Windows Server 2022 VMware Setup and Prep for Sysprep

To ensure Windows Server 2022 Datacenter on VMware fully supports Sysprep, your VM needs to meet a few critical requirements related to firmware, configuration, and image integrity.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare your VM for successful Sysprep execution:

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1. Create VM with the Correct Settings

When creating the VM in vSphere or Workstation:

Firmware

• Firmware: Set to UEFI (not BIOS).
• In vSphere: VM Options > Boot Options > Firmware = UEFI
• Disable Secure Boot unless you have a specific need for it.

Guest OS

• Choose Windows Server 2022 or later (64-bit) for proper driver support.

Virtual Hardware

• At least hardware version 14 or later is recommended.

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2. Install Windows Server 2022 Properly

• Use a clean ISO install (not a customized or heavily preconfigured image).
• During install, Windows Setup should automatically create a proper EFI system partition (ESP) formatted as FAT32.

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3. Avoid Common Pitfalls

Do NOT:

• Switch firmware (BIOS ↔ UEFI) after install.
• Install or leave Windows Store apps or provisioning packages.
• Leave pending updates or rollbacks before Sysprep.

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4. Verify Before Running Sysprep

Run this checklist inside the OS:

Confirm UEFI Mode

 (Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control").PEFirmwareType

# Should return: 2 (UEFI)    

 Check EFI Partition

diskpart

list disk

select disk 0

list partition

• You should see a FAT32 partition labeled "System" (usually ~100MB).

 Validate BCD

bcdedit /enum all

• Confirm entries like bootmgr, default, and proper device paths.

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5. Run Sysprep Properly

From an elevated Command Prompt:

cd %windir%\System32\Sysprep

sysprep.exe /generalize /oobe /shutdown /mode:vm

Use /mode:vm for VMs—this tells Sysprep not to remove VM-specific drivers.

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6. If You’re Using Templates (Optional)

• Shut down the VM after Sysprep completes.
• Take a snapshot or convert it to a template in vCenter.
• When deploying from template, customize using Guest Customization Specification in VMware.

 

As of June 2025, Windows Server 2022 is officially supported on the following VMware ESXi versions:

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Supported ESXi Versions for Windows Server 2022 (as Guest OS)

vSphere 7.x

• ESXi 7.0 Update 2 (Build 17867351 and later)

  • Official support for Windows Server 2022 was added with this release.

vSphere 8.x

• ESXi 8.0 GA and all updates

  • Fully supports Windows Server 2022 as a guest OS.

  • Offers improved performance, better hardware support, and security features (e.g., TPM 2.0 passthrough for Secure Boot/VDI).

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Reference

VMware’s Compatibility Guide (https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php) confirms guest OS support per release.

Search keywords:

• Product: ESXi

• Guest OS: Windows Server 2022

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Additional Notes

• VM Hardware Version: Use version 19 or later (recommended for ESXi 8.x) for full feature support (e.g., vTPM, secure boot, UEFI).

• VMware Tools: Ensure the latest version is installed for best driver and integration support.

• Cluster Features: DRS, HA, and snapshots are supported.