ImageAssist – Windows 10: Upgrades v. Updates, WaaS / OEM / VLA / reimaging

Starting with Windows 10 and Microsoft’s new Windows as a service release model, organizations will need to rethink about how they upgrade and deploy Windows.  This article will primarily focus on Windows 10; however, it’s good to keep in mind that Microsoft does NOT support running Sysprep an OS that has been upgraded (W7, 8.1 or 10). To better explain the difference between and upgrade and update, refer to Microsoft’s terms below:

With the shift to this new Windows as a service model, it is important to understand the distinction between two key terms:

• Upgrade. A new Windows 10 release that contains additional features and capabilities, released two to three times per year.
• Update. Packages of security fixes, reliability fixes, and other bug fixes that are released periodically, typically once a month on Update Tuesday (sometimes referred to as Patch Tuesday). With Windows 10, these are cumulative in nature.

For a comprehensive understanding of Windows 10 servicing options, refer to the following article: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt574263(v=vs.85).aspx

What’s the problem?

What we’ve seen happen is the following scenario.  The user building the image runs Windows “updates” which in turn “upgrades” Windows 10 to the next feature release.  Upon trying to install ImageAssist, the tool prevents installation noting an upgraded version of the OS.  This is because Syprep is not supported for upgraded versions of Windows.  What does this mean for ImageAssist users?  If you want to reimage using current feature release bits, it means you’ll need to rebuild your reference image using the latest W10 installation media.  If you’re a VLA Windows 10 customer, you can use your Microsoft service to download the latest bits.  If you’re OEM, Dell should provide this media.  For obtaining updated OEM versions of Windows 10, please contact our regional OS imaging helpdesk teams who can provide assistance.

• Dell Global Configuration Services - OS Imaging Helpdesk Contact Information

While working with Dell ImageAssist, it’s highly recommended that a Maintenance Image be created. Users save time with a “Maintenance Image”.  Before running the ImageAssist tool, make sure to capture an image and re-use it as a starting point for your next build. (ImageAssist provides tools for capturing & restoring an image). For further details, please refer to the links below:

• Best practices for building your image in a Virtual Machine

For more information on updating Windows 10 while using Dell ImageAssist, please refer to the following links:

• ImageAssist & Windows 10 auto-updating of drivers – things you should know.
• Manage your Windows 10 updates.

Thank you,

Tyler McLaughlin (ImageAssist Development Team)