Sysprep, short for System Preparation Tool, is a Microsoft utility used to prepare a Windows operating system for duplication, auditing, and delivery to end users. It removes system-specific data, such as the Security Identifier (SID), so that each cloned installation receives a unique identity. This process is essential when deploying multiple computers with the same Windows image, as it prevents security and network issues caused by duplicate SIDs. Sysprep is commonly used by IT professionals to streamline large-scale system deployment and ensure each machine operates independently.