Dashboard - Templates

Modified on Thu, 3 Jul at 5:56 PM

This guide outlines two methods for creating templates in Softdrive, which can streamline virtual machine deployment:


  1. Method 1: Upload OS Images

    • Pre-Requisites

    • Step-by-Step Instructions

  2. 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

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:

    manage-bde -status
  •   If you see BitLocker is ON for C:, turn it off:

    manage-bde -off C:
  • Wait until full decryption completes.
    You can check the progress with:

    manage-bde -status
    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:

cleanmgr /sagerun:1
  • 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:
# Remove from current user:
Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.WidgetsPlatformRuntime | Remove-AppxPackage -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
  # Remove provisioned copy (if any):
Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$_.DisplayName -like "*Microsoft.WidgetsPlatformRuntime*"} | ForEach-Object {    Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $_.PackageName }

Repeat sysprep afterward.


Step 4: Run Sysprep

To generalize and prepare for OOBE, execute in Command Prompt:

C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\sysprep.exe

This window will open and choose these settings:



Explanation:

  • System clean up action: Enter system Out-of-Box Experience OOBE

  • Generalize: Removes unique system-specific info (like SIDs)

  • Shutdown options: 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.