> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.osdeploy.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.osdeploy.com/core-components/about.md).

# About

Core Components are the software tools and Windows features that must be in place on a Windows 11 build machine before running any OSDeploy workflow.

## Overview

OSDeploy runs on a Windows 11 workstation or server (amd64 or arm64) and uses these components at build time — not inside WinPE at deployment time. Some components are required for every workflow; others are needed only for specific tasks such as MDT integration, virtual machine testing, or script development. Use `Install-OSDeploySoftware` to install and manage all supported components from a single PowerShell command. Once the OSDeploy module is installed, run `Update-OSDeployCore` to download and cache all OSDeployCore assets — Windows Enterprise ESD files, OS images, and WinPE driver packages — before building boot images.

| Component                    | Purpose                                                      | Required              | Install Method             |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------- | -------------------------- |
| PowerShell 7.6+              | Required for all OSDeploy, OSDCloud, and OSD module commands | Required              | MSI installer              |
| OSDeploy module              | WinPE boot image creation on Windows 11                      | Required              | `Install-Module`           |
| OSDCloud module              | Windows 11 deployment from WinPE                             | Required for OSDCloud | `Install-Module`           |
| OSD module                   | Legacy OSDCloud v1 and WinPE deployment                      | Optional (legacy)     | `Install-Module`           |
| Windows ADK + WinPE add-on   | Tooling to create and customize WinPE boot images            | Required              | `Install-OSDeploySoftware` |
| Microsoft Deployment Toolkit | Legacy MDT integration workflows                             | Optional              | `Install-OSDeploySoftware` |
| Hyper-V                      | Local VM creation for testing boot media                     | Optional              | `Install-OSDeploySoftware` |
| Git for Windows              | Source control for scripts and configurations                | Optional              | `Install-OSDeploySoftware` |
| Visual Studio Code           | Script authoring and editing                                 | Optional              | `Install-OSDeploySoftware` |

{% hint style="info" %}
All components except PowerShell 7 and the PowerShell modules can be installed or downloaded using a single function: `Install-OSDeploySoftware`. Run it without parameters to list all available components and the command to install each one.
{% endhint %}

## In This Section

* [PowerShell](/core-components/powershell.md) — Install PowerShell 7.6 or later (MSI package)
* [PowerShell Modules](/powershell-modules/about.md) — Install the OSDeploy, OSDCloud, and OSD modules from the PowerShell Gallery
* [Microsoft Windows ADK](/core-components/microsoft-windows-adk.md) — Install the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit and WinPE add-on
* [Microsoft Deployment Toolkit](/core-components/microsoft-deployment-toolkit.md) — Install MDT for existing MDT-based deployment workflows (retired)
* [WinPE Drivers](/core-components/winpe-drivers.md) — Download vendor driver packs for injection into WinPE boot images
* [Windows Components](/core-components/windows-components.md) — Enable optional Windows features such as Hyper-V
* [Developer Tools](/core-components/developer-tools.md) — Optional tools for authoring and customizing OSDeploy workflows
* [Utilities](/core-components/utilities.md) — Additional tools such as 7-Zip used by OSDeploy during boot image creation