How to Convert Windows 11 Install.WIM to Install.ESD (or Backwards)

Use the DISM command for easy conversion

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

The Windows installation files, when downloaded from different websites, may contain either theinstall.wimorinstall.esdimage file in theSourcesfolder. But if you want, there’s always the option to convert Windows 11install.wimtoinstall.esdor vice-versa.

It’s a relatively simple process but requires high system resources. Your PC may crash in the absence of available resources (RAM, DISK, or CPU), or the active processes and programs may not run properly. But since it doesn’t take long, you won’t face a lot of problems.

Which is better, ESD or WIM?

The ESD (Electronic Software Download) file format uses a newer conversion algorithm, and the file is relatively smaller in size than the WIM (Windows Image) counterpart. On the other hand, the WIM image file is serviceable, meaning you can update, add, or remove components.

Users prefer ESD files when creating a bootable drive formatted using the FAT32 filing system since the drive size has a 4 GB limit. And the WIM took up more storage space.

In all, it comes down to the user-specific requirements when choosing between the ESD and WIM operating system files.

How to convert ESD to WIM or WIM to ESD?

1. Via Command Prompt

The DISM command is the easiest method to convertinstall.wimtoinstall.esdor vice versa in Windows 11. And if you get theDISMSource files could not be found error, check for any duplicate files or reinstate the.wimfile in the concerned folder.

2. Using Windows PowerShell

You must have realized how easy it is to convert Windows 11install.wimtoinstall.esdwith the built-in options.

Besides, for convertinginstall.esdtoinstall.wim, the PowerShell command becomes (given you are using the same path and Index:Export-WindowsImage -SourceImagePath C:\install.esd -SourceIndex 10 -DestinationImagePath E:\install.wim -CheckIntegrity

3. With a third-party tool

It’s that simple! To convertinstall.esdtoinstall.wimusing NTLite, just load the .esd file instead and use the convert option to export to .wim.

And once done, you can replace theinstall.wimfile withinstall.esdin the USB flash drive before installing Windows.

Requirements for the conversion process

Comparison between install.wim and install.esd

If you were to choose betweeninstall.esdandinstall.wim, identify whether any changes are to be made to the installation. Say, injecting drivers, configuring Windows deployment options, or adding/removing the security updates. If not,install.esdshould be the primary choice.

Now that you have a fair understanding of how to convert Windows 11install.wimtoinstall.esdand the differences between the two, installing the OS as an administrator won’t be a challenge anymore!

And in case you are still facing issues, a third-party utility is all you need! So,get areliable tool to open .wim files.

For any queries or to share interesting tips and tricks with us and the community, drop a comment below.

How to Convert Windows 11 Install.WIM to Install.ESD (or Backwards)#

How to convert ESD to WIM or WIM to ESD?#

1. Via Command Prompt#

2. Using Windows PowerShell#

3. With a third-party tool#

Requirements for the conversion process#

Comparison between install.wim and install.esd#