In this blog post I describe the steps required to create a Virtual Machine template using Windows 10 from scratch.

Only optimizations of the core OS are described, the impact of installed applications within the guest will also need to be evaluated.

Below are the steps to follow to create an optimized Golden Image for VDI

STEP 1: VMware Template Configuration

Create a new Virtual Machine using the vSphere Web client

• Name: depending on naming convention standards (Note: use a name of less then 15 characters)
• Location: depending on the environment
• Compute Resource: depending on the environment
• Storage: depending on the environment
• Compatibility (=Hardware version): ESXi 6.0 and later (=Hardware version 11)
• Reference: 
• Guest OS Family: Windows
• Guest OS Version: Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Customise Hardware – Virtual Hardware Tab
• vCPUs: 2
• Memory: 3072 MB
• Reserve all guest memory
• HDD: 32 GB (disk size depends on the number of expected locally installed applications)
• SCSI Controller: LSI Logic SAS
• Network:
• VLAN depending on the environment
• Connect at Power On: YES
• Adapter Type: VMXNET3
• CD/DVD Drive:
• Select “Datastore ISO File”
• browse to the appropriate OS iso file
• Connect at Power On: YES
• Floppy Drive: Remove
• Video Card:
• Select “Specify Custom Settings”
• Number of displays: 4
• Total Video Memory: 128 MB
• Enable 3D support: YES
• 3D renderer: Automatic

Logon to the desktop using the “temp” user