How to create windows 10/11 golden image

Newbie275242 Lv1Posted Mar-12-2026 02:36

Hello,

I am trying to create a golden image for Windows 10/11 to be used as a VDI template in Sangfor VDC, but I am having some difficulties and I could not find clear documentation.

Could someone please clarify the recommended procedure to create a Windows golden image for Sangfor VDI?
For example:

* Should Windows be prepared in Audit Mode or normal installation?
* Which Windows Store apps should be removed before Sysprep?
* Are there any specific requirements for Sangfor vmTools?
* Are there any best practices before converting the VM to a VDI template?

Any official guide or best practice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

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Humayun Ahmed Lv4Posted Apr-08-2026 14:49
  
Use Audit Mode
Remove all unnecessary AppX apps
Install Sangfor vmTools
Do NOT domain join
Run Sysprep /generalize /oobe
Convert to template
NewBau072712 Lv2Posted Mar-18-2026 00:12
  
Sharing you a high level of it. Hope this will help.

1. Prepare the Windows VM
-Create a fresh VM with Windows 10/11.
-Do not join to domain.
-Enter Audit Mode (Ctrl + Shift + F3) for OS customization.
-Skip OOBE during build (will run during sysprep).

2. Install Tools & Drivers
-Install Sangfor vmTools / guest components.
-Install only essential agents (AV, monitoring, VDI tools).
-Avoid auto-enrolling/unique-ID agents (prevents SID conflicts).

3. Cleanup Before Sysprep
-Remove unnecessary Windows Store apps
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online

-Remove third-party installers and leftover profiles.
-Disable BitLocker/device encryption.

4. Windows Updates
-Apply all Windows Updates.
-Ensure system is fully patched.

5. Sysprep
-Run the command:
C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\sysprep.exe
-System Cleanup Action: OOBE
-Shutdown after sysprep
-Generalize
-Do not run sysprep more than once.
-Do not domain-join before sysprep.

6. Convert VM to VDI Template
-Convert sysprepped VM to a template in Sangfor HCI.
-Import/derive template in VDC console as base VDI image.
-Take snapshots for rollback/testing.
-Deploy test clones before full rollout.
Muhammad Abid Lv2Posted Mar-12-2026 11:41
  
Could someone please clarify the best practice for preparing a Windows golden image for Sangfor VDI?

Specifically, I would like to confirm the following points:

Windows installation method

Should the OS be prepared in Audit Mode or through a normal installation before running Sysprep?

Windows Store / UWP applications

Which default Windows Store apps should be removed before running Sysprep to avoid failures?

Sangfor components

Are there any specific requirements or recommended steps for installing Sangfor VMTools and VDI Agent in the golden image?

Sysprep and template preparation

Should we run Sysprep /generalize /shutdown before converting the VM to a template?

Optimization

Are there any recommended Windows optimizations for VDI environments before converting the VM to a template?

My goal is to create a clean, stable template for non-persistent VDI desktops.

If there is any official guide, documentation, or recommended procedure, I would greatly appreciate it.




Prosi Lv3Posted Mar-12-2026 11:24
  
Log in Virtual Machine Platform.
Navigate to Compute > New > Create New Virtual Machine.
Configure VM Specs: Choose an appropriate name, CPU, and RAM. Ensure you select the correct OS version (Windows 10 or 11).
Mount ISO: Load the Windows 10/11 ISO file.

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