How can I configure Dark Mode theme for all users in a VM image?

[hansooloo74]

Pretty simple use case:
I am preparing a virtual machine image that will be cloned to create lots of identical copies. I would like the users' desktop to have Dark Mode configured as a standard part of the experience. The users will be local to the VMs, so there is no AD involved here.


I would prepare the image using the following steps:

1. Install Windows 10 as usual
2. Go into Audit Mode after reboot to install some standard apps, e.g., Notepad++, etc.
3. Load the NTuser.dat file from C:\Users\Default\ into registry under a temporary location under HKEY_USERS
4. Add the 2 dark mode related settings under Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Themes\Personalize:
   1. AppsUseLightTheme, DWORD, 0
   2. SystemUseLightTheme, DWORD, 0
5. Unload the temporary hive loaded in step-3
6. Generalize with CopyProfile and Reboot.

Problem Statement:

When the system reboots, it gets stuck at a blue "Why did my PC Restart?" screen. If I remove these 2 changes to the Default user registry settings, then I don't run into this problem.


Question:

How can I get my image configured so that anyone with a local user account on the VM can get the Dark Mode experience in the cloned images?

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