How to Install Windows 10 Over a Network Using Windows Deployment Services (WDS) on Windows Server
Installing Windows 10 over a network using Windows Deployment Services (WDS) is one of the best methods for deploying Windows to multiple computers in schools, offices, training centers, and organizations. WDS allows administrators to install operating systems remotely through the network without using DVDs or USB drives on every computer.
This guide explains the complete step-by-step procedure for installing Windows 10 through the network using a Windows Server machine.
Table of Contents
Introduction to WDS
Advantages of Network Installation
Requirements
Network Diagram
Install Windows Server
Configure Static IP Address
Install Active Directory Domain Services
Configure DNS Server
Configure DHCP Server
Install Windows Deployment Services
Configure WDS
Add Boot Image
Add Install Image
Configure PXE Boot
Client Computer Network Boot
Install Windows 10 from Network
Create Answer File (Optional)
Multicast Deployment
Troubleshooting
Best Practices
Conclusion
1. Introduction to WDS
Windows Deployment Services (WDS) is a Microsoft server technology used for network-based installation of Windows operating systems.
Using WDS, administrators can:
Deploy Windows remotely
Install Windows on many computers simultaneously
Reduce installation time
Centralize OS management
Avoid using DVDs and USB drives
WDS works using:
PXE Boot (Preboot Execution Environment)
DHCP
DNS
Active Directory
Network Boot Images
2. Advantages of Network Installation
Benefits of WDS
1. Fast Deployment
You can install Windows 10 on multiple systems at the same time.
2. Centralized Management
All installation files are stored on one server.
3. Reduced Manual Work
No need to manually install Windows using USB drives repeatedly.
4. Standardized Installation
All systems receive the same configuration.
5. Saves Time
Large organizations can deploy hundreds of systems quickly.
3. Requirements
Before starting, prepare the following:
Hardware Requirements
| Device | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Server Computer | 8 GB RAM minimum |
| Client Computers | PXE Boot support |
| Network Switch | Gigabit preferred |
| Ethernet Cables | CAT5e/CAT6 |
Software Requirements
Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server 2019
Windows 10 ISO file
WDS Role
DHCP Role
DNS Role
Active Directory Domain Services
4. Network Diagram
Example network:
| Device | IP Address |
|---|---|
| WDS Server | 192.168.1.1 |
| DHCP Range | 192.168.1.100–200 |
| Client PC | Automatic |
5. Install Windows Server
First install Windows Server on your server computer.
Steps
Step 1: Boot from Windows Server DVD/ISO
Insert Windows Server installation media.
Step 2: Select Language
Choose:
Language
Time
Keyboard layout
Click Next.
Step 3: Click Install Now
Choose:
Windows Server Standard
GUI/Desktop Experience
Click Next.
Step 4: Accept License
Accept Microsoft license agreement.
Step 5: Select Installation Type
Choose:
Custom Installation
Step 6: Select Disk
Choose hard disk partition.
Click Next.
Windows Server installation will begin.
Step 7: Set Administrator Password
After installation:
Create Administrator password
Login to server
6. Configure Static IP Address
A static IP is required for WDS.
Steps
Step 1: Open Network Settings
Go to:
Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center
Step 2: Change Adapter Settings
Right-click Ethernet → Properties.
Step 3: Configure IPv4
Select:
Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
Click Properties.
Step 4: Enter Static IP
Example:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| IP Address | 192.168.1.1 |
| Subnet Mask | 255.255.255.0 |
| Default Gateway | 192.168.1.1 |
| Preferred DNS | 192.168.1.1 |
Click OK.
7. Install Active Directory Domain Services
WDS works best with Active Directory.
Steps
Step 1: Open Server Manager
Click:
Manage → Add Roles and Features
Step 2: Select Installation Type
Choose:
Role-based installation
Step 3: Select Server
Select your server.
Step 4: Select Roles
Check:
Active Directory Domain Services
Click Add Features.
Step 5: Install
Click Install.
Wait until installation completes.
Step 6: Promote Server to Domain Controller
Click:
Promote this server to a domain controller
Step 7: Create New Forest
Example domain:
example.local
Step 8: Configure Password
Set DSRM password.
Step 9: Finish Installation
Server restarts automatically.
8. Configure DNS Server
DNS is installed automatically with AD DS.
Verify DNS
Open:
Tools → DNS
Check whether:
Forward Lookup Zone exists
Domain records exist
9. Configure DHCP Server
DHCP assigns IP addresses to client computers.
Install DHCP Role
Step 1: Add Roles and Features
Open Server Manager.
Step 2: Select DHCP Server
Check:
DHCP Server
Click Install.
Step 3: Complete DHCP Configuration
Click:
Complete DHCP Configuration
Create DHCP Scope
Step 1: Open DHCP Console
Go to:
Tools → DHCP
Step 2: Create New Scope
Right-click IPv4 → New Scope.
Step 3: Configure Scope
Example:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Scope Name | LAN |
| Start IP | 192.168.1.100 |
| End IP | 192.168.1.200 |
| Subnet Mask | 255.255.255.0 |
Step 4: Configure Gateway
Example:
192.168.1.1
Step 5: Configure DNS
DNS Server:
192.168.1.1
Step 6: Activate Scope
Click Finish.
10. Install Windows Deployment Services
Now install WDS role.
