To provide users access to instant-clone Linux desktops, you must create an instant-clone desktop pool. What to read next Instant-Clone Linux Desktop PoolsAn instant-clone desktop pool is an automated pool of non-persistent desktops created from a golden image using the vmFork technology (called the instant-clone API) in vCenter Server. Linux Instant-Clone Image Publishing and Creation Workflow Publishing an image is a process by which internal VMs needed for instant cloning are created from a golden image and its snapshot. This process only happens once per image and may take some time. Configure a Golden Image Linux Virtual Machine for Instant ClonesAfter creating a virtual machine that you plan to use as the golden image for an instant-clone desktop pool, you must configure the Linux environment. Worksheet for Creating an Instant-Clone Linux Desktop Pool When you create an instant-clone desktop pool, you can configure certain options. Use this worksheet to record your configuration options before you create the pool. Create an Instant-Clone Linux Desktop PoolYou can create an instant-clone floating desktop pool from a Linux virtual machine using the Add Desktop Pool wizard in Horizon Console. After creating an instant-clone floating desktop pool, you can use the Linux virtual machines as remote desktops in a VMware Horizon 8 deployment. Configure Linux Instant Clones with VMware vSphere Virtual Machine EncryptionYou can configure instant clones to use the vSphere Virtual Machine Encryption feature so that instant-clone desktops have the same encryption keys. Configuring 3D Rendering Options for Instant-Clone Linux Desktop PoolsWhen you create or edit a desktop pool of virtual machines, you can configure 3D graphics rendering for your desktops. You must configure 3D settings in ESXi hosts and in the golden image in vSphere Client. Configure Monitors and Screen Resolution for Instant-Clone Linux DesktopsYou can specify the number of monitors and resolution for your instant-clone desktop pool in vSphere Client by setting those parameters in the golden image and taking a snapshot. Allow Reuse of Existing Computer Accounts for Instant-Clone Linux DesktopsYou can configure instant clones to reuse existing AD computer account names. Manually Customizing Linux Machines in an Automated PoolAfter you create an automated pool, you can customize particular machines without reassigning ownership. By starting the machines in maintenance mode, you can modify and test the machines before you release them to users. Patching an Instant-Clone Linux Desktop PoolTo patch a pool of instant-clone desktops, you can use the push-image operation for a rolling patching process with zero downtime. Perform Maintenance on Instant-Clone Hosts You can perform maintenance on hosts where instant clones reside by putting the ESXi hosts into maintenance mode. You use vSphere Client to put the ESXi host into maintenance mode.