Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT 2013) – Migrate XP Desktops Faster!

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Josh Condie - The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) provides a unified collection of tools, processes, and guidance for automating desktop and server deployments. In addition to reducing deployment time and standardizing desktop and server images, MDT offers improved security and ongoing configuration management.

With MDT 2013 now available, there are significant new capabilities:

Support for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2

You can use MDT to deploy the Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 operating systems using the LTI, ZTI, and UDI deployment methods. Roles and features specific to Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 are available in the role list.

Support for the Windows ADK for Windows 8.1

MDT supports the use of the Windows ADK for Windows 8.1 to deploy operating systems. The Windows ADK for Windows 8.1 includes the Deployment Tools such as the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, the Windows Pre-installation Environment (Windows PE) and the User State Migration Tool (USMT).

Support for System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager

ZTI and UDI deployment methods in MDT support integration with System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager, including new capabilities such as multiple Network Access Accounts.

Improved Deployment to x86-based Computers that Use the UEFI Standard

Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a specification that defines a software interface between an operating system and platform firmware. UEFI is a more secure replacement for the older basic input/output system (BIOS) firmware interface present in some personal computers, which is vulnerable to malware that performs attacks during the boot or power on self-test processes.

By default, MDT creates the appropriate partitions to support computers running UEFI. MDT supports UEFI versions from 2.0 up to 2.3.1. UEFI 2.3.1 is a newer version of UEFI that will be used on Windows 8 logo–compliant computers.

Here are 2 videos to help you get very familiar with the MDT process.  *Note - They are based on the 2012 version of the Toolkit, but still very applicable.

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Get Started with MDT 2013