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I recently created a custom Windows 11 ISO file for my own personal use and decided to record and share the process with you. So, if you've been wondering how to create a custom Windows 11 image that has software preinstalled which can be used for mass deployment, this guide is for you as I'll take you through the entire process step-by-step.
I also have a video version if you'd like to watch it:
Step 1: Download the Official Windows ISO File
1. Search for "Download Windows 11" on Google.
2. Click the official Microsoft page, select "Multi-Edition ISO," and download.
3. Choose "English (United States)" or your language of choice, confirm, and save the file to your desktop.
Step 2: Create a Folder for the ISO
1. On your desktop, right-click and create a new folder called `VMshare`.
2. Drag and drop the ISO file into this folder.
If you need more help with this, please check out this guide:
Step 3: Install Virtualization Software
1. Choose either VMware Player or VirtualBox (both are free).
You can check out these guides for help with virtualization:
Step 4: Create a New Virtual Machine
1. In VMware:
- Click "Create a New Virtual Machine."
- Choose "Install OS Later" and set the version to "Windows 11."
- Adjust settings and click "Finish."
2. Right-click the virtual machine, go to "Settings," and change:
- Memory and CPU: Allocate as your system allows.
- CD/DVD: Select "Use ISO image file," browse to the `VM share` folder, and choose the ISO.
3. Add another virtual hard disk and configure according to the recommended options.
Step 5: Install Windows 11 in the Virtual Machine
1. Start the virtual machine and boot from the ISO file by pressing any key.
2. Go through the Windows 11 installation steps, selecting "Windows 11 Home" for flexibility.
3. After setup, access the desktop and configure it per your preferences.
Step 6: Install Desired Programs
1. Visit [ninite.com] and select the applications you want pre-installed.
2. Download the installer and run it to install all selected apps.
3. Install additional applications like Adobe Reader, AnyDesk, and Nilesoft Shell from their respective websites or any other software that you want to have pre installed.
4. Do a search for "Disk Management" and initialize the second disk you added to the VM and name it DATA.
Step 7: Prepare the Installation for Capturing
1. Launch Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following command.
%windir%\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe /audit /reboot
2. Once loaded into the default Administrator account, open the control panel and delete the initial "User" account created earlier.
3. Open the Run box with Windows Key + R, type sysprep and hit enter.
4. Run the Sysprep application.
5. Select "System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)," check "Generalize," and set "Shutdown Options" to "Shutdown."
Step 8: Capture the Custom Windows Image
1. Boot the VM from the Windows ISO file again and select repair your computer.
2. Use Command Prompt to capture the custom image with the `DISM` command:
dism /Capture-Image /ImageFile:D:\install.wim /CaptureDir:C:\ /Name:windows11
D = The drive where your new Image file will be saved. (DATA partition)
C = The drive where Windows is currently installed in the VM.
3. Once it's completed, type Exit and hit Enter.
4. Continue into Windows again.
Step 9: Add Shared folder to VM
1.Navigate to the Virtual Machine's settings and click on the Options tab.
2.Click on Shared folders, change it to Always enabled and then click on Add.
3.Navigate to and select the VMShare folder that is saved on your main computer's desktop.
4.Click on OK and launch the Virtual Machine.
Step 10: Installing VMWare Tools
1.Once the Virtual Machine has started up, click on "Player" in the top left, then Manage and click on "Install VMware Tools".
2.A new CD will be mounted in the Virtual Machine called VMware Tools. Click on it to run it and install it. Restart the VM if prompted to restart.
3.Once restarted, open the File Explorer and navigate to the Network Tab and turn on Network and File Discovery.
4.You should see a vmware-host PC on the network and you will then have access to the VMShare folder from within the VM.
2.A new CD will be mounted in the Virtual Machine called VMware Tools. Click on it to run it and install it. Restart the VM if prompted to restart.
3.Once restarted, open the File Explorer and navigate to the Network Tab and turn on Network and File Discovery.
4.You should see a vmware-host PC on the network and you will then have access to the VMShare folder from within the VM.
Step 11: Create a Bootable ISO
1. Install AnyBurn in the virtual machine and use it to modify the original Windows ISO.
2. Replace the existing `install.wim` file with your custom one.
3. Save the edited image as a new ISO, like "Windows 11 - Custom."
Step 12: Test the Custom ISO
1. Create a new virtual machine using the custom ISO file.
2. Install Windows and confirm that all your programs are pre-installed.
Bonus Tip
If you encounter issues with unsupported hardware, use Rufus to make a bootable USB and remove hardware requirements.
If you need more help with this, please check out this guide:
Conclusion
That’s how you can create a custom Windows ISO file with pre-installed programs to streamline future installations.
I also have another guide following a similar method that shows you how to create a custom Windows 10 ISO for gaming.
If you found this guide helpful, leave a like and check out my other tutorials!
Talk soon!
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