We can create a pool of desktop machines by cloning a vCenter Server VM. Before we create the desktop pool, we need to prepare and configure this VM, which is used to spawn cloned virtual desktops. For instant-clone desktop pools, the base image is called a golden image. For full-clone desktop pools, the base image is called a Template VM.
Create a Virtual Machine in vSphere
We can create a virtual machine in vSphere from scratch or by cloning an existing VM.
Step 01. Log in to vSphere Client.
Step 02. Right-click any inventory object (datacenter, folder, cluster or host) and select New Virtual Machine.
Step 03. Select Create a new virtual machine and click Next.
Step 04. Provide a name in the VM Name field.
Step 05. On the Storage tab, select a datastore where you would like to store the VM.
Step 06. On the Customize hardware tab, select Virtual Hardware:
- On CD/DVD drive option set the media type to use an ISO image file, select the ISO image file of an appropriate operating system, and select Connect at power on.
- Make sure the virtual desktop is using a SCSI controller.
- The virtual desktop should be configured with a VMXNET 3 network adapter.
Click Next, then Finish to create the virtual machine.
