Converting a Windows install.esd file into an install.wim file can be essential for customization, deployment, or troubleshooting. This guide walks you through the process step by step, whether you want to convert the entire file or just a specific edition.
Part 1: Converting the Entire install.esd to install.wim
- Download and install PowerISO on your computer.
- Right-click on the PowerISO icon and select Run as administrator.
- In the PowerISO interface, click on Tools and select Wim ESD Converter.
- Open the ESD to WIM tab.
- Select the source image file (.esd).
- Specify a destination for the output file (.wim).
- Click Convert and wait for the process to complete.
Part 2: Converting install.esd to install.wim for a Specific Edition
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
- Search for cmd in the Start menu.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: List Editions in the install.esd File
Run the following command:
DISM /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:F:\Sources\Install.esd
Replace F:\Sources\Install.esd with the actual path to your file.
This will display all available editions along with their index numbers.
Step 3: Convert a Specific Edition
Use the following command format:
DISM /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:F:\Sources\Install.esd /SourceIndex:6 /DestinationImageFile:C:\pro11install.wim /Compress:Max /CheckIntegrity
Or, more generally:
DISM /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:D:\Sources\Install.esd /SourceIndex:index_number /DestinationImageFile:C:\install.wim /Compress:Max /CheckIntegrity
- /SourceImageFile: Path to the install.esd file.
- /SourceIndex: Index number of the edition you want to convert.
- /DestinationImageFile: Path where the new install.wim file will be saved.
- /Compress:Max: Applies maximum compression.
- /CheckIntegrity: Ensures the integrity of the image.
Tip: If you want to use pro11install.wim directly, copy it into the sources folder of your Windows installation media. Delete the original install.esd or install.wim, and rename pro11install.wim to install.wim.
Notes on Compression Options
The /Compress argument in DISM controls the compression level:
- max: Highest compression, smallest file size, slower processing.
- fast: Balanced speed and size; default if not specified.
- none: No compression, faster processing, larger file size.
- recovery: Highly compressed recovery images, typically used with .esd files.
Converting an install.esd to install.wim gives you more flexibility in managing Windows installation images. With these steps, you can handle both full conversions and edition-specific exports efficiently.