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Creating a Windows Answer File for Automated Installation and Deployment on Windows Server 2022

In this lab, you’ll gain hands-on experience using the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (WAK) to create Windows Answer Files for automated installation and deployment of Windows Server 2022. When you’re finished, you’ll have deployed the tools required to host your deployments and create Windows Answer Files, customized them with your desired installation options, and validated them using the Windows System Image Manager’s (SIM) validation feature.

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Lab Info
Level
Beginner
Last updated
Oct 16, 2025
Duration
1h 30m

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Table of Contents
  1. Challenge

    Set Up Your Development Environment

    To start this lab, you’ll deploy the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK), the Preinstallation Environment Add-ons for ADK (PE ADK), and the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT). You’ll use these tools to carry out tasks in the rest of the lab.

  2. Challenge

    Create a New Windows Answer File with the Windows ADK

    You’ll use the Deployment Workbench to create a Deployment Share. You’ll add a Windows Server 2022 image to it, create a Task Sequence, and update your Deployment Share so you can then customize and validate your Windows Answer file in the next challenge.

  3. Challenge

    Customize the Windows Answer File with Installation Options

    You’ll use the Windows System Image Manager to access and customize the Windows Answer file you’ve created previously. You’ll learn how to add settings to the Windows Answer file, like adding license keys and specifying local user accounts.

  4. Challenge

    Validate the Windows Answer File

    Lastly, you’ll use the Windows System Image Manager to validate your Windows Answer file, analyze and correct errors and warnings, and apply all your settings to your Windows image on your deployment share.

  5. Challenge

    The Last Objective

    Welcome to the final challenge! This is your last chance to experiment in the environment. Clicking Finish Lab will end this little world that flittered into existence just for you.

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