In my original blog posts introducing how to deploy Microsoft Windows 10/11 using Omnissa Provisioning Tools, I explain what the methods are, but not how to test them. Here’s a link to the original blog https://aftersixcomputers.com/a-beginners-guide-to-windows-domain-join-using-workspace-one-uem/ to catch you up. With the exception of 2Pint, none of the Omnissa Provisioning tools install the Operation System (OS) or prep the OS for what is required to use each method. For testing and demonstration purposes I’ve found using a USB Key to be the most effective method to try out each method. What follows is the process I follow each time Microsoft release’s a new version of Microsoft Windows.
To get started grab a USB key with at least 32GB of space available. It will be ERASED as part of this process.
Download the latest ISO from Microsoft for the Windows 11 installation media you plan to use. In all of the scenarios above it is expected that your OS is the Professional Edition. You can upgrade to the Enterprise SKU as part of the provisioning task, but the base OS is always recommended to be Windows Professional Edition.
From a Windows 11 computer, MOUNT the downloaded Windows ISO.
Insert the USB Key.
Download and run this powershell script from my GitHub page (I tend to update the code each time there’s a new major build of Windows released:
createmedia_menu_surface_v35.ps1
After running the script, the end result will be a bootable USB Key that can be adopted for any of the Omnissa Provisioning Methods (excluding 2Pint).
The next step is to boot the target computer from the USB-Key.
Walk through the USB-key boot menu process.
When Windows Setup is finished, the device reboots and OOBE launches, indicated with the question:
“Is this the right country or region?”
For most of the Omnissa Provisioning Tools, this is the staage to unplug the Ethernet Cable and/or disconnect the device from Wifi. This is because the current DSP Online and Offline process will fail if the device has internet connectivity. Leave ethernet/wifi connected if you are going to register the device with Microsoft AutoPilot.
If you are on a desktop, press Ctrl_Shift_F3 to reboot the device in Windows audit-mode. Most laptops require a Function Key press so it would be Ctrl_FN_Shift_F3. If you pressed the keys properly, the machine will reboot and auto login to Windows Audit Mode as the built-in administrator account.
Using the DSP folder on the USB key you can now complete the Omnisa Provisioning Tool of your choice, or just complete Microsoft AutoPilot device registration.
Happy Testing!