Skip to main content

How I optimize my VDI images

Glen Porter
  • Created:
  • Updated:

 

How I optimize my VDI images

Everyone has a different idea of what an “optimized image" is. Here I’ll lay out what I do to optimize my lab images to limit background noise and unnecessary CPU usage.  Generally, I do this same process regardless of what platform I’m using.  I’ve pieced this process together from first-hand troubleshooting and seeing some things that others are doing.  YMMV

Background:

Any supported Windows release is fine to use.  I prefer LTSC.

Process:

  1. Install from ISO, defaults – Activate the OS once booted up.
  2. Run Windows Updates, reboot, rinse and repeat until there are no more updates.  Then reboot and check for updates once more to be sure.
  3. Open Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32.
    1. Right-click CompatTelRunner.exe and click Properties.
    2. Under the Security tab, click Advanced, followed by Change Owner.
    3. Type in Administrators and click OK on of all 3 windows.
    4. Right-click CompatTelRunner.exe again and click Properties, Security tab. Highlight Administrators and click Edit.
    5. Put a check by Full Control and click OK. Say Yes to the Security Warning dialog and click OK to close the both the Security and Properties windows.
    6. Shift+Delete CompatTelRunner.exe, click Continue or Yes if prompted.
  4. In similar manner, take ownership of “C:\Windows\SysWOW64\OneDriveSetup.exe”
    1. Right-click, Properties, Security, Edit again.
    2. Remove all existing ACL’s and add in only one for Everyone with DENY for Full Control.
    3. OK out of all Windows, clicking Yes to any prompts.
  5. Open Windows Security, Virus & threat. Click Manage settings.
    1. Turn Off all of the switches, clicking Yes if prompted.
  6. In gpedit.msc, Computer Configuration:
    1. Windows Settings, Security Settings, Local Policies, Security Options
      1. Enable “Domain member: Disable machine account password changes”
    2. Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Update
      1. Disable “Configure Automatic Updates”
  7. In Regedit, delete the following Key: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DiagTrack
  8. Install the LW runtime installer package*
  9. Run the optimizer tool of your choice.  ie, VMware, Citrix, etc
  10. Shutdown and take a snapshot.

At this point I consider this to be an "optimized image".

*Step 8 needs to be consistent on both your ProfileUnity VDI images as well as the FlexApp Packaging Console. If one has all run-times installed, the other needs them as well. Runtime Installer Package: https://www.liquidware.com/support/articles/360042135011-Runtime-Installer-Package

Related articles