Question Windows 10 Install

[dominusmars]

Is there a way to edit the Windows 10 install to automatically install certain apps like chrome, firefox. and maybe set some settings automatically like desktop icons. it would help me to build new pcs.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Since Chrome and Firefox are not Microsoft products, I don't see how that would be possible, except with a custom image file - as might be done in a corporate network that is maintained by IT pros.

 

[dominusmars]

Since Chrome and Firefox are not Microsoft products, I don't see how that would be possible, except with a custom image file - as might be done in a corporate network that is maintained by IT pros.

I'd do that if I was building a bunch of computers from the same client but I need a solution for different clients. Right now I have all the installers in a folder on a flash drive, maybe a better solution would be a script of some sort that runs through all of them automatically?

 

[xtreemchaos]

im not sure but theres a program called rufus which lets you compile windows disc iso files to disc or usb or just files it may be worth a look and its free.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I'd do that if I was building a bunch of computers from the same client

Which was my point.

but I need a solution for different clients. Right now I have all the installers in a folder on a flash drive, maybe a better solution would be a script of some sort that runs through all of them automatically?

But how would a script account for the different clients - assuming their needs are different as your comment implies? It seems to me having all the installers on the flash drive is a good solution now.

 

[Frick]

There is Ninite, that can install a bunch a programs automatically. It's a list to choose from though.

Ninite - Install or Update Multiple Apps at Once

The easiest, fastest way to update or install software. Ninite downloads and installs programs automatically in the background.

ninite.com

 

[bonehead123]

^^THIS^^

Although you may have to start it manually after windblows finishes and restarts the last time...

 

[Bill_Bright]

I forgot about Ninite. But I note is has some limitations that may not be suitable here.

For one (and the reason I don't use it) is that it installs your apps in the installers default location. I could never go for that as I often install on secondary drives and/or partitions. I also note it says it lets you opt out of extra toolbars and other junks developers (especially of free programs) often want to foist on our systems. However there have been many cases where extra programs (from sponsors or from the same developer) were installed too.

it requires an Internet connection because it goes out and fetches the latest version. Again, that may or may not be an issue.

Finally the OP said he would like this to automatically set configuration settings and desktop icons. Pretty sure Ninite does not do that - or at least it didn't use to.

Still, it may be worth checking out - especially if there are many computers to configure and this will be something needed many times over during the coming months and years.

 

[xman2007]

There's also ntlite from the same developer of nlite which was probably the most popular app for customising Windows installations, though it only supported xp through to 8.1 ntlite now supports Windows 10 images though I haven't used it myself.

NTLite

Official NTLite website

www.ntlite.com

 

[sam_86314]

Is there a way to edit the Windows 10 install to automatically install certain apps like chrome, firefox. and maybe set some settings automatically like desktop icons. it would help me to build new pcs.

I've actually been experimenting with this.

What I do is I load a normal install into a VM and get everything set up. Then, outside the VM, I mount the virtual disk in disk manager and capture it with a tool like Win Toolkit. Finally I use Win Toolkit to create the already setup image.

Interestingly when I install Windows using the custom image, the OOBE is completely skipped since an account is already there. You just have to go through PE for the initial setup.

Download Win Toolkit - MajorGeeks

A lightweight and easy to use application that was created in order to help you customize your Windows installation. With this tool you can integrate Addons, Drivers, Gadgets, Language packs, Modified Files, Theme Packs, Tweaks, Silent Installers, Updates. You can also remove features such as...

www.majorgeeks.com