Final answer:
Offline servicing allows changes to a Windows image file without booting the OS, saving time and ensuring consistency across deployments by using tools like DISM.
Step-by-step explanation:
Offline servicing is a feature in Windows that allows IT professionals and system administrators to update, add, remove, or configure features in a Windows image (.wim) file without having to boot the operating system that is contained within the image. This is particularly useful for creating and maintaining standardized images that can be deployed to multiple machines, ensuring that they are up-to-date and configured consistently before they are even started for the first time.
By using tools like the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, changes can be applied directly to the offline image. This saves a significant amount of time and resources as opposed to booting up each individual system to apply these updates or changes. It also avoids potential inconsistencies between systems and reduces downtime, as systems do not need to be taken offline for maintenance.