and the OOBE can be run. | * To install Windows versions starting with [[Windows Vista]]. The user configures multiple aspects of the installation, such as what SKU of Windows the user would like to install, where Windows should be installed, and whether the user would like to perform an upgrade or clean installation. The setup is booted via the <code>\sources\boot.wim</code> file on the installation media. The install process works by deploying a pre-packed WIM image (<code>\sources\install.wim</code>) to the hard disk where Windows should be installed. The image index determines what SKU of Windows will be installed. From [[Windows 7]] onwards, the DISM command line tool is used to deploy the image to the location where Windows is installed. After the WIM image is applied, the installer creates boot files on the hard disk, and restarts the machine so that devices can be set up, and the OOBE can be run. | ||
* To pre-install Windows on corporate machines, including for servers. It is also used by system builders and OEMs to prepare new machines ready for sale. | *To pre-install Windows on corporate machines, including for servers. It is also used by system builders and OEMs to prepare new machines ready for sale. | ||
* To recover an existing Windows installation, using tools such as Command Prompt to recover any version of Windows, even if it is offline and cannot be started normally. | *To recover an existing Windows installation, using tools such as Command Prompt to recover any version of Windows, even if it is offline and cannot be started normally. | ||
* To create third-party recovery media based on WinPE. Such media often has recovery tools preinstalled, as well as a full desktop and Start menu added. | *To create third-party recovery media based on WinPE. Such media often has recovery tools preinstalled, as well as a full desktop and Start menu added. | ||