Build a Boot Image

Build customized OSDeploy WinPE media from an imported WinRE image or the Windows ADK WinPE image.

Use Build-OSDeployBoot to customize a Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) image, create bootable media and ISO files, and record the build configuration and logs under OSDeploy Core.

OSDeploy creates and maintains the boot media on the workstation. OSDCloud runs from that media on the target device and performs the Windows deployment.

Build the Boot Media

1

Confirm the Requirements

Run the function on a workstation that meets these requirements:

• Windows 11 25H2 build 26200 or later
• PowerShell 7.6 or later installed from the MSI package
• Current OSDeploy module
• Configured OSDeploy Core
• Windows ADK and WinPE add-on
• OSDCloud module version 26.7.25.2 or later
• Administrator rights
• curl.exe available in PATH

The function stops before source selection when Windows, PowerShell, curl.exe, administrator access, OSDCloud, or Windows ADK requirements are not met. The Windows ADK is required even when the build source is an imported WinRE image.

2

Run the Build

Open an elevated PowerShell 7.6 session and run:

Build-OSDeployBoot

Select an imported WinRE image, shared content, and a wallpaper when prompted. The default workflow uses these settings:

Setting	Default
Source image	Selected WinRE image, with Windows ADK WinPE fallback
Architecture	Selected WinRE architecture, or host architecture on fallback
Timezone	Current system timezone
ADK packages	Installed
USB update	Disabled
Existing folder	Add a numeric suffix instead of overwriting

The function validates the environment, writes the configuration to recent-amd64.json or recent-arm64.json, prepares and mounts boot.wim, adds the selected packages and content, saves the image, and creates bootable media named OSDeploy. When compatible Secure Boot files exist in the selected WinRE source, it also creates CA 2023 media. ADK-sourced builds do not create the additional CA 2023 media.

For source selection, profiles, customization, WhatIf, and advanced examples, see Build-OSDeployBoot. For compact syntax and parameter definitions, see the Build-OSDeployBoot command reference.