Using NTLite and PowerShell to Integrate Software and Drivers into a Windows Installer
Over the course of a typical computer’s 5-7 year lifespan, reinstalling Windows may become necessary for a variety of reasons—such as corruption caused by malware, instability due to a failed update, or after a hardware upgrade like replacing the system’s storage drive. In most cases, the standard Windows installer or an image provided by the PC manufacturer is sufficient to reinstall the OS. However, some device models may lack essential drivers, which can prevent a successful installation.
This guide explains how to integrate drivers and software into a Windows installation image, a process known as “slipstreaming.” By embedding the necessary components directly into the installer, you can streamline the installation process. Two popular tools for this task are NTLite and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management).
NTLite: A User-Friendly Approach to Image Customization
NTLite streamlines the process by providing a user-friendly graphical interface for the powerful, command-line-based DISM tool. This makes image customization more accessible to users without extensive scripting knowledge or experience.
Steps for Using NTLite
Prepare the Installation Files
While NTLite can use system files from an active Windows installation, it’s recommended to copy the Windows installation media to a local folder for faster processing and to prevent potential write errors.
Load and Select the Windows Image
Once the files are copied, open NTLite and browse to the Windows image file (install.wim).
Select the desired edition, such as Windows Pro or Home.
Customize the Installation Image
Remove unnecessary components to create a leaner installation.
Add post-setup scripts that execute on first boot, such as software installations or command-line tweaks (e.g., disabling hibernation).
Save and Deploy
After making the necessary modifications, save the image and create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus.
NTLite automatically manages both the installation image (install.wim) and the boot image (boot.wim), ensuring necessary drivers are available during installation.
DISM: A Powerful Command-Line Alternative
DISM is a native Windows tool used for servicing and modifying both active and offline Windows images. It allows adding or removing components, repairing corrupt installations, and integrating drivers into an installer manually.
Mounting the Windows Image
To begin, use PowerShell to mount the Windows installation image:Dism /Mount-Image /ImageFile:C:\IT\images\install.wim /MountDir:C:\IT\mounted
This command mounts the installation image (install.wim) at C:\IT\mounted, allowing modifications.
Adding Drivers to the Image
You can add drivers to the image using one of the following methods:
To add a single driver:Dism /Image:C:\IT\mounted /Add-Driver /Driver:C:\drivers\driverweneed.inf
To add an entire folder of drivers:Dism /Image:C:\IT\mounted /Add-Driver /Driver:C:\drivers /Recurse
Verifying Installed Drivers
After adding drivers, confirm they are properly integrated by running:Dism /Image:C:\IT\mounted /Get-Drivers
This will list all drivers included in the image.
Finalizing and Saving the Image
Once all modifications are complete, save the changes using:Dism /Unmount-Image /MountDir:C:\IT\mounted /Commit
This commits the changes and unmounts the image, making it ready for deployment.
Creating a Bootable USB with Integrated Drivers
With the modified image ready, create a bootable USB drive using Rufus:
Insert a USB drive (ensure it has no important data, as it will be formatted).
Open Rufus and select the USB under the Device section.
Choose the modified Windows image as the installation source.
Click Start to begin the process.
Upon completion, the USB drive will contain an installer with embedded drivers, ensuring Windows recognizes all hardware during installation.
Note: If needed, drivers can also be added directly to the boot image (boot.wim) instead of the installation image (install.wim). With DISM, you would manually select boot.wim, whereas NTLite automatically handles this step.
Conclusion
By leveraging NTLite for a user-friendly experience or DISM for advanced customization, you can create a Windows installer that includes all necessary drivers and software. This approach significantly improves installation efficiency, reduces troubleshooting, and ensures a seamless setup process across different hardware configurations.