November 18th 2020 a new version of the VMware OS Optimization Tool has been released. The tool can be downloaded at https://flings.vmware.com/vmware-os-optimization-tool.
The VMware OS Optimization Tool helps in preparing and optimizing Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019, Server 2016 systems for use with VMware Horizon.
For Windows 7, 8.1, and Server 2012, 2012 R2, an older version (b1130) of the OS Optimization Tool is available for download.
At a high level, the process of creating a golden image VM consists of the following steps.
The OS Optimization Tool helps with three key steps in this process:
- Optimize
- Generalize
- Finalize
For a step by step walkthrough of the complete process, see the Creating an Optimized Windows Image for a VMware Horizon Virtual Desktop guide.
Additionally, the OS Optimization Tool helps running Windows Update on a master VM image that has previously been optimized and had functionality disabled.
The OS Optimization Tool includes customizable templates to enable or disable Windows system services and features, per VMware recommendations and best practices. Since most Windows system services are enabled by default, the optimization tool can be used to easily disable unnecessary services and features to improve performance and user experience.
What’s new in version b2000:
Bug Fixes
- Resolved the issue that stopped automatic logon in Server and WVD edition after Sysprep process.
- Resolved a reboot prompt problem which displayed in process of generalizing on Win10 1607 LTSB.
- Resolved the issue of failing to enable anti-virus feature on Windows 10 2004.
- Fixed issue where re-enabling Windows Update would pull down feature updates by default.
Common Options - Common options selections are now remembered between different runs of the OSOT.
- For all tabs, user now can apply different Common Options settings multiple times on optimized system.
- Under Update tab, introduce a new option to switch on/off update feature of Office 365, 2016, 2019
- Under Store Apps tab, disable checkbox for removed built-in apps
Update
- New option to defer or directly trigger feature updates
- New option to defer or directly trigger quality updates
- New option to skip Office Click-to-Run updates
- Added commands to stop and disable the App Volumes services when re-enabling Windows Update. These are then set back to automatic when Windows Update is disabled again.
