Sysprep and some W10 installations

Question

Hi,
I'm quite new here and I'm not profesionalist, so probably I have silly questions... :)

I need to install W10 and few business aplications on some machines. All computers have almost the same configuration, but have little differences also.
Is SYSPREP appropriate way to do this?
Maybe it is possible to make reference machine on VM and implement image on other computers?
What about drivers, if image would be prepared on VM? Will W10 download right drivers after installation (maybe with updates)?

If Sysprep is not appropriate what software should I use?

I will be greatful for all answers :)

Best regards
Tom

Answer 1

Assuming all the computers are the same or similar, you can create a base reference image with all the applications, and then use Sysprep to create a master image. Sysprep rolls back the reference image so that it can be copied/deployed to other systems. Each clone of the master boots and runs OOBE on each system to complete the installation. Once Windows in on the computer and the network driver is install, Windows Update can download any remaining or updated drivers.

If you are trying to support different platforms, you could use system image manager form the ADK to create an answer file and distribution share. The distribution share can contain the different drivers for the different platforms.

In my experience, it is better to create the master image on real hardware. Creating one from a VM can be problematic (i.e. device drivers), but it has been done.

-Sean Liming