MDT Deployment Share Configuration for Windows 11 Upgrade

MD-102 By islever Editorial Last updated

Deploy and upgrade Windows clients by using cloud-based tools

Short answer

Select the option to include the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) as a component in the deployment share. Ensure no other non-essential packages are selected as minimum requirements.

Question

HOTSPOT
You have a server named Server1 and computers that run Windows 10. Server1 has the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) installed.
You plan to upgrade the Windows 10 computers to Windows 11 by using the MDT deployment wizard.
You need create a deployment share on Server1.
What should you do on Server1, and what are the minimum components you should add to the MDT deployment share? To answer, select the appropriate options in the answer area.
NOTE: Each correct selection is worth one point.
Exhibit: MDT Deployment Share Configuration for Windows 11 Upgrade

Key Takeaways

The core trap is confusing server roles with deployment dependencies; while WDS is often used, it is not a component added to an MDT deployment share, whereas the Windows ADK is a mandatory prerequisite package.

This question tests the minimum components required to configure a deployment share in Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) for upgrading Windows 10 clients. The correct configuration relies on understanding MDT's dependency on the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK).

Common mistake: Candidates frequently select Windows Deployment Services (WDS) as a required component, mistakenly thinking the server role itself must be part of the share configuration or that it replaces the ADK requirement.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

To create a functional deployment share in MDT capable of building task sequences and boot images, you must include the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK). MDT builds upon the tools provided by the ADK, such as DISM and Windows PE. Without the ADK installed and integrated into the deployment share, MDT cannot generate the necessary boot images or apply operating system images.

Why Other Candidate Answers Are Wrong

Windows Deployment Services (WDS) is a network service used to broadcast images over the network but is not a component 'added' to the local MDT deployment share folder structure. Packages are optional add-ons for drivers or applications, not minimum requirements. Therefore, selecting the Windows ADK is the only technically accurate step for the 'minimum components'.

Community Comment Notes

Community consensus strongly supports the inclusion of the Windows ADK. As noted by user Softeng, "ADK is pre-requisites to MDT" because MDT builds on top of its core deployment tools. Another commenter, Futfuyfyjfj, confirmed that installing the Windows ADK is a required step before preparing for Windows deployment with MDT. Some users initially considered WDS, but clarified that WDS is a separate server role, not a share component.

Official Reference

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt#install-the-windows-adk

This link opens the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Exam Strategy

When configuring MDT, always remember that it is a wrapper around the Windows ADK. If a question asks about prerequisites or components within the deployment environment, prioritize the ADK over network services like WDS unless specifically asked about network distribution methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Windows Deployment Services (WDS) required for MDT?

No, WDS is not strictly required for MDT to function. MDT can use WDS for network broadcasting, but it can also use SMB shares. WDS is not a component added to the MDT deployment share itself.

Why is the Windows ADK needed for MDT?

MDT relies on tools from the Windows ADK, such as Windows PE and DISM, to create boot images and apply operating system updates during the deployment process.

More MD-102 FAQ →

Discussion 20 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 20

  1. 650afa5 👍 7
    I took the exam yesterday June 11th. This question was on there.
  2. ExamDumpEnjoyer 👍 5
    MDT is being deleted as of 26 April 2024. Question no longer relevant.
  3. Softeng 👍 3
    ADK: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/get-started-with-the-microsoft-deployment-toolkit#packages:~:text=MDT%20builds%20on%20top%20of%20the%20core%20deployment%20tools%20in%20the%20Windows%20Assessment%20and%20Deployment%20Kit%20(Windows%20ADK) Image and task sequence only: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-10/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/get-started-with-the-microsoft-deployment-toolkit#packages (also take a look at the 'Task sequence' section below 'Packages').
  4. Futfuyfyjfj 👍 3
    Agreed: ADK required in order to create a deployment share; https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt#install-the-windows-adk
  5. Zoom2020 👍 3
    ADK is pre-requisites to MDT. Since MDT is already installed, that means ADK is already on the server. Thus WDS should be the anwser.
Show 15 more comments
  1. krzysztofbr 👍 3
    seems to be ok. not 100% sure
  2. MR_Eliot 👍 3
    Correct!
  3. Anonymouse1312 👍 2
    Incorrect: Windows ADK is a toolset containing : WCD, Win PE, DISM, SIM, USMT, VAMT, Windows Assessment Toolkit, and Windows Performance Toolkit. In order to deploy an image you need WDS, which is a server role. Windows 11 image and task sequence are at the very minimum required. A package is just extras.
  4. Futfuyfyjfj 👍 2
    Win11 image and task sequence seems to be correct as well: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/create-a-windows-10-reference-image#create-the-reference-image-task-sequence
  5. OyYaGotta 👍 2
    WDS is not a pre-requisite for ADK. Answer is correct.
  6. Darkfire 👍 2
    Answers are correct.
  7. Pisces225 👍 1
    This is the only correct answer in this discussion. ADK is a pre-req, WDS is also pre-req, but MSFT docs specify to start with ADK. MSFT docs also say you can include a package, such as a language package, but they recommend to deploy those types of packages via WSUS. The dude saying WDS isn't a pre-req is wrong, and people saying include a package are wrong. MSFT says about the task sequence, "Task sequences are the heart and soul of the deployment solution." Open both of these links, read this stuff for yourself, and you will also call BS on every other ignorant discussion here.
  8. Merrybob 👍 1
    Correct answers are: Install the Windows ADK (Ref: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/prepare-for-windows-deployment-with-mdt#install-the-windows-adk) Windows 11 Image and Package Only - Only the Windows image and Application/Driver packages are needed. A task sequence will be used to deploy the OS, Apps, and Drivers. Ref: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/deploy-windows-mdt/get-started-with-the-microsoft-deployment-toolkit#deployment-shares
  9. Besxp 👍 1
    Actually dude It's true: Is MDT deleted? ❌ No, MDT is not deleted, but it will no longer be supported after October 10, 2025. Why? Microsoft is phasing out old tools like VBScript and IE components that MDT relies on. MDT won’t be updated for future Windows versions. Should I still use it? ✅ You can use it for now, but it’s best to start moving to newer tools like: - SCCM (ConfigMgr) - Windows Autopilot - WDS with PowerShell scripts
  10. ThomasE 👍 1
    Just took the MD-102 exam on 10/19/2026. There was not a single question about MDT. Still not a bad technology to know because many customers use it, but it wasn't tested on. There were quite a few questions about CoPilot usage in Intune and Defender.
  11. Tr619899 👍 1
    1. On Server1: Install the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) 2. Add to the MDT deployment share: Windows 11 image and task sequence only
  12. caskolo 👍 1
    As I know Windows 11 not supported the MDT, Windows 11 deployment need Configuration Manager, so the Question might is wrong
  13. Pollosor 👍 1
    What is your source? You can't say something so delicate like that out of nowhere.
  14. madsa 👍 1
    Answer is correct.
  15. RomanoSmooth81 👍 1
    How did it go?

Reader comments & corrections

No reader corrections yet — spotted an error or have a note? Share it below.

Log in to comment, report an error, or add a note about this question.

Submitted for moderation before publishing. Keep it helpful and respectful.

Assigning Intune and Cloud PC Roles with Least Privilege

S-grade

SCEP Root Certificate Location for Intune

S-grade

How Many Intune Profiles Are Needed for Cloud PKI User Certificates?

S-grade

What Must Be Purchased First for Intune Device Query at Minimum Cost?

S-grade

Practice All MD-102 Questions

Access 92 questions with complete answers and detailed explanations.

View Full MD-102 Practice Test →

← Back to MD-102 Study Guide