Windows 8 All Editions on One Disk

Unlocking All Windows Versions from a Single Source

Numerous Windows editions exist, yet many users are unaware that, excluding the Enterprise version, a single disc or image file typically encompasses all versions compatible with its architecture.

This article details a method for leveraging this often-overlooked feature to create a universal Windows 8 installation disc.

Understanding Windows Version Availability

The standard Windows installation media often includes multiple versions, such as Home Premium, Professional, and Enterprise (though Enterprise requires a separate license).

These versions are embedded within the installation files, allowing for flexibility during the setup process.

Creating a Universal Windows 8 Install Disc

The process involves modifying the installation source to expose all available versions during the Windows setup.

This allows a single disc to be used to install any supported Windows 8 edition, streamlining the deployment process.

Benefits of a Universal Install Disc

Reduced Media Clutter: Eliminate the need for multiple installation discs.
Simplified Deployment: Easily install any Windows 8 version from a single source.
Convenience: A single disc is easier to manage and store.

Technical Considerations

This method requires access to the Windows 8 installation files and a basic understanding of command-line tools.

It's crucial to back up your original installation media before making any modifications.

Important Note

While this technique provides access to multiple versions, a valid product key is still required for the specific edition you intend to install.

Using a key for a different edition will result in activation issues.

Essential Requirements

A Windows 8 installation, utilizing x86 architecture.
A Windows 8 installation, utilizing x64 architecture.
A Windows 8 Enterprise installation, based on x86 architecture.
A Windows 8 Enterprise installation, based on x64 architecture.
A computer running Windows 8.

It's important to note that although the tutorial utilizes all listed images, the Enterprise Edition isn't strictly necessary. Experienced users may omit sections if they possess sufficient knowledge.

For those less familiar, freely available Enterprise evaluation images can be obtained from MSDN, allowing full participation in the tutorial.

Initial Setup

The first step involves obtaining the Windows 8 ADK, which can be downloaded directly from Microsoft's website.

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Following the download, proceed with the installation process. During installation, only the Deployment Tools are required; therefore, deselect any other available options.

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A specific folder structure must also be created on the root of your C:\ drive to streamline the process.

C:\Windows8Root
C:\Windows8Root\x86
C:\Windows8Root\x64
C:\Windows8Root\Enterprisex86
C:\Windows8Root\Enterprisex64
C:\Windows8Root\Temp
C:\Windows8Root\Final

With these prerequisites in place, we can now begin the main procedure.

Creating a Unified Windows Image

The initial step involves establishing a foundational image. To begin, mount the x86 version of Windows 8 and then transfer its constituent files to the following directory:

C:\Windows8Root\Final

Following this, the install.wim file should be moved from:

C:\Windows8Root\Final\sources

To:

C:\Windows8Root\x86

Subsequently, copy the install.wim file from the remaining three images – Windows 8 x64, Windows 8 Enterprise x86, and Windows 8 Enterprise x64 – to their corresponding folders within Windows8Root. The install.wim file can typically be found at:

D:\sources\install.wim

It’s important to note that the drive letter assignment may vary; the example assumes mounting at drive D.

Each install.wim file is unique, so ensure they are placed in the correct directories to maintain the integrity of the process.

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Utilizing the Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment

Transition to the Metro Start Screen and launch the Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment.

If your user account lacks local administrator privileges, it will be necessary to right-click the application and select the "Run as administrator" option.

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Execute the following commands within the environment:

Dism /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\x86\install.wim /SourceIndex:2 /DestinationImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\Final\sources\install.wim /DestinationName:"Windows 8" /compress:maximum
Dism /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\x86\install.wim /SourceIndex:1 /DestinationImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\Final\sources\install.wim /DestinationName:"Windows 8 Pro" /compress:maximum
Dism /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\x86\install.wim /SourceIndex:1 /DestinationImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\Final\sources\install.wim /DestinationName:"Windows 8 Pro with Media Center" /compress:maximum
Dism /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\Enterprisex86\install.wim /SourceIndex:1 /DestinationImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\Final\sources\install.wim /DestinationName:"Windows 8 Enterprise" /compress:maximum
Dism /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\x64\install.wim /SourceIndex:2 /DestinationImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\Final\sources\install.wim /DestinationName:"Windows 8" /compress:maximum
Dism /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\x64\install.wim /SourceIndex:1 /DestinationImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\Final\sources\install.wim /DestinationName:"Windows 8 Pro" /compress:maximum
Dism /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\x64\install.wim /SourceIndex:1 /DestinationImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\Final\sources\install.wim /DestinationName:"Windows 8 Pro with Media Center" /compress:maximum
Dism /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\Enterprisex64\install.wim /SourceIndex:1 /DestinationImageFile:c:\Windows8Root\Final\sources\install.wim /DestinationName:"Windows 8 Enterprise" /compress:maximum

Configuring the Boot Menu

Navigate to the following directory:

C:\Windows8Root\sources\

Create a new text file within this location.

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Name the file:

EI.cfg

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Edit the file to match the following configuration.

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Adding Media Center Functionality

A script is available to simplify the addition of Windows Media Center to the corresponding editions of Windows 8. This script can be downloaded from all-global-news.pages.dev. Extract the contents of the downloaded archive.