The has long been the gold standard for IT professionals seeking a free, highly customizable framework for automating Windows deployments. However, as of January 6, 2026 , Microsoft officially retired MDT, signaling the end of an era for on-premises imaging and shifting focus toward modern, cloud-driven provisioning. What is Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT)?
: Integration with the User State Migration Tool (USMT) ensures that user data and settings are preserved during computer refreshes or replacements. MDT in 2026: The Retirement Notice microsoft deployment tool
: Using CustomSettings.ini and Bootstrap.ini , admins can define complex logic, such as naming computers based on serial numbers or assigning specific settings to different departments. The has long been the gold standard for
: A central dashboard used to create "deployment shares," which store all files and scripts necessary for the installation. : Integration with the User State Migration Tool