Download and install the Windows ADK

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The Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) and Windows PE add-on has the tools you need to customize Windows images for large-scale deployment, and to test the quality and performance of your system, its added components, and the applications running on it. The Windows ADK includes:

  • The Windows Assessment Toolkit and the Windows Performance Toolkit to assess the quality and performance of systems or components.
  • The Compatibility Administrator and the Standard User Analyzer tool.
  • Deployment tools such as Windows PE, Sysprep, and other tools that you can use to customize and deploy Windows 11 images.
  • The Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) as a separate download from the Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK). To add Windows PE to your ADK installation, download and install the Windows PE add-on after installing the ADK.

    Important

    The 32-bit versions of Windows PE are no longer included in the Windows PE add-ons starting with the ADK for Windows 11, version 22H2. The last supported version of 32-bit Windows PE is available in the Windows PE add-on for Windows 10, version 2004.

Download the ADK for Windows 11, version 22H2

You can use the Assessment and Deployment Kit for Windows to install Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022.

For previous versions of the ADK, see Other ADK downloads

Choose the right ADK for your scenario

If possible, use the ADK version that matches the Windows version you're working with. If your environment has a mix of Windows versions, use the ADK version that matches the latest operating system in your environment.

Considerations when you're working with more than one Windows version

  • Windows PE
    • You can use Windows PE to deploy earlier operating systems.
    • If you customize Windows PE, make sure to use the WinPE optional components that match the version of Windows PE you're customizing.
    • Windows 11 is not available in a 32-bit architecture, so the 32-bit version of Windows PE for Windows 11 is not supported. The last supported 32-bit version of Windows PE is for Windows 10, and can't be used to deploy Windows 11.
  • Deployment tools
    • Newer versions of the Deployment Tools can be used on versions of Windows that are older than the ADK version you're using.
  • Other tools
    • For USMT, WSIM, and the Assessment kit, use the versions from the ADK that match the OS you're using the tools on.
    • For other tools, check the documentation to determine compatibility with the OS you're working with.

Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager

If you're working with with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, see Support for the Windows ADK in Configuration Manager to learn about the versions of the Windows ADK that you can use with different versions of Configuration Manager.

Other ADK downloads

ADK version and download link Description
ADK for Windows Insider Preview Windows Insiders can download preview versions of the ADK. See what's new for Windows Insider for Business.
Download the ADK For Windows 11: What's new in ADK tools for Windows 11

Note: The 32-bit versions of Windows PE in the Windows PE add-ons for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 aren't supported. The last supported version of 32-bit Windows PE is available in the Windows PE add-on for Windows 10, version 2004.
Download the ADK For Windows Server 2022: What's new in ADK tools for Windows Server 2022

Note: The Assessment Toolkit is not available in this release of the ADK, even though the option is available when you run the installer.
Download the ADK for Windows 10, version 2004: This ADK supports Windows 10, version 2004, and later versions of Windows 10
Download the ADK for Windows 10, version 1903: What's new in ADK for Windows 10, version 1903.
You can use this version to deploy Windows 10, version 1909 as well.
Download the ADK for Windows 10, version 1809: What's new in ADK for Windows 10, version 1809

New as of Windows 10, version 1809, Windows Preinstallation Environment (PE) is avalable separately form the Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK)
ADK for Windows 10, version 1803 What's new in ADK for Windows 10, version 1803
ADK for Windows 10, version 1709 What's new in ADK for Windows 10, version 1709.
For IoT Core for Windows 10, version 1709, also download the IoT Core Add-Ins v4.4.
ADK for Windows 10, version 1703 What's new in ADK for Windows 10, version 1703.
For IoT Core for Windows 10, version 1703, also download the IoT Core Add-Ins v3.2.
ADK for Windows 10, version 1607 What's new in ADK for Windows 10, version 1607.
For IoT Core for Windows 10, version 1607, also download the IoT Core Add-Ins v2.0 (14393_v1).
ADK for Windows 8.1 Use the ADK for Windows 10, version 2004
  • Use the Windows Performance Toolkit for Windows 8.1 that's available in the Windows 8.1 SDK
  • Assessments are no longer available
Windows OEM HAL Extension Test Cert 2017 To use the Windows ADK to work with HAL Extensions, download and install the updated Windows OEM HAL Extension Test Cert 2017 (TEST ONLY) certificate. Learn more.

Install the ADK

Install the ADK based on what works best for your environment.

Windows ADK tools for IT pros

Windows ADK contains core assessment and deployment tools that IT Pros can use to deploy Windows 10 company-wide, including the User State Migration Tool (USMT) and Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT).