Preparing Windows for Deployment with Winclone Pro

When mass deploying Windows onto dual-boot Macs where a Microsoft infrastructure is available, it is recommend that you prepare a base image of Windows 10 (this base image will be deployed to the dual boot Macs). It is then recommended use the Microsoft services (such as SCCM) to set up and configure Windows once deployed.

Step 1: Install Windows 10

Using the process outlined by Apple, install Windows 10 using a Windows 10 ISO.

Step 2: Install first run script

If you install a script named SetupComplete.cmd in Windows\Setup on the Boot Camp partition, it will automatically run on first boot. Create the script and install it in the correct location. Further details here.

Best practice is to have the SetupComplete.cmd script be a very simple script that runs another script on the network, so you do not have to recreate the image to add items to the startup process.

Step 3: Install Windows Answer file

At first boot, the answer file will provide the configuration to Windows. Generate an answer file using Windows System Image Manager and install in Windows\System32\Sysprep. More information on the answer file here.

Step 4: Run SysPrep

Run SysPrep to prepare Windows for first boot. At the administrative prompt, enter in:

C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\sysprep.exe /generalize /oobe /unattend:C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\Unattended.xml /shutdown

Windows will now shut down. Boot into macOS by holding down the option key on startup and select the Mac partition. You are now ready to create a Winclone image for deployment.