How To Generate Answer Files / Autounattend.xml Files for Windows 10

If you're deploying Windows 10 and want full control over the setup process, creating an answer file (unattend.xml or autounattend.xml) is the way to go. This guide walks you through using the Windows Unattend Generator to build one without writing a single line of XML.

Step-by-Step: Building Your Windows 10 Answer File

The Windows Unattend Generator is a handy tool that helps you customize your Windows 10 installation by guiding you through various options. Here’s how to use it:

1. Region & Language

Choose display language, primary and secondary keyboard layouts, and home region.

You can automate or allow interactive selection during setup.

Select processor architecture (e.g. Intel/AMD 64-bit or 32-bit); multiple selections supported via Ctrl key.

2. Setup Preferences

Bypass Windows 11 checks (if applicable).

Allow setup without an internet connection.

3. Computer Name

Specify a custom name or let Windows create one.

4. Compact OS

Let Windows decide whether to use Compact OS.

5. Time Zone

Set it manually or let Windows detect automatically.

6. Disk Partitioning

Choose manual partitioning (recommended), automated formatting, or use a custom diskpart script.

Configure GPT/MBR, EFI System Partition size, and Windows Recovery Environment settings.

Warning: automated options will completely format disk 0.

7. Windows Edition

Pick the version of Windows 10 to install (e.g., Home or Pro).

8. User Accounts

Create local offline accounts with usernames, passwords, and group roles.

Or choose to add Microsoft or local accounts interactively during setup.

9. Account Policies

Set password expiration and lockout settings—defaults are fine for most setups.

10–11. File Explorer & System Tweaks

Customize file visibility, taskbar search box, Fast Startup, long path support, and more.

12. Virtual Machine Enhancements

Include VirtualBox, VMware, or VirtIO support.

13. WLAN/Wi-Fi Configuration

Automate setup, configure interactively, or skip if using wired internet.

14. Express Settings

Disable all for automation or configure manually.

15–16. Lock Keys & Personalization

Defaults are recommended unless you have specific preferences.

17–18. Bloatware & Start Menu

Remove unnecessary apps and clean up tiles/pins.

19. Defender Application Control

Stick with default configuration unless needed otherwise.

20. Finalizing Your Answer File

Once you've selected your options:

Click Download .xml file.

Place autounattend.xml at the root of your Windows installation USB drive.

Alternatively, for more control:

Use notautounattend.xml and run it manually via:

setup.exe /NoReboot /Unattend:D:\notautounattend.xml

Recommended for advanced setups or when avoiding automatic disk formatting.

Windows Unattend Generator

With the Unattend Generator, setting up Windows 10 is no longer a chore — it’s a streamlined and precise process that puts you in control. Try it out and take the grunt work out of installation.

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