> 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/guide/quick-setup.md).
# Quick Setup
Prepare an OSDeploy workstation and create Hydra boot media with Invoke-OSDeployHydration.
Use `Invoke-OSDeployHydration` to prepare an OSDeploy workstation, download current Windows and WinPE driver content, and create OSDCloud boot media.
{% hint style="warning" %}
Hydration installs software, downloads Windows and driver content, and creates boot media under `C:\ProgramData\OSDeployCore`. If Hydration enables Hyper-V, restart Windows before creating a test VM.
{% endhint %}
## Run Hydration
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Confirm the Requirements
Use a workstation with:
* Windows 11 25H2 build 26200 or later
* PowerShell 7.6 or later installed from the MSI package
* Current [OSDeploy module](/guide/requirements/powershell-modules.md)
* OSDCloud module version `26.5.24.1` or later
* A Recast Software Community License is recommended for direct use of gated update commands; the Core update commands invoked by Hydration use its immediate-caller exception
* Administrator rights
* `curl.exe` available in `PATH`
Open PowerShell 7.6 as an administrator before continuing.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Run Hydration
Run the interactive workflow from the elevated PowerShell 7.6 session:
```powershell
Invoke-OSDeployHydration
```
Review the workflow and continue. Approve the Windows ADK 25H2 and 7-Zip installations when prompted; declining either required component stops Hydration. Choose whether to install the optional Git, Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio Code Insiders, and Hyper-V components.
Complete any content and wallpaper selections. Hydration detects the workstation architecture, prepares matching Windows and WinPE driver content, and creates Hydra boot media under `C:\ProgramData\OSDeployCore\boot`. On a physical workstation with Hyper-V enabled, it can also create a VM and boot the generated ISO.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
For `-Force`, `-WhatIf`, workflow details, and returned objects, see [Invoke-OSDeployHydration](/guide/cmdlets/invoke-osdeployhydration.md). For compact syntax and parameter definitions, see the [Invoke-OSDeployHydration command reference](/command-reference/osdeploy/invoke-osdeployhydration.md).
---
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