ISO injection

Inject the Atlas Playbook into a Windows ISO before installation. For experienced users who want pre-configured installation media.

Experimental

ISO injection is an experimental feature added in Atlas Playbook 0.5.0. Previous versions do not support it. Report any bugs on our Issue Tracker.

Support

We only offer support for Atlas Playbook on the latest, non-beta Windows 11. For older or unsupported versions, follow our installation guide to get the latest release.

Step 1: Download Windows ISO

Download a Windows ISO first. Choose your version.

Which version?

For AMD and Intel CPUs, download the x86_64 (x64) version. For Qualcomm Snapdragon or other supported ARM SoCs, download the ARM64 version. Check your CPU architecture .

Architecture

Which should I download?

Intel/AMD CPUs use x64. ARM (Snapdragon) systems use ARM64.

To check your system: open Settings → System → About and look at System type. See how to check your CPU architecture for more detail.

Step 2: Inject the playbook

  1. Go to atlasos.net, click Get started, then Already following the guide?
  2. Download Atlas Playbook and AME Beta, then extract both to your desktop
  3. Open AME Beta.exe. If SmartScreen warns, see AME Beta deleted. Click More info and Run anyway
  4. Click Updates and confirm AME Beta is up to date
  5. Drag your downloaded ISO into AME Beta, then drag Atlas Playbook.apbx from your desktop
  6. Select the Windows 11 ISO from the left, click Select a playbook to modify, confirm AtlasOS is selected, then OK
  7. Click Next and configure options as you would for a normal playbook install. Keep Include additional network drivers selected when prompted
  8. When asked for username and password, enter them and click Next (leave password empty if you prefer none)
  9. Wait for the injection to finish

Step 3: Reinstall Windows

Back up valuable data to an external drive or cloud storage before continuing.

Best for: Users already on Windows. Only works if you are already running Windows.

Windows.old

If you have enough free storage, Windows.old will contain your old data after the reinstall. You can retrieve data and delete it later. See cleanup below.
  1. Disconnect internet - Unplug ethernet, disable Wi-Fi. Do not reconnect until instructed.
  2. Mount the ISO:
    • Right-click the injected ISO Open With File Explorer
    • Open This PC and note the drive letter (e.g., H)
  3. Launch Windows Setup:
    • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog
    • Type: H:sourcessetup.exe (replace H with your drive letter)
    • Press Enter Accept UAC prompt

BitLocker message?

If you see "Make sure BitLocker Drive Encryption is suspended", see our BitLocker instructions, then retry from step 3.
  1. Complete Windows Setup:
    • Select No thanks when prompted for updates
    • Uncheck "I want to help make Windows installation better"
    • Click I don't have a product key (Windows should auto-activate later)
    • Choose Windows Pro (or Pro for Workstations/Enterprise)
    • Accept the license Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
    • Select your Windows drive Next OK (Windows.old warning)
    • Wait for installation to finish

Step 4: Post-install

OOBE: AME uses a custom out-of-box experience. Follow the on-screen instructions. Connect to the internet when asked—AtlasOS needs it to install. Wait for the new user script to run before continuing.

Windows.old cleanup: If earlier steps mentioned Windows.old, your previous data is at the start of your Windows drive. After retrieving what you need:

  1. Open Windows Settings System Storage
  2. Click Temporary files and wait for the scan
  3. Select Previous version of Windows, then click Remove files