Automate just OOBE setup pass of Windows 10 with Autounattend.xml

Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

  1. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #11

    Thanks. I have an idea, but I need to go it through first. I'll be back later.

    Kari
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #12

    This is a tricky one. Manufacturer has pre-installed Windows, meaning that when devices are booted first time, they go straight to OOBE.

    I have a solution for you, but I am afraid you are not going to like it. It will only take a few minutes per device, but sheer number of devices means you would need a full working day (or two!) to do this.

    I tested this now a few times, works perfectly.

    Boot a machine with pre-installed OEM Windows until it stops in OOBE region selection screen. Connect a USB containing your unattend.xml answer file. Press SHIFT + F10 to open Command Prompt. Notice that on some laptops you need to press SHIFT + FN + F10.

    Run Sysprep with following command:

    %windir%\System32\Sysprep\sysprep.exe /oobe /shutdown /unattend:E:\unattend.xml

    The /unattend switch with path to your answer file forces system to use and apply it. Notice that E:\ in said switch in above sample refers to the drive letter of the USB flash drive. If you are unsure what drive letter it has, use DISKPART command LIST DISK to find it out, then exit DISKPART before running the Sysprep command.

    In my tests now, on one physical mid-level laptop and couple of virtual machines, I needed less than three minutes a machine. Sysprep runs applying your answer file and shuts down the machine, which when booted next time will completely bypass OOBE.

    Kari
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #13

    Hi Kari

    Thank you so much for proposing this valuable solution.

    I was able to further enhance the automation by executing the proposed Sysprep command from within a provisioning package. To be more specific, I created a CMD script containing the command and added it as a ProvisioningCommand in Windows Configuration Designer.

    The provisioning package is automaticallly consumend from the external usb drive on the first OOBE screen. The system then restarts and successfully applies the unattend.xml as defined in the Sysprep command.

    Thanks again!

    Manuel
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #14

    Good to know it works!, Manuel!
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 2
    WINDOWS 10
       #15

    maditu said:
    Hi Kari

    Thank you so much for proposing this valuable solution.

    I was able to further enhance the automation by executing the proposed Sysprep command from within a provisioning package. To be more specific, I created a CMD script containing the command and added it as a ProvisioningCommand in Windows Configuration Designer.

    The provisioning package is automaticallly consumend from the external usb drive on the first OOBE screen. The system then restarts and successfully applies the unattend.xml as defined in the Sysprep command.

    Thanks again!

    Manuel
    Hey sorry for late reply but I have the same problem and I'm not so practice about WCD.
    Can you please tell me step by step what options you selected in WCD in order to create the package?

    Thank you so much
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 14:25.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums