What is Windows PE and How to Use It

Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment) is a lightweight version of the Windows operating system developed by Microsoft, primarily used for system installation, deployment, and recovery. It does not include the full suite of Windows features but contains essential components needed to install Windows, such as file system drivers, network connectivity, and a graphical user interface. Windows PE is typically employed when installing a new operating system or performing system repairs and can also function as a rescue disk or run in unattended, automated deployments.

Want to know about Windows PE? Let us help you understand what it is.

Windows Preinstallation Environment (or Windows PE, for short) is a subset of the Windows operating system. It's used for various purposes, including troubleshooting and development. However, accessing it is one thing – understanding what it is is another.

This image shows the interface of the Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE).

So, what exactly is this Windows part? Is it suitable for basic operations, or does it require additional elements to work properly? Also, how do you put Windows PE on a bootable drive? Let's find out.

Part 1: What is Windows PE?

Microsoft describes Windows PE as a smaller version of the actual operating system. While it uses elements of the real Windows behind the scenes, there are certainly cutbacks to keep it more lightweight.

This allows Windows PE to load on a computer that has hardware or software issues. The primary purpose, however, is to install a Microsoft Windows product. Other reasons to use Windows PE include:

· Install Windows from a local or external drive

· Troubleshoot and fix problems with Windows

· Set up or restore system or data utilities

· Recover data quickly from various devices

· Set up hard drives, including formatting and partitioning.

· Troubleshoot Windows startup issues

· Run a simple memory test

Although there are certainly more, these are the main features/reasons why computer scientists use it today.

Part 2: How Windows PE Works

Windows PE is a lightweight version, perfect for troubleshooting and system setup processes. It can work in various ways, ultimately depending on the user's purpose and the goals they want to achieve through it.

Unlike regular troubleshooting methods, such as MS-DOS, Windows PE has a full UI that allows users to employ various network drivers. It can help you:

It can be installed on a USB drive, DVD, or CD.

· Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) lets you control the Windows API

· Support for file sharing across TCP networks, with full use of IP

• Supports Windows x86 and x64 drivers, depending on the version of Windows PE*

Creates partitions, because it supports dynamic volume creation, including NTFS and FAT file systems

As mentioned, it can also support drivers, but not for any version of Windows prior to Windows 7. However, each subsequent Windows PE supported drivers and offered a better troubleshooting view.

Part 3: Windows PE Requirements

Windows PE might just be the most minimal UI program ever. It doesn't even require you to run from a hard drive or SSD. As such, the requirements for running PE are:

· A 32-bit version of UEFI and BIOS to run the 32-bit version of Windows PE

· A 64-bit version of UEFI and BIOS to run the 64-bit version of Windows PE

· At least 512 megabytes of memory (because it runs in RAM, not on disk)

· Network adapters and storage drivers for smooth operation

It is worth noting that more elements require more memory. For instance, if you want to run drivers, packages, or other applications, you must have more memory.

Part 4: Limitations of WinPE

While Windows PE can be used for several purposes, it's important to note that it's not a full-fledged operating system. You can use it for troubleshooting, but not for general-purpose activities like browsing the web or listening to music.

Because Windows PE does not use the Windows shell, it is easier to troubleshoot. However, it will even restart the shell after 72 hours of continuous use to keep memory clean. Therefore, any changes made will be lost when PE restarts, so they must be saved before that 72-hour period elapses.

Other constraints on PE include:

· Join a network or domain

· Connect to IPv3 or IPv6

· Remote Desktop and related features

• Run applications built for other architectures, meaning 64-bit apps on 32-bit systems, and vice versa.

Using DISM or an Appxbundle Package

· No support for file or terminal servers

So, there are limitations, but that's not really the point of Windows PE.

Part 5: Where to Download Windows PE

You can download Windows PE from Microsoft's website. You'll need a bootable WinPE USB drive to install Windows PE, which we'll cover later.

However, to download it, you'll need to head over to Microsoft's official website: this link. Once there, you'll need to download the Windows ADK and Windows PE add-ons to make sure everything runs smoothly. As recommended by Microsoft, you'll want to download both to ensure that PE works correctly.

Part 6: Creating a Bootable Windows PE Drive

To create a bootable Windows PE drive, you'll need a professional tool. We recommend Todo Backup, which features a WinPE bootable disk. You can find more details about it here.

This utility allows you to create a bootable drive for any type of operating system.

Section 7: Conclusions

Creating a bootable Windows PE drive can help you troubleshoot issues and provide an environment to fix your computer on the go. It's also great for development and testing, and this article walks us through how it all works.

Therefore, if you need to get the Windows Preinstallation Environment, follow the steps we mentioned to save it on a drive. Afterward, you can accomplish various development and troubleshooting goals.