Microsoft Deployment Toolkit
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT; formerly Business Desktop Deployment[2]) is a computer program that permits network deployment of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office.[1]
Developer(s) | Microsoft |
---|---|
Stable release | Build 8456 (6.3.8456.1000)
/ 25 January 2019[1] |
Operating system | |
Platform | x86 and x64[1] |
Size | 20 MB[1] |
Available in | English[1] |
Type | System software |
License | Freeware[1] |
Website | technet |
Overview
MDT can help build an automated installation source for deploying Windows operating systems from Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 onwards, from either a single machine or a central server distribution tool, such as Windows Deployment Services (WDS) or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).[3]Device drivers, Windows updates and software can be included with the build.[1][3]
All the software intended for installation (Operating System, drivers, updates and applications) are added to a pool of available software and packaged into deployment packages.[4] The Operating System and drivers to be included with this package are selected, and the administrator password, owner information, and product key are specified.[3][4][5] Microsoft Deployment Toolkit generates a custom Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment) image that allows client machines to install the assembled deployment packages over the network from the MDT server.[4][5] This Windows PE disk image can be burned to and booted from a CD, or booted with Windows Deployment Services. When selecting the package to deploy, software that has been included in the pool may also be selected for installation.[3]
Operation
The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) supports three types of deployments:[3] Zero Touch Installation (ZTI), Lite Touch Installation (LTI), and User Driven Installation (UDI). ZTI is a fully automated deployment scheme in which installation requires no user interaction whatsoever.[5] UDI deployments require full manual intervention to respond to every installation prompt, such as machine name, password or language setting.[6] ZTI and UDI deployments both require a Microsoft System Center infrastructure.[3] ZTI deployments require a persistent network connection to the distribution point.[5] LTI deployments require limited user interaction. An LTI deployment needs very little infrastructure, so it can be installed from a network share, or media using either a USB flash drive or an optical disc.[4]
See also
- Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT)
- Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit (MAP)
- Remote Installation Services
- System Center Configuration Manager (formerly System Management Server)
- User State Migration Tool
- Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) (previously known as Windows Automated Installation Kit)
- Windows Deployment Services
- Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE)
References
- "Microsoft Deployment Toolkit Download Page".
- "Business Desktop Deployment (BDD) and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) Archive".
- "Microsoft (August 2012). Using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit". Archived from the original on 2019-09-14. Retrieved 2013-02-17.
- "Microsoft (August 2012). Quick Start Guide for Lite Touch Installation". Archived from the original on 2019-09-14. Retrieved 2013-02-17.
- "Microsoft (August 2012). Quick Start Guide for Configuration Manager 2012". Archived from the original on 2019-09-14. Retrieved 2013-02-17.
- "Microsoft (August 2012). Quick Start Guide for User Driven Installation". Archived from the original on 2019-09-14. Retrieved 2013-02-17.
External links
- Microsoft deployment resources