How to Run Sysprep in Windows 10

To run Sysprep in Windows 10, open C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep, run sysprep.exe, choose Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE), check Generalize, pick Shutdown, and select OK. Sysprep removes PC-specific details so you can capture an image and copy it to other PCs.

Applies to: Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise and Education. Checked against Microsoft Learn on September 28, 2026.

Before you start

• Sysprep is for people setting up many PCs with the same image. If you just want a fresh start on one PC, use Reset this PC instead. See how to reset Windows 10 to factory settings.
• Run it on a PC you can wipe. After Sysprep, Windows starts setup again the next time it turns on.
• Don’t install or update Microsoft Store apps before you run it. That can make Sysprep fail.
• Back up anything you need. See how to create a system image in Windows 10.

Run Sysprep

1. Sign in with an administrator account.
2. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep.
3. Double-click sysprep.exe. Select Yes if Windows asks for permission.

4. In System Preparation Tool 3.14, set System Cleanup Action to Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE).
5. Check Generalize.
6. Set Shutdown Options to Shutdown, then select OK.

7. Wait for the PC to shut down. Don’t turn it back on before you capture the image, or setup will start.

You can also run it from an administrator Command Prompt: %WINDIR%\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe /generalize /shutdown /oobe.

If Sysprep fails

• Open C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\Panther\setupact.log in Notepad and look near the end for the error.
• If the error mentions an app that “was installed for a user, but not provisioned for all users,” remove that Microsoft Store app for that user and try again.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Sysprep to move Windows to a new PC?

It isn’t meant for that on a home PC. To move to new hardware, see how to move to a new PC from Windows 10.

How many times can I run Sysprep?

Windows 10 lets you run it up to 1,001 times on the same installation.

Microsoft’s reference is Sysprep (Generalize) a Windows installation. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.

Matt Jacobs

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

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