Windows Deployment Services (WDS) — Installation & Configuration Lab
🧪 Deploying and configuring a Windows Deployment Services server for PXE-based OS deployment in an Active Directory environment
🏫 Program
BCIT Technology Support Professional (TSP)
Windows Server Infrastructure Lab
🎯 Objective
Install and configure Windows Deployment Services (WDS) on a dedicated server to enable network-based operating system deployment using PXE boot. The server is integrated with Active Directory, configured to respond to client computers, and prepared to store deployment images.
🖥️ Lab Environment
Role Hostname Operating System
Domain Controller DC1 Windows Server
WDS Server WDS Windows Server
DHCP Server DHCP1 Windows Server
Hyper-V Host Physical Windows
⚙️ Tasks Completed
✔ Created new WDS server virtual machine
✔ Joined WDS server to domain
✔ Verified domain membership
✔ Configured static IP address
✔ Created DHCP reservation
✔ Attached 40 GB disk for images (WDS_Images)
✔ Formatted disk (NTFS)
✔ Created RemoteInstall folder
✔ Installed Windows Deployment Services role
✔ Configured WDS integrated with Active Directory
✔ Configured PXE response settings
✔ Configured PXE boot policy
📡 Key Configuration Details
🔹 WDS Storage Location
Deployment files stored at:
E:\RemoteInstall
🔹 PXE Server Configuration
WDS configured to:
✔ Respond to all client computers (known and unknown)
This allows any PXE-capable device to boot from the network.
🔹 PXE Boot Policy
Configured under:
Server Properties → Boot Tab
For both known and unknown clients:
✔ Continue the PXE boot unless the user presses the ESC key
This enables automated network boot while still allowing manual interruption.
📸 Screenshots
Server Creation & Preparation
Step Description
01 WDS server created
02 WDS snapshot
03 Domain joined
04 Domain join confirmation
05 Static IP configuration
Storage Configuration
Step Description
06 WDS_Images disk formatted
07 RemoteInstall folder created
Role Installation & Configuration
Step Description
08 WDS role installation
09 RemoteInstall location configured
10 PXE server settings
Advanced Configuration
Step Description
11 WDS server properties menu
12 PXE boot policy configured
🧠 Key Concepts
🔹 Windows Deployment Services (WDS)
WDS enables administrators to deploy Windows operating systems over the network without requiring physical installation media.
🔹 PXE (Preboot Execution Environment)
PXE allows client computers to boot from a network server and download deployment images.
🔹 Integration with Active Directory
When integrated with AD DS, WDS can manage deployments using domain authentication and policies.
💼 Skills Demonstrated
Windows Server role installation
Enterprise deployment infrastructure setup
PXE boot configuration
Active Directory integration
DHCP coordination
Storage configuration for deployment images
Virtual machine administration
Documentation best practices
🧪 Result
A fully functional Windows Deployment Services server capable of responding to PXE clients and supporting network-based operating system deployment.
🧠 Author
Zeyad Al Mahmoudi
BCIT Technology Support Professional Program
Canada 🇨🇦