Creating a virtual machine template in Hyper-V involves preparing a standard virtual machine that can be easily duplicated to deploy new VMs with a consistent baseline configuration.
To create a VM template in Hyper-V, you follow a process that includes building a base VM, configuring it, generalizing it for reuse, and storing its virtual hard disk.
Steps to Create a Hyper-V VM Template
Based on the steps outlined for creating VM templates in Hyper-V, the process involves the following key stages:
- Create a New Hyper-V Virtual Machine: Start by building a standard new virtual machine using the Hyper-V Manager. Install the desired operating system (like Windows Server or Windows Client OS).
- Configure the VM and Load Needed Software: Customize the operating system settings, install updates, necessary drivers, and any standard applications or roles you want included in your template. Configure network settings and other VM properties as required.
- Run Sysprep on the Virtual Machine: To prepare the Windows installation for duplication, you must run the System Preparation Tool (Sysprep). This tool generalizes the Windows installation, removing system-specific data like the computer SID, unique identifiers, and hardware settings, making it safe to deploy to multiple machines. You typically run Sysprep with the generalize option and select the shutdown action.
- Copy the VHD or VHDX to a “Library” Type Location or Share: Once the VM has shut down after running Sysprep, do not start it again. Instead, locate the virtual hard disk file (
.vhdor.vhdx) associated with this VM. Copy this file to a dedicated location on your network or storage that serves as your template library. This location should be easily accessible for creating new VMs. - Identify the Template by a Name that is Intuitive: Name the copied VHD/VHDX file or the folder containing it clearly so administrators can easily identify the template's purpose, OS version, or configuration (e.g., "Windows_Server_2022_Base," "Windows_10_Pro_Sysprep").
By following these steps, you create a reusable virtual hard disk file that embodies your standard VM configuration, ready to be attached to new Hyper-V virtual machines, significantly speeding up deployment. This process effectively turns a Sysprep'd virtual hard disk into your VM "template" for Hyper-V environments.
(Reference: bdrsuite.com Blog)
