This guide outlines two methods for creating templates in Softdrive, which can streamline virtual machine deployment:
Pre-Requisites
Step-by-Step Instructions
Method 2: Prepare a Softdrive Machine and save it as a template
Pre-Requisites
Step-by-Step Instructions.
Method 1: Upload OS Images
Pre-Requisites [Steps required before uploading image]
Confirm Virtio-win-guest-tools is installed in your programs list. If not please check Install Drivers and Guest Agent.
Confirm bitlocker is disabled at the time image is created. If its not check this link to disable bitlocker
Confirm machine has been sysprepped
- Must have a Softdrive administrator account in order to submit the image in the dashboard.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Log in to the Softdrive Dashboard
Log in with administrator or user credentials.
2. Navigate to Templates
Click the Templates tab.
Select the “+” (plus) button on the top right.
3. Fill Out the Template Form
Complete the form based on your requirements.
Attach the image file in .qcow2 or .vmdk format.
4. Submit and Await Confirmation
Click Send.
You will receive an email within 24 hours confirming the upload is processed.
Method 2: Prepare a Softdrive Machine and save it as a template
Pre-Requisites
Must be signed in as a Local Administrator in the softdrive machine.
Backup important data if there is any saved data.
Ensure Windows is fully updated.
The computer should not be previously joined to a Domain, Intune, or Azure AD.
Install all required applications prior to proceeding.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Disable BitLocker
Open an elevated PowerShell or CMD and run:
If you see BitLocker is ON for C:, turn it off:
Wait until full decryption completes.
You can check the progress with:Do not attempt sysprep until decryption is 100% complete. Picture below shows the "manage-bde -status" result showing disc is fully decrypted.
Step 2: Clean Up the System (Optional but Recommended)
Open Command Prompt and run:
Remove unused user accounts and files.
Optionally, run third-party cleanup utilities.
Step 3: Remove Provisioned Appx Package
Appx package usually blocks the sysprep process because it exists for a user, but not provisioned system-wide.
Run this in PowerShell as Administrator:
Repeat sysprep afterward.
Step 4: Run Sysprep
To generalize and prepare for OOBE, execute in Command Prompt:
Explanation:
/generalize
: Removes unique system-specific info (like SIDs)/oobe
: Triggers Windows Out-of-Box Experience on next boot/shutdown
: Shuts down the system after preparation. This step is very important.
Step 5: Set the Machine as a Template.
Go to Softdrive Dashboard
Navigate to Computers, find the machine that was Syspreped.
Click on it and select "Set as Template".
Step 6: First Boot After Sysprep
On next boot, Windows will show the OOBE setup screen.
Proceed manually, or it will auto-enroll if Autopilot is configured.
Additional Notes
- Make sure to encrypt the machine once it has been templated. So it can be used.
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