Almost all IT Pros start off doing some form of desktop support before being thrown into the server administration deep end with the sharks. Back in ancient times, the premier Microsoft IT Pro certification (the MCSE), even had a compulsory Windows client exam component (something that hasn’t been necessary for almost 20 years). Whilst the current crop of hybrid and cloud focused certs do include some element of client management, they don’t include many of the everyday support focused topics that were covered on exams like NT 4 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows Vista and Windows 7 Client exams.
That doesn’t mean that all those topics relevant to on-premises Windows desktop client support aren’t covered on MS Learn – it just means that many of them aren’t tied to any specific role-based certification.
This post links to all the relevant Learning Paths published on Microsoft Learn for someone interested in learning a Windows Client technician’s skillset. It starts with traditional client deployment and configuration, transitions to identity and security, and finishes up with a variety of troubleshooting related learning paths.
There is a lot of content here – but if you’ve got someone starting in your organization (or you are interested yourself in getting started supporting Windows Client operating systems) studying this content will give you a great grasp of the important foundations of what you need to know to deal with all the complex moving parts of on-premises Windows Client operating systems.
Deploy Windows Client
This set of learning paths takes you through the installation of the Windows client operating system and post installation configuration activities such as networking configuration, storage configuration and file and folder settings.
Install the Windows client
This learning path covers installing the Windows client OS. Students will learn the different editions of Windows client, requirements, and new features introduced. This path also covers how to install the OS, as well as methods for migrations and upgrading. Students will also learn about common tools used in the deployment process.
Modules:
Configure post-installation settings and personalization
Students will learn how to customize the user interface and use the control panel and settings app to configure common OS settings. This path will also introduce students to Windows PowerShell and device drivers.
Modules:
Configure networking on Windows clients
In this learning path, students will learn about networking concepts. This module will introduce to IPv4 and IPv6, and concepts like DNS. Students will learn how to configure network settings methods of managing Windows remotely.
Modules:
Configure storage on Windows clients
This learning path covers storage configuration and management in Windows client. Students will be introduced to local, cloud and virtual storage options.
Modules:
Configure data access and usage
In this learning path, Students will learn about file and folder permissions and configuring settings through methods such as local and group policy.
Modules
Identity and Security
This set of learning paths takes you through identity, software update and threat protection settings in Windows client operating systems.
Configure authorization and authentication
This learning path introduces the tools and features of Windows for authorizing access to Windows clients. Students will learn about methods for how users sign-in to Windows, User Account Control, and account types.
Modules:
Manage apps and Windows updates
In this learning path, students will be introduced to App management in Windows. This path will cover the different types of apps and supported installation methods, as well as managing Microsoft Edge.
Modules:
Configure threat protection
This learning path introduces students to protecting devices from external threats. This path will teach students about using encryption, firewalls, and IPSec to help protect against threats.
Modules:
Troubleshoot Windows Client
This set of learning paths takes you through how to troubleshoot Windows Client operating systems
Support the Windows client environment
This learning path will cover the Windows architecture and common environments. Students will be introduced to the various tools and methodologies used in maintaining Windows.
Modules:
Troubleshoot the Windows client operating system and apps
This learning path helps students plan for file backup and recovery. Students will learn how to plan and configure data protection strategies and how to perform various file and system recovery methods.
Modules:
Troubleshoot hardware and drivers
This learning path introduces hardware troubleshooting. Students will learn about driver management and how to troubleshoot devices, system hardware and external peripherals.
Modules:
Tried the content? Let us know which module you liked the best!
