Getting Started with BitOSDT

Complete step-by-step guide to install BitOSDT, configure your first deployment environment, and create your first Windows image in under 10 minutes.

Introduction

What is BitOSDT?

BitOSDT (Bit Operating System Deployment Tool) is a powerful Windows deployment solution that simplifies the creation and deployment of customized Windows installations. Built on Microsoft's OSDCloud technology, BitOSDT provides an intuitive graphical interface for creating bootable Windows deployment media.

What Can You Do with BitOSDT?

⚠️ Beta Notice: During beta testing, some advanced features like PXE Server Mode, WebServer interface, and PowerShell integration are disabled. This guide focuses on Local Mode deployment capabilities.

System Requirements

Before getting started, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements:

Component Minimum Requirement Recommended
Operating System Windows 10 (1909) or Windows 11 Windows 11 (22H2)
Architecture 64-bit (x64) only 64-bit (x64)
CPU Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent Intel i5 / AMD Ryzen 5
Memory 8GB RAM 16GB RAM
Storage 100GB free disk space 500GB SSD
Network Internet connection for downloads Stable broadband connection
💡 Pro Tip: Having administrator privileges is required for installation and deployment operations. Make sure you're logged in as an administrator or can provide admin credentials when prompted.

Installation Guide

Follow these steps to install BitOSDT on your system:

1

Download BitOSDT

Download the latest BitOSDT installer from the Download page. The installer will be named BitOSDT-Setup.msi.

2

Run as Administrator

Right-click the downloaded installer and select "Run as administrator". This is required for proper installation of prerequisites.

3

Choose Installation Mode

During installation, you'll be prompted to choose between Server Mode and Local Mode. For beta testing, select Local Mode as Server Mode features are disabled.

4

Wait for Prerequisites

The installer will automatically download and install required components including PowerShell 7+, Windows ADK, and OSD PowerShell modules. This process may take 15-30 minutes depending on your internet connection.

5

Launch BitOSDT

Once installation is complete, launch BitOSDT from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut. The application will open with the main dashboard.

⚠️ Important Notes: Administrator privileges are required for installation. Internet connectivity is needed for prerequisite downloads. Antivirus software may need to be temporarily disabled during installation.

First Launch Setup

When you first launch BitOSDT, you'll see the main dashboard. Here's how to get started:

1

Explore the Interface

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the main interface. You'll see navigation tabs for Images, Settings, and Documentation.

2

Check Settings

Navigate to the Settings tab to configure basic preferences like workspace location, theme, and general options.

3

Verify Installation

Check that all prerequisites are properly installed by reviewing the system status in the dashboard.

Creating Your First Image

Now let's create your first Windows deployment image using the Image Creation Wizard:

1

Start Image Creation

Click "Create New Image" from the Images tab or the main dashboard. This will launch the 5-step Image Creation Wizard.

2

Step 1: Basic Information

Enter a name and description for your image. Choose an organizational group to categorize your deployment images.

3

Step 2: OS Configuration

Select your Windows version (10 or 11), edition (Home, Pro, Enterprise), and language preferences.

4

Step 3: Deployment Options

Configure driver management, Windows updates, and feature selection options.

5

Step 4: Post-Installation Tasks

Add automated tasks to run after Windows installation, such as domain joining or application installation.

6

Step 5: Enhanced WinPE Customization

Configure the boot environment with custom splash screens, network settings, and enhanced features.

7

Build Your Image

Review your configuration and click "Build Image" to start the creation process. This may take 30-60 minutes depending on your system and internet speed.

💡 Pro Tip: For your first image, keep it simple. You can always create more complex configurations once you're familiar with the process.

Creating Bootable Media

Once your image is built, you can create bootable media for deployment:

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

1

Insert USB Drive

Insert an 8GB or larger USB drive into your computer. Warning: All data on the USB drive will be erased.

2

Select Image

From the Images tab, select your created image and click "Create USB" or "Create Bootable Media".

3

Choose USB Drive

Select your USB drive from the list of available drives and confirm the creation process.

Creating an ISO File

1

Select Image

Choose your image and click "Create ISO" to generate an ISO file for DVD burning or virtual machine use.

2

Choose Location

Select where to save the ISO file and wait for the creation process to complete.

Deployment Process

To deploy Windows using your created media:

1

Boot from Media

Insert your USB drive or DVD into the target computer and boot from it. You may need to change BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from USB/DVD first.

2

Follow the Wizard

The BitOSDT deployment wizard will guide you through the Windows installation process with your custom configuration.

3

Monitor Progress

Watch the progress indicators and console output to monitor the deployment process. The installation will proceed automatically based on your configuration.

4

Complete Setup

Once deployment is complete, your custom Windows installation will be ready with all configured applications, settings, and post-installation tasks completed.

Next Steps

Congratulations! You've successfully created and deployed your first Windows image with BitOSDT. Here are some next steps to explore:

Advanced Configuration

Learning Resources

Support

If you encounter any issues or have questions: