Overview

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This course delves into the key automation, virtualization, and troubleshooting features of Windows Server 2025. Learners will explore essential topics such as PowerShell, Hyper-V, and Windows Server Core, offering them the skills necessary to optimize and manage modern server environments. Through hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios, you will gain practical experience in implementing server core features, automating tasks, and ensuring high availability. This course aims to enhance your ability to administer and troubleshoot Windows Server environments efficiently. What sets this course apart is its blend of theory and practice. The course combines core Windows Server knowledge with practical skills, preparing you for everyday challenges in system administration and server management. You’ll be introduced to tools like Hyper-V for virtualization and containers to modernize your infrastructure. This course is ideal for system administrators, IT professionals, and those familiar with basic Windows Server environments. Prior knowledge of Windows Server fundamentals is beneficial, as this course covers intermediate and advanced concepts. This course is part three of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization.

Syllabus

Server Core

This module explores the essentials of managing Windows Server Core, including command-line administration, remote management tools, and available server roles. Learners will gain hands-on experience with PowerShell cmdlets, Windows Admin Center, and the SConfig utility, while also understanding the evolution of lightweight server platforms. By the end, you'll be equipped to efficiently configure and administer Server Core environments.

PowerShell

This module introduces learners to the fundamentals of PowerShell, including its interface, essential cmdlets, scripting capabilities, and remote management features. You will explore practical workflows for daily administrative tasks, learn how to customize your environment, and leverage advanced tools like Desired State Configuration and WinGet. By the end, you'll be equipped to automate and streamline Windows administration using PowerShell.

Redundancy in Windows Server 2025

This module explores strategies for achieving high availability and redundancy in Windows Server 2025 environments. Learners will compare network load balancing and failover clustering, configure redundant web and file services, and examine advanced features like Storage Spaces Direct and BitLocker integration. Practical setup steps and best practices are included to ensure resilient server deployments.

Containers

This module explores the fundamentals of container technology in Windows Server 2025, including container isolation, virtualized time zones, and the differences between Server Core and Nano Server as container bases. Learners will gain hands-on experience with Docker and Kubernetes, and understand how to install and manage containers in a Windows environment. The module also highlights the evolving role of containers in hybrid and cloud-first infrastructures.

Hyper-V

This module guides learners through the installation, configuration, and management of Hyper-V on Windows Server 2025. You will explore new features, set up virtual machines and networking, manage virtual hardware, and implement security enhancements such as encryption and host key attestations. Practical steps for integrating Linux and troubleshooting common scenarios are also covered.

Remote Desktop Services

This module guides learners through the architecture, configuration, and management of Remote Desktop Services (RDS) in a Windows Server environment. You will explore RDS components, session publishing, user profile management, licensing, and best practices for deployment and maintenance. By the end, you'll be equipped to set up, optimize, and troubleshoot RDS solutions for centralized application and desktop delivery.

Troubleshooting

This module introduces essential troubleshooting tools and techniques for Windows Server environments. Learners will explore built-in utilities like Task Manager, Resource Monitor, and Performance Monitor, as well as advanced tools from Sysinternals and DTrace, to diagnose and resolve system issues. The module also covers event log analysis, file permission auditing, and remote process execution to enhance server reliability and performance.