Convert an ESD File to a WIM File for Driver Updates in Your Windows Image*

Documentation

Install & Setup

000023992

11/08/2022

Convert files from Electronic Software Delivery (ESD) form to Windows Imaging Format* (WIM*) if you need to add updated device drivers.
 

How to convert files:

Windows image files may be in the form of an ESD. Files must be WIM to make updates to drivers. Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management* (DISM) tool from Microsoft to update image files.

To convert the image files, follow the steps below:

 

Note Always back up all files before following the process below.

 

  1. Create a folder (ex c:\Win10USB).
  2. Go to the sources directory on your installation media.
  3. Copy the install.esd file to the Win10USB folder.
  4. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Windows Key + X -> Command Prompt (Admin)).
  5. Change directory to the working directory (cd c:\Win10USB).
  6. Show the available images within the install.esd file.

    dism /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:install.esd

    Show the available images within the install.esd file

  7. Determine the Index number to modify (in this example we are modifying Index 2)
  8. Export the image to a WIM file.

    dism /export-image /SourceImageFile:install.esd /SourceIndex:2 /DestinationImageFile:install.wim /Compress:max /CheckIntegrity

    Export the image to a WIM file

    You now have an install.wim file alongside the install.esd.

     

    Note If more versions of the OS need to be exported, simply repeat Step 7 changing the corresponding SourceIndex and it will be added.

     

  9. Backup the original install.esd and then replace on your installation media with the new install.wim.