WimReader

Console application to list, extract, and read files from WIM archives stored on network shares without transferring the entire WIM file.

SCCM looking at you :)

Usage

List files in a WIM archive

wimreader.exe --list --image <wim-path> [--path <directory-path>]

Extract a file from a WIM archive

wimreader.exe --extract --image <wim-path> <source-path> <dest-path>

Read file content (output to stdout)

wimreader.exe --read --image <wim-path> <source-path>

Examples

List all files in root directory:

wimreader.exe --list --image "\\server\share\image.wim"

List files in a specific directory:

wimreader.exe --list --image "\\server\share\image.wim" --path "Windows\System32"

Extract a file:

wimreader.exe --extract --image "\\server\share\image.wim" "Windows\System32\notepad.exe" "C:\output\notepad.exe"

Read a text file (outputs directly):

wimreader.exe --read --image "\\server\share\image.wim" "Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts"

Read a binary file (outputs as Base64):

wimreader.exe --read --image "C:\image.wim" "Windows\System32\notepad.exe"

Notes

• The application reads WIM files incrementally, only transferring metadata and requested files
• Automatically searches all images if file not found in first image
• Network paths (UNC) are supported
• Binary files are automatically detected and output as Base64 when using --read

Credits

Lefty @ 2026