Using NTlite to slipstream programs in a Windows ISO
I'm running this right now, point of fact. I started with a stock windows installer on a usb flash, retail version, old build. I then had to add the directory, then create an ISO from it. Once finished, I used 7zip to extract that to a local folder on an ntfs drive (large image sizes require this step, as any Fat32 drive like my original usb won't work; it'll crash because the images are too big). Once the extraction was complete, I added drivers etc to the setup and all other editions, and created an iso afterward. I then repeated my extraction, deleting the original extraction. From here, I made sure my desired edition was "loaded" with NTLite, as it had been converted to .wim image in the last steps. I used this loaded edition to put in any remaining updates and drivers, then I added all features, services etc. Lastly, I added only those programs that have unattended installers. Others may not work right. The file types are .MSI, and only a few have EXE extensions. Look them over, you should be able to tell. Don't put in OFFICE or other software, instead, focus on controllers for any hardware, and a few small tools. I am adding Visual C Redistributable packages as far back as 2008 for backward compatibility with some older apps. If you have a running system, I suggest you leave the app reinstalls alone and use a tool like PC mover to store all of that. You can pull back just what you want later. Finally, you need to make sure you make the windows .wim image of your chosen version back into an ESD, an Encrypted System Disk (compressed, not editable) image. Make sure to select "create ISO". Now give it about an hour to finish. Then use rufus to make a usb flash drive installer from your new iso. Select UEFI:NTFS partition types and GPT partition, but for a format of the drive, change ntfs down below to ExFat (extended FAT32 compatible). Look up the instructionals for more info on rufus.