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Create a Windows Server GUI Template in Proxmox VE

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This is part two of the Windows Server in Proxmox series. This guide walks you through converting a freshly installed Windows Server (GUI) into a reusable Proxmox template — ideal for fast, repeatable VM deployments in lab environments.

What you’ll learn:

  • Installing VirtIO guest tools
  • Running full system updates
  • Performing Sysprep (generalization)
  • Cleaning up ISO mounts
  • Converting the VM to a Proxmox template

Once done, you can instantly clone new Windows VMs without repeating the setup process.

Video Guide

Step 1 – Initial Setup

  1. After installing Windows Server, set an administrator password
  2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to log in
  3. Adjust the time zone if necessary
  4. Open File Explorer and navigate to the VirtIO CD/DVD drive
  5. Run virtio-win-guest-tools.exe
  6. Follow the installation steps (usually just Next → Install All) — this installs drivers needed for Proxmox virtual hardware

Step 2 – System Updates

  1. Go to Settings → Update & Security
  2. Let Windows download and install all available updates
  3. Click “Restart now” once installation is complete
  4. After rebooting, log back in and check for remaining updates
  5. Repeat until Windows is fully up to date
If you want specific programs or configurations available on every VM cloned from this template — install and configure them now before proceeding to Sysprep.

Step 3 – Generalize with Sysprep

Sysprep removes machine-specific information so each cloned VM gets a unique identity.

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to: 
    C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\
  2. Launch Sysprep.exe
  3. Configure the settings:
    • System Cleanup Action: Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)
    • Check: Generalize
    • Shutdown Options: Shutdown
  4. Click OK and wait for Windows to shut down automatically

Step 4 – Clean Up ISO Mounts (Optional)

Before converting to a template, remove the ISO mounts to avoid boot errors if the ISO files are later deleted.

  1. In the Proxmox Hardware tab for the VM:
    • Remove one of the CD/DVD drives entirely
    • Edit the remaining one and set it to “Do not use any media”

Step 5 – Convert to Template

  1. Right-click the Windows Server VM in the Proxmox sidebar
  2. Select “Convert to Template”
  3. Confirm — the VM icon will change to indicate it is now a template

Your Windows Server GUI template is ready. You can now clone it instantly whenever you need a new Windows VM.

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