How to Plan an Upgrade of a Windows 10 LTSC 2021 Thin Client From Merlin Imaging to Dell Image Manager

Summary: Learn information to help plan for upgrading from Merlin imaging to Dell Image Manager (DIM) on a thin client using Windows 10 LTSC 2021.

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Instructions

Dell is transitioning from the Merlin imaging process to the Dell Image Manager (DIM) process with the release of Windows 10 IoT LTSC 2021 version 2508. This process is already in use for Windows 11 LTSC 2024 devices. Thin clients shipped from the factory now use the DIM process.

Affected Platforms:

  • Latitude 3440
  • Latitude 5440
  • Latitude 5450
  • OptiPlex 3000 Thin Client
  • OptiPlex All-in-One 7410
  • OptiPlex All-in-One 7420
  • OptiPlex Micro Plus 7010
  • OptiPlex Micro Plus 7020

Merlin imaging is removed and not supported in the upcoming 2602 release. Any imaging issues require the thin client to be upgraded to Dell Image Manager to get support. Dell Technologies recommends transitioning existing Windows 10 LTSC 2021 images to the DIM process at the earliest opportunity. Once a thin client is upgraded to use DIM, Merlin-based images can no longer be applied to those devices using Wyse Management Suite.

Upgrading a Windows 10 LTSC 2021 image to DIM requires the installation of one of the following packages. This installation must be made to all the target thin clients to be imaged with a DIM-capable image.

  • DIM.Installer package - Use this installer if the intention is to stay with Windows 10 LTSC 2021. This package installs the required DIM files and dependencies
  • Windows11IoTEUpgradeKit - If the devices are ultimately going to be upgraded to Windows 11 LTSC 2024, use the Upgrade Kit. This package installs the required DIM files and any other files or utilities that are required for the upgrade process.

When using a custom image or golden image, upgrade the image to DIM and then recapture the golden image.

The Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 Administrator’s Guide has detailed instructions on how to deploy the Dell Image Manager application package. This guide is found by going to Dell Manuals, identifying your affected product, and then locating it under Manuals & Documents.

New operating system images for devices that support Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 are posted to the relevant support pages. These images are designed to use the DIM process.

Affected Products

Latitude 3440, Latitude 5440, Latitude 5450, OptiPlex 3000 Thin Client, OptiPlex Micro Plus 7010, OptiPlex Micro Plus 7020, OptiPlex All-In-One 7410, OptiPlex All-in-One 7420
Article Properties
Article Number: 000367278
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 17 Oct 2025
Version:  3
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