There are several methods that you can use to deploy operating systems to Configuration Manager client computers.
PXE initiated deployments : Pre-boot eXecution Environment (PXE)-initiated deployments let client computers request a deployment over the network. In this method of deployment, the operating system image and a Windows PE boot image are sent to a distribution point that is configured to accept PXE boot requests.
Make operating systems available in Software Center : You can deploy an operating system and make it available in the Software Center. Configuration Manager clients can initiate the operating system installation from Software Center.
Multicast deployments : Multicast deployments conserve network bandwidth by concurrently sending data to multiple clients instead of sending a copy of the data to each client over a separate connection. In this method of deployment, the operating system image is sent to a distribution point. This in turn deploys the image when client computers request the deployment.
Bootable media deployments : Bootable media deployments let you deploy the operating system when the destination computer starts. When the destination computer starts, it retrieves the task sequence, the operating system image, and any other required content from the network. Because that content is not included on the media, you can update the content without having to re-create the media.
Stand-alone media deployments : Stand-alone media deployments let you deploy operating systems in the following conditions:
* In environments where it is not practical to copy an operating system image or other large packages over the network.
* In environments without network connectivity or low bandwidth network connectivity.
Pre-staged media deployments : Pre-staged media deployments let you deploy an operating system to a computer that is not fully provisioned. The pre-staged media is a Windows Imaging Format (WIM) file that can be installed on a bare-metal computer by the manufacturer or at an enterprise staging center that is not connected to the Configuration Manager environment.
Later in the Configuration Manager environment, the computer starts by using the boot image provided by the media, and then connects to the site management point for available task sequences that complete the download process. This method of deployment can reduce network traffic because the boot image and operating system image are already on the destination computer. You can specify applications, packages, and driver packages to include in the pre-staged media.