How to Build a Windows 11 24H2 Reference Image Using SCCM

Creating a reference image for Windows 11 24H2 is a crucial step in modern enterprise deployment. With System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), IT admins can streamline operating system deployments, maintain consistency across devices, and reduce post-deployment configuration tasks.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices and steps to build a clean, secure, and fully patched Windows 11 24H2 reference image using SCCM.

Why Build a Reference Image for Windows 11 24H2?

A reference image ensures that every Windows 11 deployment in your environment is:

• Standardized – Preconfigured with company apps, settings, and policies.
• Updated – Includes the latest Windows 11 24H2 cumulative updates.
• Secure – Hardened with baseline configurations.
• Efficient – Reduces setup time and user downtime.

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:

• SCCM 2403 (or later) with the latest hotfixes.
• Windows 11 24H2 ISO downloaded from Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) or MSDN.
• Windows ADK for Windows 11 24H2 + WinPE add-on installed on your SCCM server.
• Access to the Microsoft Update Catalog or WSUS for updates.
• Administrative credentials for SCCM and the lab environment.

Step 1: Import the Windows 11 24H2 Operating System

1. Open the SCCM Console.
2. Navigate to Software Library > Operating Systems > Operating System Images.
3. Right-click and select Add Operating System Image.
4. Browse to the extracted install.wim from your Windows 11 24H2 ISO.
5. Name it clearly, e.g., Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise x64.

Step 2: Create a Build and Capture Task Sequence

1. In Task Sequences, click Create Task Sequence.
2. Choose Build and capture a reference operating system image.
3. Select the imported Windows 11 24H2 image.
4. Configure a local administrator password.
5. Add steps for:
   • Installing Updates – via WSUS/SUP or direct Microsoft Updates.
   • Installing Applications – company-approved software (e.g., Office 365, Teams, browsers).
   • Applying Customizations – registry tweaks, power settings, language packs.

Step 3: Configure Capture Settings

1. At the end of the task sequence, select Capture the reference machine.
2. Choose a network share path (e.g., \\SCCMServer\Captures\Win11_24H2.wim).
3. Provide credentials with write access to the share.

Step 4: Deploy the Task Sequence to a Virtual Machine

• Use Hyper-V or VMware Workstation for a clean build.
• Deploy the Build and Capture Task Sequence to the VM.
• Let SCCM install Windows, apply updates, install apps, and capture the .wim file automatically.

💡 Tip: Always use a VM for reference images to avoid driver conflicts from physical hardware.

Step 5: Import and Distribute the Captured Image

1. Back in SCCM, go to Operating System Images.
2. Import the captured .wim file.
3. Distribute it to your Distribution Points (DPs).
4. Use this reference image in production task sequences for mass deployment.

Best Practices for Windows 11 24H2 Reference Images

• Keep your image lean: only add essential apps and settings.
• Regularly rebuild the image after major Windows cumulative updates.
• Maintain separate images for different departments if software needs vary.
• Consider using Servicing Plans for future 24H2+ feature updates.
• Test deployments in a lab environment before pushing to production.

Final Thoughts

By following this process, you can build a Windows 11 24H2 reference image using SCCM that is optimized, secure, and ready for deployment. This approach helps IT teams save time, reduce troubleshooting, and ensure consistent device experiences across the organization.