Get started with SmartDeploy

• Install SmartDeploy on any workstation

• See instructions for adding users to your account

• Review our System & Network Requirements

• Install the client on endpoints you want to manage from the Console

• You can also install the client using Group Policy

Be sure your virtualization software and Windows media are ready to go.

• For virtualization software, Oracle VM VirtualBox is a great free alternative that works well with SmartDeploy

• If you don’t have your Windows media, use the Windows media creation tool

Create your SmartDeploy golden image in your virtual machine. This short video about building reference virtual machines will walk you through the steps of launching the Build Wizard and installing your initial OS on your VM.

• Launch the Build Wizard to create your golden virtual machine.

• If you Hyper-V is your preferred virtualization software, follow the steps in this video.

• For testing purposes, we recommend starting with just Windows OS.

• You do not need to Sysprep your reference machine. SmartDeploy runs Sysprep automatically at deployment time.

Note: If you already have a .VMDK, .VHD, .VDI, or .HDD file with your image on it you can use that file, but make sure everything works properly as whatever is in your image will be on the device you deploy it to. If you have .GHO, .TIB, or another proprietary file type, SmartDeploy will not work with these and you will need to begin with the Build Wizard. We promise, the time to set up on a new image that works properly will be worth it long term!

• Launch the Capture Wizard to create an image from the VM you created previously.

• The Capture Wizard creates an image from the Virtual Reference Machine you created in the last step. SmartDeploy creates a .WIM file, Microsoft’s standard format.

• Snapshots and antivirus can cause capture errors. If you run into an error, follow these troubleshooting tips.

• Learn more about Microsoft reimaging rights and volumes licensing.

• Platform Packs are downloadable model-specific driver packs built by SmartDeploy technicians.

• SmartDeploy uses WMI queries to deploy only drivers specific to each hardware make, model, and OS version.

• Download prebuilt Application Packs or create your own.

• Application Packs allow you to deploy individual applications and patches or push out scripts to automate tasks.

We suggest creating an answer file using the Answer File Wizard to help automate your deployment. If you choose to skip this step, you will see the same questions in the Deploy Wizard at deployment time.

For network deployment from the SmartDeploy Console, an unattended answer file is required. You will be prompted for it when creating your media with the Media Wizard.

• Launch the Answer File Wizard to create an answer file.

• Include SmartDeploy Client in your answer file.

• By default, answer files are marked unattended for Network Deployment with SmartDeploy.

• Advanced options include setting default Windows settings, disk options, and running custom scripts. For more information, visit our help center.

Building your boot media is quick and painless. Watch our video guide on boot media and follow along to create your boot or offline deployment media today.

• From the activities options in the SmartDeploy console, choose Create Media to launch the Media Wizard.  To use USB/DVD for deployment, create boot media or offline deployment media.

• Create a deployment package for network or cloud deployments.

• SmartDeploy can leverage WDS for PXE boot.

• Antivirus or large files can cause issues when creating boot media. If you experience any issues, check out this quick troubleshooting video.

It’s time to reimage a computer with the deployment package you created with SmartDeploy. Watch our video guide for deployment tips, and reach out to our team if you need any assistance. 

Things to know: 

• Console-initiated deployments can be scheduled.

• Sysprep runs automatically during deployment.

• Use Multicast when deploying to 25+ machines.

• During your trial a network connection is required to deploy machines.

Keep devices up-to-date with Platform Packs.

• Be sure to install the SmartDeploy client on your endpoints.

• SmartDeploy will indicate when there is an update available for Platform Pack in your library — and when a device doesn’t have the latest Platform Pack.

• Deploy Platform Packs over your network or using your cloud storage provider to deploy over the internet.

Related how-to videos:

• How to Update Device Drivers

Capture and deploy user data.

• Be sure the SmartDeploy client is installed on your endpoints first.

• You can capture and deploy user data during a Windows migration or migrate user data from one machine to another.

• For more information on USMT, visit our help center.

Related how-to videos:

• How to Migrate User Data

Deploy images, applications, or drivers from your cloud storage provider.

• Launch the Upload Wizard to post your Cloud Deployment Package to Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive or OneDrive for Business.

• Once posted, you can push images to target computers in your organization from your preferred cloud storage provider.

• After uploading, create media that references your Cloud Deployment Package.

Related how-to videos:

• How to Reimage a PC Remotely

With a click of your mouse, deploy prebuilt Application Packages or create your own.

• Be sure the SmartDeploy client is installed on your endpoints first.

• Application Packs allow you to deploy individual applications, patches, or tasks.

• Deploy Application Packs over your network or use your cloud storage provider to deploy over Wi-Fi.

Related how-to videos:

• Create your own Application Packs.

• Create a custom Office 365 Application Pack.

• Deploy Applications & Scripts.