How to Install Windows 10 from Network Boot (Via WDS Server)

Photo of author

By Victor Ashiedu

Published

This guide shows you how to install Windows 10 from network boot. The steps discussed in this guide is for Windows admins.

If you are a home user, use the steps in How to Install Windows 10 from USB.

Steps to Install Windows 10 from Network

There are two high-level steps in this guide:

  1. Install and Configure Windows Deployment Services (WDS) Server
  2. Install Windows 10 from Network Boot (Via WDS)

Install and Configure Windows Deployment Services (WDS) Server

Steps to Install Windows 10 from Network

Before you can install Windows 10 from Network boot, you need a server with Windows 10 image. One way to make this available is to install and Configure a WDS Server.

For steps to complete this task, read How to Setup Windows Deployment Services in Windows Server 2016.

To be able to install Windows 10 from WDS over PXE boot, your WDS server MUST have at least one install and one boot image. The boot image is what you will boot to from the Network while the Install image is the actual OS image you will install. You must also have a DHCP server with a scope configured for PXE.

Install Windows 10 from Network Boot (Via WDS)

Install Windows 10 from Network Boot (Via WDS)

Here are the steps to install Windows 10 from network:

  • Boot your PC to BIOS and modify the boot sequence to boot from Network first. Save your changes and restart your PC.
install windows 10 from network
  • Depending on how the WDS server is configured, you will either receive this prompt – press Enter for network boot. Or the PC will boot straight to PXE. If you receive the prompt, click Enter.
install windows 10 from network
  • Your computer will initiate Windows 10 install via Windows Deployment Services. Confirm that the Locale and Keyboard layouts are correct. Then click Next.
install windows 10 from network
  • You will then be promoted to provide credentials to logon to the WDS Server. Enter the credentials in the DomainName\UserName format. Then type your password and click OK.
  • If your credentials are correct, you will receive the option to select an Operating System to install. This is the list of the WDS install images configured on the Install Image node. Select one and click Next.
  • To install windows 10 from network, select a hard drive to install Windows. Then click Next.
  • The installation will start. Wait for Windows 10 setup to complete this phase.
  • When setup completes this installation phase, your PC will restart.
  • Then it will initiate the next install phase. The installer will stay on the Getting Ready screen for some time (See the second image below)..
  • When the screen below loads, confirm the options are okay. Then click Next.
  • If you receive this message, click Next.
  • From this point, the installation is very straightforward.

Conclusion

I hope this guide was helpful. If it was, kindly spare 2 minutes to share your experience with our community at [discourse_topic_url].

You can also make a comment, ask questions, or give feedback concerning this guide at [discourse_topic_url]. Our team and other community members will respond to you as soon as possible.

Finally, for more Windows guides, visit our Windows How-To page.

We go the extra mile to deliver the highest quality content for our readers. Read our Content Writing, Content Review, and Anti-Plagiarism policies to learn more.

About the Author

Photo of author

Victor Ashiedu

Victor is the founder of InfoPress Media, publishers of Ilifeguides and Itechguides. With 20+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, his expertise spans Windows, Linux, and DevOps. Explore his contributions on Itechguides.com for insightful how-to guides and product reviews.

Related Articles

Get in Touch

If this article does not meet your expectations, kindly let us know. We have various ways you can get in touch with us:

  1. Respond to "Was this page helpful?" above
  2. Leave a comment with the "Leave a Comment" form below
  3. Email us at [email protected] or via the Contact Us page.

Leave a comment

Send this to a friend