On Windows 11, the process of installing the operating system can be streamlined significantly by creating an answer file, known as autounattend.xml. This file allows users to bypass the tedious steps typically involved in the setup and Out-of-box Experience (OOBE). Below, we explore how to create this file and integrate it into your installation media for a seamless installation experience.
Create an answer file for an unattended install of Windows 11
Creating an answer file for an unattended installation of Windows 11 is a straightforward process. The first step involves installing the DISMTools application, which provides a user-friendly wizard for generating the unattended file. Once created, this .xml file must be integrated into your Windows 11 bootable media. While there are various tools available for this task, DISMTools stands out for its simplicity, although it is a third-party application and should be used with caution.
To install DISMTools on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.
- Type the following command to install the tool (preview) and press Enter: winget install CodingWondersSoftware.DISMTools.Preview
After completing the installation, you can utilize the tool’s wizard to create an answer file for an unattended installation of Windows 11.
Create answer file
To create your unattended file, proceed with the following steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for DISMTools and click the top result to launch the app.
- Click Next, followed by Next, and then Finish to complete the initial setup.
- Navigate to Tools and select the “Unattended answer file creator” option.
Once in the wizard, you may need to download the .NET 9 Runtime if prompted:
- Click the Yes button to download the .NET 9 Runtime (if applicable).
Continue with the following steps:
- Click Next to begin the wizard.
- Select the “Configure these settings now” option.
- Choose your system language, locale, keyboard layout, and location.
Next, you will configure additional settings:
- Click Next.
- Select the “x64” option for processor architecture, as this is the only supported architecture for Windows 11.
- (Optional) Check the “Bypass System Requirements” option to install on unsupported hardware.
- (Optional) Check the “Bypass Network Connection” option to create a local account during setup.
- Check the “Let Windows set a random computer name” option to avoid conflicts when using the same file across multiple devices.
Proceed with the following:
- Click Next.
- Choose the “Set a time zone manually” option and select your current time zone.
Next, configure disk settings:
- Click Next.
- Clear the “I want to configure these settings during the installation” option.
- Select “Configure settings for disk 0” and use the default configuration.
- Quick note: The default configuration will create a 300MB EFI partition using GPT and a 1GB Recovery Partition.
Continue with the following steps:
- Click Next.
- Select the “Use a generic product key option to skip this” option.
- Choose the product key for your edition of Windows 11.
- Quick note: If you’re installing on a device that previously had Windows 10 or 11, the installation will reactivate automatically. Otherwise, activation will be required post-installation.
Next, confirm your account settings:
- Click Next.
- Clear the “I want to configure these settings during installation” option.
- Confirm the local account name and password.
- Quick tip: You can opt to configure a Microsoft account during setup, but for a fully automated experience, it’s advisable to create a local account and link it afterward.
Finalize your account settings:
- Choose the Administrators option from the “Account group” setting.
- Click Next.
- Select the “Passwords should never expire” option.
Continue with the following steps:
- Click Next.
- Check the Disable policy option.
Proceed with the following:
- Click Next.
- Select the “No, I plan on using the target installation on a real system” option.
- Quick note: Selecting the Yes option allows you to support VMware, VirtualBox, etc.
Next, configure network settings:
- Click Next.
- Clear the “I want to configure the settings installation” option.
- (Option 1) Select the “Configure settings for wireless network now” option and confirm your wireless network settings.
- (Option 2) Select the “Skip configuration” option if using an Ethernet connection.
Continue with the following:
- Click Next.
- Clear the “I want to configure the settings installation” option.
- Select the Disable telemetry option.
Finally, complete the setup:
- Click Next repeatedly to skip script configuration and additional components.
- Save the unattended file as autounattend.xml.
- Click Close.
Once these steps are completed, you will have an answer file ready for integration into your Windows 11 installation media.
Integrate file to Windows 11
To integrate the answer file into your Windows 11 installation media, follow these steps:
- Visit the Windows 11 download page.
- Click the “Download now” button to save the file under the “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” section.
Next, launch the Media Creation Tool:
- Double-click the MediaCreationTool.exe file.
- Click the Accept button to agree to the terms.
- (Optional) Clear the “Use the recommended options for this PC” option.
Continue with the following:
- Select the correct language and edition of Windows 11.
- Click Next.
- Select the “USB flash drive” option.
Next, proceed as follows:
- Click Next.
- Select the removable storage from the list.
- Quick tip: If your device is not listed, click the “Refresh drive list” option.
Continue with the following:
- Click Next.
- Click Finish.
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the location of the autounattend.xml file.
- Right-click the file and select Copy.
Next, open the Windows 11 USB location from File Explorer:
- Right-click and select Paste to copy the autounattend.xml file to the installation media.
Upon completion of these steps, your USB bootable media will be ready for an unattended installation of Windows 11. It is worth noting that the XML file may appear under two names: “autounattend.xml” and “unattend.xml.” The former is typically used for integration into the Windows 11 USB flash drive, while the latter is employed for automating deployments, usually found in the “C:WindowsPantherUnattend” folder.
More resources
For further insights, troubleshooting tips, and the latest updates on Windows 11 and 10, explore our comprehensive guides.
