Combining multiple Windows editions into one install.wim file can simplify deployment and reduce complexity. This guide explains how to achieve it using the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM).
Step 1: Prepare the Environment
- Create a working directory, for example C:\WIM.
- Copy the Windows edition files you want to merge (e.g., home11install.wim and pro11install.wim) into this directory.
For related tasks, tutorials on checking ISO details, extracting editions, and converting between .esd and .wim formats may be useful.
Step 2: Merge Images One at a Time
Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands:
Export the first edition:
dism /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:C:\WIM\home11install.wim /SourceIndex:1 /DestinationImageFile:C:\WIM\combinedinstall.wim /Compress:max /CheckIntegrity
Export the second edition:
dism /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:C:\WIM\pro11install.wim /SourceIndex:1 /DestinationImageFile:C:\WIM\combinedinstall.wim /Compress:max /CheckIntegrity
Key Parameters:
- /SourceImageFile: Path to the source .wim file.
- /SourceIndex: Index number of the edition to extract.
- /DestinationImageFile: Path for the combined .wim file.
- /Compress:max: Applies maximum compression for .wim files.
- /CheckIntegrity: Ensures image integrity during export.
Step 3: Verify the Combined File
Run the following command to confirm both editions are included:
dism /Get-ImageInfo /ImageFile:C:\WIM\combinedinstall.wim
If you plan to use the combined file directly, copy it into the sources folder of your Windows installation media. Rename it to install.wim and remove the original file.
Notes on Compression
The /Compress argument controls the compression level:
- max: Highest compression, smallest size, slower processing.
- fast: Balanced speed and size (default).
- none: No compression, faster export, larger file.
- recovery: Highly compressed recovery images, typically used with .esd files.
Merging editions into a single install.wim file makes managing installation media more efficient and flexible. With DISM, the process is straightforward and adaptable to different deployment needs.
By following these steps, you’ll have a unified install.wim ready for use, streamlining future installations and saving valuable time.