Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice on automating the Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) and system settings for Windows devices in my small school. We're not using Azure or Intune yet, but I need to ensure a consistent desktop environment, power settings, installed applications, printers, and network configurations. The teachers log in using Google Credential Provider for Windows (GCPW).
I've hit a few roadblocks with this process. I tried using DISM, but the generalization option fails because it says BitLocker is enabled (which it isn't). I also looked into the Windows Configuration Designer, but it doesn't allow for skipping OOBE anymore, turning it into a hassle with unnecessary local accounts being created.
Now, I'm checking out AOMEI Backupper, but users still end up with a fresh desktop instead of the configured one upon login. If anyone has suggestions or can help me out, that would be great—right now, the automation seems to be taking longer than just setting everything up manually. Thanks!
2 Answers
Have you thought about using Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)? It can handle a lot of your needs like skipping OOBE, installing apps, and configuring settings after installation. Just keep in mind that users will see a fresh desktop because their profile won’t exist until after imaging. It might take some effort to set up MDT, but it can save you tons of time in the long haul if you’re regularly deploying or reimaging machines.
What options do you have? Is there any Active Directory, SCCM, MDT, or Ghost available? If those aren’t on the table, maybe consider creating a custom script to run on a freshly installed Windows system to automate some of the setup.
I’m trying to prepare for when we transition away from our on-prem AD server, and I’m in the same boat with not knowing how long it’ll take to get Intune or Entra approved and everything migrated.
Exactly! We've been using MDT for ages, and it works perfectly for this kind of workflow. It's pretty cool how we set up our apps via winget commands, so everything is always up-to-date.