Image Management
Add ISOs and Windows images, create writable image edits from read-only references, and keep the image list organized.
The Image page is the hub for all your Windows images: add ISOs and image files, browse editions without unpacking, create writable edits from read-only references, and keep the whole collection organized.
Supported Formats and Adding Images
NTLite accepts images (ISO, WIM, ESD, SWM) or deployments (e.g. C:\Windows) of Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and 11, client or server. To add one, drag and drop it onto the Image page, or use the Add toolbar button to pick an image file or an extracted image directory.
- ISOs list their internal editions instantly, without unpacking
- Since version 2023.2, ISOs can be the starting point directly - no manual extraction needed
- Added images stay in the list between sessions as an accessible reference collection
A standalone WIM added outside of complete ISO content is marked Isolated and cannot use Create ISO. For full functionality, use all content from a Windows ISO or a copy of USB setup content instead.
Image List Sections
The list groups images by state:
- Mounted - currently mounted images, ready to load
- Edit cache - writable image edits; the section header shows the cache directory
- Deployed - live installs (e.g. C:\Windows), with a nested Windows Recovery (WinRE) subgroup
- Read-only - ISOs and reference image directories
ISO entries also show a Secure Boot readiness group (Boot Sector, Boot Manager), flagging media that still boots with the expiring 2011 certificates - see the Secure Boot 2023 Migration guide.
Working with ISOs
The reference ISO stays untouched - to start using its content:
- Load the target edition directly, or
- Right-click on the ISO and choose New edit
Both options prompt you to select the Edit cache directory, where writable image copies are stored. The prompt can be hidden for future use, and its Configure button lets you change the cache directory at any point later.
Image Edits
Creating a new image edit makes a writable copy of the reference image and establishes a connection back to it.
- The reference image (directory or ISO) is read-only
- All edits are created under the chosen location and shown in their own group
- Edits can also be clones from other image folders - right-click a folder and choose New edit
- Individual edits can be deleted, reverted to the reference state, or (for directory references) replace the original image
- Delete and Revert work even if the image is loaded - unloading happens automatically
Managing Connections
To maintain connections between an ISO or directory and its edits, use the right-click Connect as reference for, Connect as edit of and Disconnect from reference menus.
Revert (premium)
Mirrors the reference image. Only differences are copied or deleted, making it fast and efficient compared to manual directory replacement.
Replace Original Image (premium)
Mirrors an edit back to the reference image directory. Again, only differences are copied or deleted. Useful when you're happy with changes and want to store the edit back as the backup read-only reference.
List Maintenance
- Forget removes an entry from the image list only - nothing is deleted from disk
- Delete removes an edit-cache folder from disk as well
- Forget - Missing on the Edit cache header clears entries whose folders no longer exist on disk
- Category headers offer bulk actions - New edit, Revert or Delete across the whole section
- Unload unmounts an image, with an option to save or discard changes
Beyond Managing
To convert between image formats, trim editions or build a bootable ISO, continue with the Export & Convert guide, or see the Image page reference for every option in detail.