This Amazon WorkSpaces golden image creation tip could save you hours of troubleshooting!

Amazon WorkSpaces Core, Personal and Pools Custom Windows Images allow businesses to pre-configure virtual desktops with essential applications and settings. This ensures a consistent, secure, and optimized environment for users, streamlining deployment and enhancing overall performance. At a high level, creating a custom Windows OS image for Amazon WorkSpaces requires these steps:

?1. Preparation and Planning

Before you start creating your golden image, it's essential to plan and prepare. This includes understanding the requirements of your organization, the applications that need to be installed, and the security policies that must be enforced.

2. Base Image Selection

Choose a base image that meets your organization's needs. Amazon WorkSpaces provides several Windows base images, including BYOL Windows 10/11 and License included Windows Server 2019/2022.

3. Installing and Configuring Applications

Ensure that the base image is up-to-date with the latest Windows patches and updates. Install and configure all necessary applications on the base image. This includes productivity tools, line-of-business applications, and any other software required by your users. Ensure that all applications are configured correctly and tested thoroughly.

4. Disabling Unnecessary Services and Features

To optimize performance and security, disable any unnecessary services and features. This includes turning off Windows features that are not required and disabling services that are not needed for your specific use case.

5. Configuring Security Settings

Security is a critical aspect of any VDI environment. Configure the security settings on your golden image to meet your organization's policies. This includes setting up firewalls, configuring antivirus software, and applying security policies.

6. Disabling Antivirus and Security Features

Antivirus and security features could interfere with the custom image creation process. In some cases, you may need to disable certain antivirus and security features to ensure compatibility with your VDI environment. This configuration could help save many hours of troubleshooting when a custom image creation fails.

For example, you may need to disable tamper protection from Sentinel One. Here is an example of how to do this:

# Disable Tamper Protection from Sentinel One

7. Creating the Golden Image

Once you have configured the base image with all necessary applications and settings, you can create the golden image. This involves capturing the configured image and saving it as a custom image in Amazon WorkSpaces. Follow the steps outlined in the AWS WorkSpaces Documentation. to create and manage your custom image. Use the the Amazon WorkSpaces Image Checker tool Run standard test against the image and ensure the test PASS. Any failure reported by the image checker tool must be resolved to create a custom Windows image.

8. Testing and Validation

After creating the golden image, it's essential to test and validate it thoroughly. Deploy the image to a test WorkSpace and ensure that all applications and settings are working correctly. Perform security scans and vulnerability assessments to ensure that the image meets your organization's security standards.

9. Maintenance and Updates

Regularly update and maintain your golden image to ensure that it remains secure and up-to-date. This includes applying patches, updating applications, and reviewing security settings. Schedule regular maintenance windows to update the golden image and redeploy it to your WorkSpaces.

By following these tips and best practices for creating Amazon WorkSpaces Image, you can create a secure and optimized golden Windows OS image for Amazon WorkSpaces VDI. This will help ensure a consistent and reliable virtual desktop environment for your users.