How to create an unattended installation of Windows 11

You've decided you want to install Windows 11, but your device doesn't meet the strict system requirements, and you don't want to spend time in front of your computer clicking through dialog pages.

There is a better way. You can sit back and relax during the installation process without being prompted for information. That’s the beauty of creating an unattended installation of Windows 11, and we’ll show you how.

What are the benefits of unattended installation?

• Allows you to automate tasks and complete the process faster than manual installation.
• It can be run on multiple computers using the same installer file.
• Useful for large deployments where you want to standardize the configuration of computers on the network.
• Ability to customize installation based on needs and preferences.
• There is no user intervention, so there are no user password prompts or account login requests.

How to install Windows 11 unattended?

1. What is required for unattended installation?

1. Hardware Requirements Check

• Have at least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of free disk space on your computer.
• A USB flash drive or external hard drive with at least 8 GB of free space formatted as NTFS or FAT32.

2. Internet connection requirements

Unattended installation does not require an Internet connection because you will be installing Windows offline.

This will prevent the system from forcing you to use a Microsoft account or checking that your device meets the system requirements.

3. Notes on language settings

If you install Windows 11 in a language other than English, this language is likely not supported.

You must complete the installation in an available language before changing the language setting to your preferred option.

4. Product Key Notes

Because each copy of Windows 11 has its own unique product key, you will use a universal volume license key for an unattended installation .

This unique product key allows you to install the same product on multiple computers. You can find the Universal Volume License Key for the Windows version on the official Microsoft page.

5. Notes on 32-bit vs. 64-bit versions

Since there is no 32-bit version of Windows 11, the only option is to choose 64-bit. However, you can still run 64-bit programs on 32-bit by adjusting certain settings.

Finally, you need to back up any important files, as anything can go wrong with any installation.

2. Create a bootable USB drive

1. In this step, we will use the Ventoy tool.
2. Head to Ventoy’s GitHub repository and download the Windows zip file.
3. Once downloaded, right-click on it to extract the folder at your current location.
4. Next, open the extracted folder and click on the subdirectory named Ventoy. Right-click anywhere on the window to create a new text file named ventoy.json. Copy and paste the following text into it and save the file: <strong>{ "control": [ { "VTOY_DEFAULT_MENU_MODE": "0" }, { "VTOY_TREE_VIEW_MENU_STYLE": "0" }, { "VTOY_FILT_DOT_UNDERSCORE_FILE": "1 " }, { "VTOY_SORT_CASE_SENSITIVE": "0" }, { "VTOY_MAX_SEARCH_LEVEL": "max" }, { "VTOY_DEFAULT_SEARCH_ROOT": "/ISO" }, { "VTOY_MENU_TIMEOUT": "10" }, { "VTOY_DEFAULT_IMAGE": " /ISO/debian_netinstall.iso" }, { "VTOY_FILE_FLT_EFI": "1" }, { "VTOY_DEFAULT_KBD_LAYOUT": "QWERTY_USA" }, { "VTOY_WIN11_BYPASS_CHECK": "1" } ] }</strong>
5. By setting the last parameter to 1, the computer will be able to avoid certain registry checks. For example, Ventoy Secure Boot for Windows 11.
6. Now head to the Microsoft page to download the Windows 11 disk image ISO.
7. Select the operating system version and language and click the 64-bit Download button.
8. Next, return to the extracted Ventoy folder and double-click the Ventoy2Disk file. Then insert the USB drive to format it.
9. You will be prompted with a new window where you can select the USB plugged in and select Install.
10. Now, copy the Windows 11 ISO on the Ventoy drive and reboot the computer to enter the BIOS. Change the boot order so that USB has boot priority and continue with the installation process.

3. Configure the answer file

1. Understand the Windows answer file structure

The answer file is a text file that contains the manual steps of Windows Setup. Answers to questions asked during Windows installation.

These questions include where Windows is installed, what components should be installed on the computer, and whether those components should include any specific drivers when installed.

2. Generate unattended files using ADK tools

1. Navigate to your browser and download the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit.
2. Launch the installation file and click Run.
3. Select the installation location by clicking "Browse" and then click "Next".
4. Click Next and accept the terms and agreement, then click Next.
5. Check the Deployment Tools box and click Install.
6. Click on your Search icon and open the Windows system image.
7. Select"File>System Image".
8. In "Choose Windows Image", select the ISO file you downloaded in 2 above when creating the bootable USB drive.
9. Select your version of Windows and click OK.
10. Next, click Create or Open Answer File > New Answer File.
11. Expand Component. This will list the various stages of customization, which you can drag to the right to set up the configuration stage. You can check out more information on how to adjust these settings on Microsoft's official page.
12. Finally, after you have added all the components, click File > Save Answer File and make sure it is saved in XML format on the bootable drive created in 2 above, then eject it.
13. Shut down your PC and insert the bootable drive, Windows 11 should install automatically.

Since this is a fairly lengthy affair, we encourage you to choose the Windows Answer File Generator to speed up the process and minimize errors.

Considering how long Windows 11 takes to download, this is a very popular solution that doesn't take much time. And with the help of some automated tools, installation time should be significantly reduced.

It's worth trying this method, especially if you have multiple computers that you want to upgrade to Windows 11 at the same time.

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