Large Windows WIM Files for UEFI USB Deployments with MDT

Step-by-step guide to Large Windows WIM Files for UEFI USB Deployments with MDT, including configuration, deployment, troubleshooting and practical

Useful external reference: Microsoft Learn.

Introduction:

Useful external reference: Microsoft Learn.

Windows 11 WIM files often exceed 4 GB in size. If you’re using MDT for deployments via USB, this can pose challenges.

Useful external reference: Microsoft Learn.

Splitting WIM into SWM:

Useful external reference: Microsoft Learn.

While it’s possible to split WIM files into SWM format, using an SWM image isn’t native in MDT. Here’s how to utilize an SWM image:

Useful external reference: Microsoft Learn.

  • Importing the ISO: Start by importing your ISO with the WIM image as usual.
  • Splitting the WIM: Next, split the WIM image into the SWM format using the following command:
Dism /Split-Image /ImageFile:nasMDTOEMOperating SystemsWindows11wimsourcesinstall.wim /SWMFile:nasMDTOEMOperating SystemsWindows11wimsourcesinstall.swm /FileSize:1024
  • Removing the WIM File: After splitting, delete the original WIM file.
  • Editing the OperatingSystems.xml: Navigate to the ‘control’ folder and edit the ‘OperatingSystems.xml’ file. Replace the ‘install.wim’ filename with ‘install.swm’.
Large Windows WIM Files for UEFI USB Deployments with MDT screenshot

Large Windows WIM Overview