WMIC bug? (NTLite v2025.5.10429)

[toomuchpie]

When I try to enable WMIC on Windows 11 24H2, I get this error (right after checking the box):


The information makes sense, so I do as instructed and try unchecking that scheduled task. Try again and same error. I then try unchecking the component as well and same error. I proceed to go ahead and write to the WIM after removing the scheduled task (didn't remove the component) and then I load it up in NTLite and try again - same error. I removed the component after that (on top of the already removed scheduled task) and write it to the WIM, and it's the same message again. Each time, the WMIC box just gets unchecked after clicking OK on that message.

This is on version 2025.5.10429.

 

[toomuchpie]

I decided to try installing the ISO that had the scheduled task removed, while still leaving the WMIC FOD box in NTLite unchecked. WMIC is actually available to be used. Maybe I was just misunderstanding the way this worked all along? Maybe the way that this is worded in NTLite can be improved to make it clear that checking the WMIC box is not necessary as long as one of those tasks or components are removed.

 

[garlin]

W11 24H2 is the last release where WMIC is guaranteed to be included in the install image. But MS has done something sneaky to actively discourage you from using it.

By default, a clean image will have WMIC enabled as a Feature on Demand.

During the specialize pass, WMIC is present for any legacy install scripts that depend on WMIC support. This way, IT admins can still expect 24H2 to install like before. But in OOBE, a hidden OOBEFodSetup scheduled task runs and immediately DISM disables WMIC without asking you. Now you have to manually re-enable it.

Removing the OOBEFodSetup task allows WMIC to stay unchanged through the entire install.

So yes, NTLite's instructions are not very clear on what to do.

 

[toomuchpie]

I see. Thank you. I guess that having WMIC unchecked by default in NTLite does make sense in a way, so that someone looking to re-enable WMIC can see the message and know that they need to do something else to get it to work. If the wording can be improved the make it clear that the WMIC box doesn't need to be checked (at least in version 24H2) after one of those things are removed, that would clear up the confusion.