Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE)

The Microsoft Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) makes system builders more productive by providing powerful preparation and installation tools for Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Windows Server 2003.

Enroll today in the Microsoft Partner Program for exclusive system builder resources!

Windows Preinstallation Environment Overview

Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) is a minimal Win32 installation that controls the early boot process and initiates the deployment of Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 onto the computer. With WinPE, system builders can build custom solutions that speed deployment through automation, enabling them to spend less time and effort keeping desktops updated. Use WinPE instead of an MS DOS-bootable disk for the following tasks and complete them in much less time and with far more success.

Task	Benefits
Be more prepared to deploy, support and recover	More easily prepare to deploy and support Windows desktops and servers. Recovery efforts less time-consuming and more productive.
Create and format disk partitions	Format disks with NTFS file system without using third-party utilities. File-system utilities that Windows PE allow administrators to completely automate the hard-disk preparation process.
Maintain easy network access	Provides same network drivers that come with Windows Vista and Windows XP. Enables IT professionals to access the network quickly and easily.
Load and access 32-bit and 64-bit device drivers	Ability to inject mass-storage, networking, audio, video, and other types of device drivers directly into existing copy of Windows PE. No need to customize disks that are bootable by using MS-DOS.
Customize Windows PE by using techniques and technologies that are already familiar	Based on Windows Vista, Windows XP Professional and Windows Server 2003. Customizable for variety of scenarios, including network-based deployment, test and diagnostic, recovery, and other support-related tasks.

You can create a Windows PE for any removable media, such as:

DVD/CD-ROM
USB flash device (UFD)
Mass storage devices

For more WinPE resources, guides, and training, enroll in the Microsoft Partner Program.

Enroll in the Microsoft Partner Program

Become a Registered Member of the Microsoft Partner Program and get exclusive system builder resources, including:

Access to the private OEM Partner Center Web site
Hands-on demos
Technical resources
Sales and technical training
Licensing
Marketing materials
Technical Support