Overview
Creating an ISO from a folder is useful for archiving, deployment, and building install media. Microsoft’s oscdimg tool, part of the Windows ADK, does this from the command line. This guide explains how.
Key Takeaways
- oscdimg creates ISO images from a folder of files.
- It ships with the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK).
- It can produce data ISOs or bootable install media.
- Boot options require the correct boot sector file.
Install the Tool and Create a Data ISO
1. Install the Windows ADK and select the Deployment Tools component.
2. Open the Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment as administrator.
3. Run: oscdimg -m -u2 "C:\source" "C:\output.iso"
4. Wait for oscdimg to build the ISO from the folder.
Create a Bootable ISO
1. Ensure the source folder contains valid boot files.
2. Add the boot data option, for example: -bootdata pointing to the boot sector.
3. Run oscdimg with the -m, -o, and boot parameters together.
4. Test the resulting ISO in a virtual machine.
Note: For a simple data ISO you can also use third-party tools, but oscdimg is the Microsoft-supported option for bootable media.
Troubleshooting
Problem: oscdimg is not recognized.
Solution: Open the Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment, which sets the path, or install the ADK Deployment Tools.
Problem: The ISO is not bootable.
Solution: Include the correct boot sector file with the -bootdata or -b parameter.
Problem: The ISO exceeds expected size.
Solution: Remove unneeded files from the source folder before building.
Problem: Long file names cause errors.
Solution: Use the -u2 option for UDF to support long names and large files.
Conclusion
oscdimg turns any folder into an ISO from the command line, including bootable media. Install the ADK Deployment Tools and a single command does the job.
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