MS-20687 - Configuring Windows 8.1

Get expert instruction and hands-on practice administering and configuring Windows 8.1 in this 5-day Microsoft Official Course. This course is designed for experienced IT professionals who have knowledge and experience administering Windows PCs and devices in a domain environment with managed access to the Internet. You will learn the skills you need to administer Windows 8.1 in a Windows Server domain environment and also provide secure, managed access to users from their non-domain joined Windows devices. You will learn how to install and customize Windows 8.1 operating systems and apps, integrate and control access to domains and cloud services, and migrate and synchronize settings across multiple devices. In addition, you will learn how to implement mobile security and customize configurations using Windows management tools including Group Policy and Windows PowerShell cmdlets. You will also learn how to configure user settings and profiles, local and remote network connectivity, Client Hyper-V, virtual apps, and Internet Explorer 11. Finally, you will learn how to optimize security and provide controlled access from Windows 8.1 PCs and devices to specified resources through Workplace Join services and Work Folders. This course is also designed to prepare certification candidates for Exam 70-687, Configuring Windows 8.1. As part of the learning experience, you will perform hands-on exercises in a virtual lab environment. NOTE: This course is based on Windows 8.1 Enterprise Edition with domain services provided by Windows Server 2012 R2.



This course describes how to configure networking to include IPv4, IPv6, connect to wireless networks, and use the networking features included in Windows 8 to troubleshoot networking issues. Students will also learn preventive measures and tools that work together to protect their computers from security threats.


The course then covers the features related to file and folder management, which include setting permissions, file/folder compression, and configuring shared folders. Students will also learn about installing and managing printers. Additionally, the course provides an overview of the SkyDrive functionality, and describes the procedures to install and configure applications, including Windows Store apps.


The course also examines the fundamentals of working with virtual machines in the Client Hyper-V environment in Windows 8.


Students will learn about features such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and DirectAccess, which provide mobile users access to internal resources when the users are out of the office.


Throughout the course, students will use Windows PowerShell 3.0, and its graphical user interface (GUI) to configure and manage the system. Students will also use the scripting editor to create and examine PowerShell scripts used to manage the system.

Student Testimonials

Instructor did a great job, from experience this subject can be a bit dry to teach but he was able to keep it very engaging and made it much easier to focus. Student
Excellent presentation skills, subject matter knowledge, and command of the environment. Student
Instructor was outstanding. Knowledgeable, presented well, and class timing was perfect. Student

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Prerequisites


Before attending this course, students should have:
  • At least two years of experience in the IT field
  • Knowledge of networking fundamentals, including Transmission Control Protocol /Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and Domain Name System (DNS)
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) principles and fundamentals of AD DS management
  • Understanding of the certificate security and working knowledge of the fundamentals of Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)
  • Understanding of Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2012 fundamentals
  • Understanding of Microsoft Windows Client essentials; for example, working knowledge of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and/or Windows 8
  • Basic understanding of Windows PowerShell syntax
  • Basic awareness of Windows deployment tools (Windows ADK components: Windows PE, Windows SIM, VAMT, ImageX, USMT, and DISM concepts and fundamentals) but no actual prerequisite skills with the specific tools are assumed

Detailed Class Syllabus

Module 1: Windows 8.1 in an Enterprise Environment

Managing Windows 8.1 in an Enterprise Environment
Overview of Windows 8.1

Module 2: Installing and Deploying Windows 8.1

Preparing to Install and Deploy Windows 8.1
Installing Windows 8.1
Customizing and Preparing a Windows 8.1 Image for Deployment
Volume Activation for Windows 8.1

Module 3: Tools Used for Configuring and Managing Windows 8.1

Tools Used to Perform Local and Remote Management of Windows 8.1
Using Windows PowerShell to Configure and Manage Windows 8.1
Using Group Policy to Manage Windows 8.1

Module 4: Managing Profiles and User State in Windows 8.1

Managing User Profiles
Configuring User State Virtualization
Migrating User State and Settings

Module 5: Managing Disks and Device Drivers

Managing Disks, Partitions, and Volumes
Maintaining Disks, Partitions, and Volumes
Working with Virtual Hard Disks
Installing and Configuring Device Drivers

Module 6: Configuring Network Connectivity

Configuring IPv4 Network Connectivity
Configuring IPv6 Network Connectivity
Implementing Automatic IP Address Allocation
Implementing Name Resolution
Implementing Wireless Network Connectivity

Module 7: Configuring File Access and Printers on Windows 8.1 Clients

Managing File Access
Managing Shared Folders
Configuring File Compression
Configuring File Access
Managing Printers

Module 8: Implementing Network Security

Overview of Threats to Network Security
Configuring Windows Firewall
Securing Network Traffic by Using IPsec
Guarding Windows 8.1 Against Malware

Module 9: Configuring Resource Access for Domain-Joined Devices and Devices That Are Not Domain Members

Configuring Domain Access for Windows 8.1 Devices
Configuring Resource Access for Devices That Are Not Domain Members
Configuring Workplace Join
Configuring Work Folders

Module 10: Securing Windows 8.1 Devices

Authentication and Authorization in Windows 8.1
Applying Security Settings by Using Group Policy
Securing Data with EFS and BitLocker
Configuring and Testing

Module 11: Configuring Applications for Windows 8.1

Application Deployment Options in Windows 8.1
Managing Windows Store Apps
Configuring Internet Explorer Settings
Configuring Application Restrictions

Module 12: Optimizing and Maintaining Windows 8.1 Computers

Optimizing Performance in Windows 8.1
Managing the Reliability of Windows 8.1
Managing Software Updates in Windows 8.1

Module 13: Configuring Mobile Computing and Remote Access

Configuring Mobile Computers and Device Settings
Overview of DirectAccess
Configuring VPN Access
Configuring Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance

Module 14: Recovering Windows 8.1

Configuring and Using File History
Exploring Windows 8.1 Recovery Options
Introducing a Simulated Problem
Resolving a Problem

Module 15: Configuring Client Hyper-V

Overview of Client Hyper-V
Creating Virtual Machines
Managing Virtual Hard Disks
Managing Checkpoints