How To Sysprep Windows Machine: Step-By-Step Guideline

Although it is available in Windows 10 operating system, many people still feel unfamiliar with Sysprep. It is usually used to create a system image that can be installed on numerous systems. The generalizing of the image is another name for the preparation procedure.

And of course, because it is quite unfamiliar to ordinary users, not everyone knows how to Sysprep Windows machine. Learn more about it and step-by-step guidelines now!

About Sysprep

What Is Sysprep

The administrators frequently utilize this tool, a Microsoft utility for system preparation, during the automated deployment of Windows Server-based operating ones. In virtualized systems, Sysprep is typically used to prepare a system picture that will be copied numerous times.

Usually, the administrator builds a system using a template and then modifies it to suit their needs. The operating system gives the Server a special SID during the build phase. The SID will be duplicated when you clone the system image/template.

Having many SIDs in a Microsoft Server network can be problematic. Difficulties with WSUS compatibility, activating Volume Licence keys, and errors with Microsoft Office products.

System administrators use the tool utility to clear the SID information if a system or template image is being utilized. One of the final steps in generalizing a new, unique SID for each server image is typically the this program. This also gets the Server ready for the initial boot.

Pros And Cons of SysPrep

Pros

• With the customized reference image in Windows 10 or 11, you may rapidly set up a user’s computer with a working environment.
• Installing drivers, software, or security upgrades is not necessary.
• There is no need to set up unique system settings because the Windows image may be deployed using the response (unattended) file. 
• After the installation is complete, you don’t need to choose any settings on the Windows 10 setup page.
• You can always extract the image, edit it, and update it using the deployment tool.

Cons

• The programs injected into the image must periodically be updated, and the most recent security updates must be installed;
• On domain-joined machines, this tool is inaccessible. 
• A single image can be used to execute Sysprep up to 1001 times, which will delete your computer in the AD domain. You’ll need to recreate the Windows image if you exceed this limit.
• Only when you run it makes the security identification (SID) on the operating system volume update. If a single PC has several operating systems, you must execute Sysprep on each image separately.
• Not all server roles are Sysprep-compatible. Specific server roles in a generalized server installation can stop after the deployment process.
• All user accounts will need strong passwords if a PC is linked to the one, and that domain’s Group Policy sets a strong password to your PC.
• For your user accounts, always choose secure passwords. 
• Before running this tool or OOBE, give each user account a strong password; otherwise, you might not be able to access the computer.

How To Sysprep Windows Machine

• Open the Command Prompt/Administrator by the combination Windows + X.
• Typing cd\Windows\System32\Sysprep to navigate.
• Both the command line and the GUI modes are available for running Sysprep. 
• Type Sysprep/h to see a list of all the command-line modes available if you want to explore the command line.
• In the GUI mode, there are three options that you should consider:

System cleaning up action

• Enter System Out-of-box Experience (OOBE): the most frequently used sets up the Server as though it has never been powered on.
• Enter System Audit Mode: 

1. The computer will automatically boot into audit mode as the local administrator. The administrator account is automatically disabled after the initial logon.
2. Unless instructed to launch OOBE, the Server will always start in audit mode.
3. If a password-protected screensaver launches, you are immediately locked out.
4. With the help of third-party technologies, audit mode is used to construct a highly customizable version of the operating system.

Generalize

• Generalize SID: it is important when you want to deploy the image.

Shutdown Options

• Select the OOBE, and choose the Generalize/next to start SysPrep. 
• Click OK and wait for the system to reboot.

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How To Avoid Sysprep From Removing Previous Devices

Windows Setup configures all identified devices when you set up a computer. The specified devices are removed from a Windows installation by generalizing it, but device drivers are left on the computer.

You can leave devices installed on a computer if you deliver an image to machines with the same hardware and gadgets as the initial PC. Using an unattended file, pick Windows, choose PnpSysprep, and then navigate to and set PersistAllDeviceInstalls to true.

Visit PnpSysprep in the Unattended Windows Setup Reference for Microsoft to learn more about Sysprep-related one unattended components.

Conclusion

Sysprep windows machine is not as complicated as many people think. You need to follow the instructions above, and you can finish this task. If you have problems in the process, you can restart your PC and try again.