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Overview
This five-day course provides IT professionals with the knowledge and practical skills required to implement, configure, and manage virtualization technologies in Windows Server 2025. The course focuses on Hyper-V as the core virtualization platform, alongside enterprise management using System Center Virtual Machine Manager. Learners will explore how to design, deploy, and manage virtual machines, storage, and networking in modern server environments, with an emphasis on availability, resilience, and scalability.
The course also introduces container technologies in Windows Server 2025, covering deployment and management using command line tools, PowerShell, and Windows Admin Center. In addition, learners will gain an understanding of Remote Desktop Services, including session-based desktops and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, enabling them to design and support virtual desktop solutions aligned to organisational needs.
Prerequisites
Before attending this course, learners should have real-world experience working with Windows Server in an enterprise environment. This includes administering, maintaining, and troubleshooting Windows Server and Windows Client systems. Learners should be comfortable with core administrative tasks such as user management, networking basics, and server configuration.
While not mandatory, some prior experience using Windows PowerShell will be beneficial, as PowerShell is used throughout the course to support automation and management tasks.
Target audience
This course is designed for IT professionals who already have experience administering Windows Server and Windows Client environments and want to develop their skills in server virtualization. It is suitable for:
- Windows Server administrators who are new to virtualization and want to build practical skills using Hyper-V, containers, and Remote Desktop Services.
- IT professionals with general system administration experience who are looking to develop their careers in virtualization technologies.
- Administrators with experience in other virtualization platforms, such as VMware, Proxmox, XenServer, or Red Hat Virtualization, who want to transition their skills to Windows Server 2025.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Install and configure the Hyper-V role in Windows Server 2025.
- Design and configure Hyper-V virtual networking to support enterprise workloads.
- Differentiate between virtual hard disk types and select appropriate options based on performance and availability requirements.
- Create, configure, and manage virtual machines on Hyper-V hosts.
- Configure Hyper-V for high availability and disaster recovery scenarios.
- Use System Center Virtual Machine Manager to centrally manage Hyper-V hosts and virtual machines.
- Deploy, configure, and manage Windows Server and Hyper-V containers.
- Install and configure Remote Desktop Services for both session-based desktops and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.
Course Outline
Hyper-V virtualization fundamentals
This module introduces server virtualization concepts and the Hyper-V role in Windows Server 2025. Learners will explore the benefits of virtualization and how Hyper-V fits into modern infrastructure design. Topics include installing Hyper-V, configuring host storage, and designing virtual networking solutions. The module also covers creating and managing virtual machines and planning for availability and disaster recovery using Hyper-V Replica.
Hyper-V failover clustering
This module explains how Hyper-V integrates with Windows Server failover clustering to provide high availability. Learners will explore cluster architecture, shared storage options, and virtual machine placement within a clustered environment. The module also covers key virtual machine features that are available when running Hyper-V in a failover cluster.
System Center Virtual Machine Manager overview
This module introduces System Center Virtual Machine Manager and its role in managing Hyper-V at scale. Learners will discover how VMM supports enterprise virtualization management, including adding and organising virtualization hosts. The module also explains how to manage host groups and apply consistent configuration across the environment.
SCVMM networking and storage
This module focuses on managing networking and storage through System Center Virtual Machine Manager. Learners will explore VMM networking concepts and how to configure logical networks. The module also covers managing storage infrastructure, including SAN, disk arrays, iSCSI, and file-based storage solutions, providing visibility and control across the virtualised environment.
SCVMM library, objects, and virtual machines
This module explains how to use the VMM library to support standardised deployments. Learners will configure and manage library resources and explore how profiles and templates can be used to deploy consistent virtual machines and services. The module also covers managing virtual machine objects within VMM.
Containers in Windows Server 2025
This module introduces container technologies in Windows Server 2025. Learners will explore the differences between Windows Server containers and Hyper-V containers and understand appropriate use cases for each. The module also covers installing, configuring, and managing containers using Windows PowerShell and Docker.
Remote Desktop Services session-based desktops
This module introduces Remote Desktop Services and its core components. Learners will explore how to implement a session-based desktop environment using an RDS Session Host. The module also covers key features that influence the remote user experience and how to configure them effectively.
Remote Desktop Services virtual desktop infrastructure
This module focuses on Virtual Desktop Infrastructure using Remote Desktop Services. Learners will explore pooled and personal virtual desktops and understand the differences between them. The module also covers operating system support, image management, and implementing high availability for both pooled and personal virtual desktops.
Exams and assessments
There are no formal exams included in this course. Learners are assessed through practical activities, knowledge checks, and instructor-led discussions throughout the course to reinforce understanding and validate learning outcomes.
Hands-on learning
This course includes sixteen hands-on lab exercises that allow learners to apply concepts in a practical environment. Labs cover installing and configuring Windows Server, implementing Hyper-V, managing virtual machines, creating failover clusters, configuring storage and networking features, and exploring container and Remote Desktop Services technologies. An optional lab explores configuring SMB over QUIC for secure file access.
Frequently asked questions
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Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
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How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course.
Once you have purchased the Online course and have completed your registration, you will receive the necessary details to enable you to immediately access it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.