🧱 DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool)

Category: Deployment & Imaging

Author: jmarket (PCHF Founder)

Verified by: PCHF Staff • October 2025

Overview

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is Microsoft’s official command-line tool used for servicing and repairing Windows images, both online and offline.
It can mount, modify, and repair .wim, .esd, and .vhd(x) files — making it essential for IT professionals who manage Windows deployments or troubleshoot system integrity issues.

DISM is included by default with Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2025, and is also available through the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) for advanced image servicing scenarios.

Key Features

• Repair System Images: Fix component corruption using Windows Update or local repair sources.


• Mount and Modify Images: Load offline WIM or ESD images to integrate updates, drivers, or language packs.


• Cleanup Operations: Reduce component store size using /startcomponentcleanup to free disk space.


• Compatibility: Supports Windows 11 25H2 (Build 26100.***) and Windows Server 2025.


• Automation: Scriptable through PowerShell or batch for large-scale deployment workflows.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server 2025


• Privileges: Administrator rights required


• Optional: Windows ADK for advanced offline servicing or WinPE environments

Common Usage Examples

	
Code:
	
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
dism /mount-image /imagefile:C:\install.wim /index:1 /mountdir:C:\Mount
dism /image:C:\Mount /add-driver /driver:C:\Drivers /recurse

• Code:

  /online

  — Targets the running operating system.


• Code:

  /image

  — Targets an offline image mounted at a specific path.


• Code:

  /restorehealth

  — Scans and repairs corruption using Windows Update or a specified source.


• Code:

  /startcomponentcleanup

  — Cleans up obsolete component files to reduce disk usage.


• Code:

  /add-driver

  — Integrates drivers into an offline image for deployment.

Repairing Windows 11 Using DISM

To repair a running Windows 11 installation, open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window and run:

	
Code:
	
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

This command checks the integrity of system components and replaces corrupted files automatically.
If Windows Update is unavailable, specify a local repair source (e.g., mounted ISO):

	
Code:
	
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth /source:D:\sources\install.wim /limitaccess

Offline Servicing Example

For deployment technicians, DISM can integrate drivers and cumulative updates into offline images:

	
Code:
	
dism /mount-image /imagefile:C:\install.wim /index:1 /mountdir:C:\Mount
dism /image:C:\Mount /add-package /packagepath:C:\Updates\KB5030000.cab
dism /image:C:\Mount /add-driver /driver:C:\Drivers /recurse
dism /unmount-image /mountdir:C:\Mount /commit

Advanced Operations

• Export Image: Reduce file size while preserving data integrity.


• Check Health: Quickly detect image corruption without performing repairs.


• Mount Multiple Indexes: Manage different Windows editions stored in a single WIM file.

dism /get-wiminfo /wimfile:C:\sources\install.wim

Notes

• DISM supersedes older utilities such as PEImg and Package Manager.


• Ideal for repairing Windows 11 installations, maintaining deployment images, and integrating updates.


• Compatible with all modern Windows builds, including Windows 11 25H2 and Windows Server 2025.


• For persistent system file corruption, follow the Windows Image Repair Sequence (SFC → DISM).

Policy

DISM is included with Windows and distributed exclusively through Microsoft channels.
Do not repackage, redistribute, or host binaries outside of Microsoft’s official downloads.
PCHF provides guidance only — not executable files or custom images.

Download & Documentation

Official Microsoft DISM Documentation

Technical Information

• Publisher: Microsoft Corporation


• Version: Included with Windows 11 25H2 (10.0.26100.***)


• Release Date: October 2025


• License: Built-in Microsoft Utility

Related Guides

• Windows 11 ISO (25H2)


• Media Creation Tool (25H2)


• SetupDiag (Setup Failure Diagnostics)


• Rufus (Bootable USB Creator)


• DISM • Complete Guide (25H2)


• Windows Image Recovery Sequence (SFC → DISM)

All content © 2025 PC Help Forum. DISM is developed and maintained by Microsoft Corporation and distributed with Windows operating systems.
All links provided point directly to Microsoft Learn or official ADK download sources. Redistribution of binaries or pre-modified images is prohibited.