Converting a Windows install.wim file into an install.esd file can help reduce file size and optimize installation media. This guide explains how to perform the conversion for both entire files and specific editions.
Part 1: Converting the Entire install.wim to install.esd
- Download and install PowerISO on your computer.
- Right-click on the PowerISO icon and select Run as administrator.
- In the PowerISO interface, click on Tools and select Wim ESD Converter.
- Open the WIM to ESD tab.
- Select the source image file (.wim).
- Specify a destination for the output file (.esd).
- Click Convert and wait for the process to complete.
Part 2: Converting install.wim to install.esd for a Specific Edition
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
- Search for cmd in the Start menu.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: List Editions in the install.wim File
Run the following command:
DISM /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:F:\Sources\Install.wim
Replace F:\Sources\Install.wim with the actual path to your file.
This will display all available editions along with their index numbers.
Step 3: Convert a Specific Edition
Use the following command format:
DISM /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:F:\Sources\Install.wim /SourceIndex:1 /DestinationImageFile:C:\home11install.esd /Compress:Recovery /CheckIntegrity
Or, more generally:
DISM /Export-Image /SourceImageFile:D:\Sources\Install.wim /SourceIndex:<index_number> /DestinationImageFile:C:\ESDFiles\install.esd /Compress:Recovery /CheckIntegrity
- /SourceImageFile: Path to the install.wim file.
- /SourceIndex: Index number of the edition you want to convert.
- /DestinationImageFile: Path where the new install.esd file will be saved.
- /Compress:Recovery: Applies recovery-level compression, ideal for .esd files.
- /CheckIntegrity: Ensures the integrity of the image.
Tip: If you want to use home11install.esd directly, copy it into the sources folder of your Windows installation media. Delete the original install.esd or install.wim, and rename home11install.esd to install.esd.
Notes on Compression Options
The /Compress argument in DISM controls the compression level:
- max: Highest compression, smallest file size, slower processing.
- fast: Balanced speed and size; default if not specified.
- none: No compression, faster processing, larger file size.
- recovery: Highly compressed recovery images, typically used with .esd files.
Converting an install.wim to install.esd is a practical way to optimize Windows installation media and save space. With these steps, you can handle both full conversions and edition-specific exports effectively.