WeichertLabs
Create Windows Server GUI Template in Proxmox
This guide walks you through how to prepare a clean Windows Server installation and convert it into a reusable Proxmox template – ideal for fast, repeatable VM deployments in lab environments.
What you’ll learn:
– Installing VirtIO drivers
– Running full system updates
– Performing Sysprep (generalization)
– Cleaning up ISO mounts
– Converting the VM to a Proxmox template
Once done, you can instantly clone Windows VMs without repeating the setup.
Please note: All guides and scripts are provided for educational purposes. Always review and understand any code before running it – especially with administrative privileges. Your system, your responsibility.
Use at your own risk: While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, I cannot take responsibility for issues caused by applying tutorials or scripts. Test in a safe environment before using in production.
Step 1 – Initial Setup
- After installing Windows Server, set a administrator password.
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to log in and enter your password.
- Adjust the time zone if necessary.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the virtio-win CD/DVD drive:
- Run virtio-win-guest-tools.exe
- Follow the installation steps (usually just “Next” → “Install All”)
- This installs drivers needed for Proxmox virtual hardware.
Step 2 – System Setup
- Go to Settings → Update & Security:
- Let Windows download and install updates.
- Click “Restart now” once installation is complete.
- After the reboot, log in and check for any remaining updates.
- Repeat until Windows is fully updated.
- If you want specific programs or configurations available on every VM cloned from this template – install/configure them now.
Step 3 – Generalize with Sysprep
- Open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\- Launch Sysprep.exe
- Select:
- System Cleanup Action: Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)
- Check: Generalize
- Shutdown Options: Shutdown
- Click OK and wait for Windows to shut down.
Create a Windows Server Template in Proxmox (Video Guide)
This video demonstrates the post-installation setup of a Windows Server with a graphical user interface (GUI) in Proxmox VE. It begins right after the OS installation is complete and walks through configuring the system, installing VirtIO drivers, applying updates, running Sysprep, and converting the VM into a reusable Proxmox template for future deployments.