How to PXE Boot Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Have you ever had to reinstall Windows 10 on a computer without a CD or USB drive? PXE Boot (Preboot Execution Environment) is your answer! This method lets you boot your computer using a network interface, which means you don’t need physical media to install Windows 10. In this guide, I’ll show you how to PXE boot Windows 10, step by step.

How to PXE Boot Windows 10

First, let’s set the stage. We are going to configure a server and the client computer to communicate through the network, allowing the client to download the Windows 10 installation files and boot from them.

Step 1: Set Up a PXE Server

This step involves configuring a server that will provide the Windows 10 boot files to the client.

To set up a PXE server, you will need software like WDS (Windows Deployment Services) or any other PXE-compatible server. The server needs to be connected to the same network as the client computer.

Step 2: Configure DHCP Server

Now, you need to set up the DHCP server to direct the client to the PXE server.

The DHCP server must have options 66 (Boot Server Host Name) and 67 (Bootfile Name) configured. This tells the client where to find the PXE server and the boot file.

Step 3: Prepare Boot and Installation Files

Prepare the files the client will need to boot and install Windows 10.

You will need a copy of the Windows 10 installation ISO. Extract the required files (like boot.wim and install.wim) and place them in the appropriate directories on the PXE server.

Step 4: Configure BIOS/UEFI Settings on the Client

Ensure the client computer is set to boot from the network.

Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings on the client computer and set the first boot option to Network Boot or PXE Boot. Save the changes and reboot the computer.

Step 5: Boot the Client from PXE

Initiate the network boot process on the client computer.

On reboot, the client should connect to the PXE server, download the necessary boot files, and start the Windows 10 installation process.

After completing these steps, your client computer will start the Windows 10 installation from the PXE server. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

Tips for PXE Booting Windows 10

• Make sure the PXE server’s firewall settings allow traffic on the necessary ports.
• Use a wired Ethernet connection for faster and more reliable boot.
• Verify the network settings and server IP addresses to avoid connectivity issues.
• Test the PXE boot with a single client before deploying it on multiple machines.
• Keep the server and client on the same subnet for easier configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PXE Boot?

PXE Boot allows a computer to load an operating system from a network server rather than a local storage device.

Why use PXE Boot for Windows 10 installation?

PXE Boot is helpful when you need to install Windows 10 on multiple computers without using physical media.

Do I need special hardware for PXE Boot?

No, most modern computers support PXE Boot through their network interfaces.

Can PXE Boot be used on wireless networks?

While technically possible, it’s unreliable. Using a wired connection is recommended.

Is PXE Boot faster than using a USB drive?

It depends on the network speed, but a wired PXE Boot can be very fast, especially on gigabit networks.

Summary

1. Set up a PXE server.
2. Configure DHCP server options.
3. Prepare boot and installation files.
4. Configure BIOS/UEFI settings on the client.
5. Boot the client from PXE.

Conclusion

And that’s it! PXE booting Windows 10 can be a lifesaver, especially when dealing with multiple machines or when physical media isn’t an option. It might seem technical at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a powerful tool to have in your IT arsenal.

If you’re interested in learning more, there are tons of resources online that dive deeper into advanced configurations and troubleshooting. Give PXE boot a try next time you’re setting up a new computer—you might just find it easier than you thought!