Windows 10: Windows 11 22H2 Issues in Audit Mode After Generalize

In Win 11 22H2, if we use Sysprep to reseal to Audit Mode and choose the Generalize option, after the reseal, we encounter multiple Store App related error messages. The system is not connected to the internet and no apps have been installed. These errors appear to be related to built-in apps, like Cortana and Notepad. Also, script files will not run. We have several .bat scripts that are set to run upon first boot into Audit that no longer trigger and cannot even be manually run.If you then reseal to OOBE, the new user does not have these issues. No app errors, and scripts run fine.Also,

:)

 

Audit mode

Hi Diane,

Windows boots into Windows Welcome Mode and Audit Mode. Windows Welcome Mode
is the first user experience while the Audit mode is used to add customization to Windows images. Sometimes, Windows keeps running in Audit Mode and user has no idea about it, just like in your case. While your machine is running Audit
Mode when upgrading or reinstalling Windows 10, the upgrade won’t progress.

Here's how to exit from Audit mode to reinstall Windows 10:

• Open the administrative or elevated Command Prompt. Type cmd in the
  Search field at the taskbar.
• Type the following command and press Enter key: sysprep /oobe /generalize
  DISCLAIMER: Running sysprep command each time resets Windows licensing state to default. So if your Windows is activated and you run this command, you’ll need to reactivate Windows after executing this command.
  
  
• Once the command IS successfully executed, you’ll be out of Audit Mode. Now you can re-try to upgrade to Windows 10 and it should work.

Let us know if the steps above worked for you.

 

what is audit mode

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are facing issues with Audit Mode on your PC.



Usually, Audit mode is used to add customization to Windows images. Sometimes, Windows keeps running in Audit Mode and user has no idea about it, just like in your case. While your machine is running Audit Mode when upgrading
or reinstalling Windows 10, the upgrade won’t progress.



Kindly follow the steps mentioned below to exit Audit mode:

1. Now press Windows +
   S key together to open Search.
   
2. Now type CMD and select Run as administrator.
   
3. Accept the UAC prompts.
   
4. Type in the following commands one by one and hit
   Enter:
   
   sysprep /oobe /generalize
   
5. Close the command prompt window.
   

DISCLAIMER: Running sysprep command each time resets Windows licensing state to default. So if your Windows is activated and you run this command, you’ll need to reactivate Windows after executing
this command.



Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Prakhar Khare

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Updating Windows 10 in Audit Mode

Thanks - I was unaware of the search issue as I rarely use it anyway, or I search from from file explorer (force of habit).