SCCM 2012 R2 Build and Capture…installing updates takes a long time!

This month I’ve to install and configure a Microsoft SCCM 2012 R2 environment. This customer is going to use SCCM basically deploying Windows Server 2012 R2 virtual machines. For the task sequences I’ve used the Windows Server 2012 Update 1 ISO, but there’re a few updates available in the past (around the 122 updates!!)

So I’ve configured a new Build and Capture task sequence to deploy a “Golden Image”. I’ve also integrated Windows Server Updates Services (WSUS) within SCCM, so during the Build and Capture task sequence the updates will also be installed. The task sequence takes a long time. After some troubleshooting, I’ve found some of the main reasons….Update KB3000850. This update is around the 700 MB and takes a long time to install!

Solution:
First of all, I’ve updated the Windows Server 2012 R2 WIM from the ISO with the latest Windows updates using Offline Servicing. This great feture is available within SCCM 2012 R2. With Offline Servicing it is possible to apply Windows Updates in a WIM file offline. After applying update KB3000850 in the WIM image, the Build and Capture task sequences is going realy faster!! 🙂