Overview

This article walks you through preparing a Windows 11 virtual machine as a golden image for deployment on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). The process is automated by three PowerShell scripts that run on a build VM: one shared configuration file and two step scripts that execute before and after a reboot. When the scripts finish, the VM is generalized with Sysprep and ready to be captured as a custom OCI image.

Prerequisites

• A Windows 11 build VM where you will run the scripts.
• Administrator privileges on the build VM.
• At least 2 GB of free disk space.
• Internet connectivity to download the required software.
• The three script files: _Config.ps1, Step1_PreReboot.ps1, and Step2_PostReboot.ps1. 
  
• The Thinfinity Workspace Agent Network ID and Gateway URLs for your deployment.
  

What each step does

Step 1: Pre-reboot validations and cleanup

Step 1 validates the environment, applies the required fixes, and reboots the VM. The table below summarizes every check and the action taken.

The VM reboots at the end of Step 1.

Step 2: Post-reboot installation and Sysprep

Step 2 installs the software required by OCI and Thinfinity, cleans up the image, and runs Sysprep.

The VM shuts down automatically after Sysprep completes.

How to run the scripts

Copy _Config.ps1, Step1_PreReboot.ps1, and Step2_PostReboot.ps1 into the Downloads folder of the logged-in user on the target VM, then follow the steps below.

Allow script execution

Open PowerShell as Administrator. If script execution is restricted on the VM, run the following command to allow scripts for the current session only:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass

This change does not modify the system-wide policy.

Run Step 1

1. Navigate to the Downloads folder:

   cd ~\Downloads

2. Run the pre-reboot script (no parameters required):

   .\Step1_PreReboot.ps1

3. Respond to the time zone and language prompts when requested.
4. Confirm the reboot when the script prompts you.

Run Step 2

1. After the VM reboots, open PowerShell as Administrator again and return to the Downloads folder:

   cd ~\Downloads

2. Run the post-reboot script:

   .\Step2_PostReboot.ps1

3. Provide the Network ID and Gateway URLs when the script prompts for them.
4. When the script pauses after configuring the Thinfinity Workspace Agent, open the agent logs and confirm that the agent has connected to the gateway. Press ENTER only after connectivity is verified.
5. Let the script finish. It will run Sysprep and the VM will shut down automatically.

Create the custom image

Important: After the VM shuts down, wait 30 minutes before creating the image. Do not start the VM or modify its state during this window — doing so will invalidate the generalized state and you will have to repeat the preparation.

1. Wait 30 minutes after the Sysprep shutdown completes.
2. In the OCI Console, open the build VM's instance page.
3. Create a custom image from the stopped instance.

Troubleshooting

The script cannot be executed

If PowerShell refuses to run the script, make sure you launched the session as Administrator and that you ran the Set-ExecutionPolicy command in the same session.

Sysprep fails

Sysprep typically fails because of AppX packages installed per user or leftover Cloudbase-Init or VirtualBox Guest Additions components. Re-run Step 1 to confirm the cleanup checks pass, then re-run Step 2. Review C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\Panther\setupact.log and setuperr.log to identify the specific blocking package.

The Thinfinity Agent does not connect

If the agent log does not show a successful connection during the Step 2 pause, verify the Network ID and Gateway URLs you provided, confirm outbound connectivity from the VM to the gateway, and re-run the agent configuration before pressing ENTER to continue.