Steps
Step 1: Open Server Manager
Click:
Manage → Add Roles and Features
Step 2: Select WDS Role
Check:
Windows Deployment Services
Step 3: Select Services
Choose:
Deployment Server
Transport Server
Step 4: Install
Click Install.
Wait until completion.
11. Configure WDS
Now configure WDS.
Steps
Step 1: Open WDS Console
Go to:
Tools → Windows Deployment Services
Step 2: Configure Server
Right-click server → Configure Server.
Step 3: Select RemoteInstall Folder
Example:
D:\RemoteInstall
Do not use system partition if possible.
Step 4: Configure PXE Settings
Choose:
Respond to all client computers
Check:
Require administrator approval (optional)
Step 5: Finish Configuration
WDS configuration completes.
12. Add Boot Image
Boot image allows client computers to start installation.
Prepare Windows 10 ISO
Mount Windows 10 ISO file.
Steps to Add Boot Image
Step 1: Expand WDS Server
Open:
Boot Images
Step 2: Add Boot Image
Right-click Boot Images → Add Boot Image.
Step 3: Browse Boot.wim
Location:
sources\boot.wim
inside Windows 10 ISO.
Step 4: Image Name
Example:
Windows 10 Boot Image
Step 5: Finish
Boot image added successfully.
13. Add Install Image
Install image contains actual Windows 10 installation files.
Steps
Step 1: Create Image Group
Right-click Install Images → Add Image Group.
Example:
Windows10
Step 2: Add Install Image
Right-click Image Group → Add Install Image.
Step 3: Browse Install.wim
Location:
sources\install.wim
inside Windows 10 ISO.
Step 4: Select Editions
Choose desired editions:
Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Enterprise
Windows 10 Education
Step 5: Finish
Install images added successfully.
14. Configure PXE Boot
Now configure client systems.
BIOS Settings
Enter BIOS/UEFI.
Enable:
PXE Boot
Network Boot
LAN Boot ROM
Boot Order
Set:
Network Boot as first boot device.
Save settings.
15. Client Computer Network Boot
Now start client computer.
Steps
Step 1: Connect Network Cable
Connect client to same switch/network.
Step 2: Start Computer
Client requests IP address from DHCP server.
Step 3: PXE Boot Message
You will see:
Press F12 for network service boot
Press F12.
Step 4: Load WDS
Windows PE loads from server.
16. Install Windows 10 from Network
Now Windows installation begins.
Steps
Step 1: Select Keyboard and Language
Choose:
Language
Time format
Keyboard layout
Step 2: Login to WDS Server
Enter domain credentials if requested.
Example:
Administrator
Password
Step 3: Select Operating System
Choose:
Windows 10 Pro
Click Next.
Step 4: Select Partition
Choose hard disk.
You can:
Delete partitions
Create new partitions
Format disk
Step 5: Begin Installation
Windows copies files from server.
Installation speed depends on:
Network speed
Server performance
Switch speed
Step 6: Automatic Restart
Client restarts several times.
Step 7: Complete Windows Setup
Configure:
Username
Password
Region
Privacy settings
Windows 10 installation completed successfully.
17. Create Answer File (Optional)
An unattended installation automates Windows setup.
Benefits
No manual input
Faster installation
Standardized settings
Tools Needed
Use:
Windows System Image Manager
from:
Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit
Configure Unattended Installation
You can automate:
Computer name
Product key
User accounts
Time zone
Disk partitioning
Save answer file as:
unattend.xml
18. Multicast Deployment
Multicast sends one image to multiple computers simultaneously.
Benefits
Reduces bandwidth usage
Faster large-scale deployment
Configure Multicast
Step 1: Open WDS Console
Expand:
Multicast Transmissions
Step 2: Create Multicast Transmission
Choose:
Auto-Cast
Scheduled-Cast
Step 3: Select Image
Choose Windows 10 image.
Step 4: Start Deployment
Clients receive installation simultaneously.
19. Troubleshooting
Problem 1: PXE-E53 No Boot Filename Received
Cause
DHCP/WDS configuration issue.
Solution
Check:
DHCP running
WDS running
PXE enabled
Problem 2: Client Does Not Receive IP Address
Solution
Verify:
DHCP Scope active
Network cable connected
Switch functioning
Problem 3: Boot Image Not Found
Solution
Re-add boot.wim image.
Problem 4: TFTP Timeout
Solution
Disable firewall temporarily
Check network connectivity
Restart WDS service
Problem 5: Install.wim Missing
Solution
Verify Windows 10 ISO contents.
20. Best Practices
1. Use Gigabit Network
Improves deployment speed.
2. Use Separate Partition
Store RemoteInstall folder on different drive.
3. Backup WDS Images
Keep backup copies of boot and install images.
4. Use Updated Windows Images
Integrate latest updates.
5. Secure PXE Deployment
Enable administrator approval.
21. Conclusion
Using Windows Deployment Services to install Windows 10 over a network is a powerful and professional deployment method. It helps administrators install Windows quickly, consistently, and efficiently across many computers.
By configuring:
Windows Server
Active Directory
DNS
DHCP
WDS
PXE Boot
you can deploy Windows 10 in labs, offices, schools, and enterprise environments without DVDs or USB drives.
This method is widely used by system administrators because it reduces manual work, saves time, and simplifies operating system management across networks.