Cover: MCA Modern Desktop Administrator Study Guide Exam MD-101, by William Panek

MCA
Modern Desktop
Administrator

Study Guide
Exam MD-101

Wiley Logo

William Panek

Wiley Logo

This book is dedicated to the three ladies of my life: Crystal, Alexandria, and Paige.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my wife and best friend, Crystal. She is always the light at the end of my tunnel. I want to thank my two daughters, Alexandria and Paige, for all of their love and support during the writing of all my books. The three of them are my support system and I couldn't do any of this without them.

I want to thank my family, and especially my brothers, Rick, Gary, and Rob. They have always been there for me. I want to thank my father, Richard, who helped me become the man I am today, and my mother, Maggie, for all of her love and support.

I would like to thank all of my friends and co-workers at StormWind Studios (www.stormwindstudios.com). Thanks to all of you for everything that you do. I would not have been able to complete this book without all of your help and support.

I want to thank everyone on my Sybex team, especially my development editor, Kim Wimpsett who helped me make this the best book possible, and Jon Buhagiar, who is the technical editor of this book and an outstanding resource on this book. It's always good to have the very best technical guy backing you up. I want to thank Katie Wisor, who was my production editor, and Judy Flynn for being the copyeditor.

Special thanks to my acquisitions editor, Kenyon Brown, who was the lead for the entire book. Finally, I want to thank everyone else behind the scenes that helped make this book possible. It's truly an amazing thing to have so many people work on my books to help make them the very best. I can't thank you all enough for your hard work.

About the Author

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William Panek holds the following certifications: MCP, MCP+I, MCSA, MCSA+ Security and Messaging, MCSE-NT (3.51 and 4.0), MCSE (2000, 2003, 2012/2012 R2), MCSE+Security and Messaging, MCDBA, MCT, MCTS, MCITP, CCNA, CCDA, and CHFI. Will is also a four-time and current Microsoft MVP winner.

After many successful years in the computer industry, Will decided that he could better use his talents and his personality as an instructor. He began teaching for schools such as Boston University and the University of Maryland, just to name a few. He has done consulting and training for some of the biggest government and corporate companies in the world, including the United States Secret Service, Cisco, United States Air Force, and United States Army.

In 2015, Will became a Sr. Microsoft Instructor for StormWind Studios (www.stormwindstudios.com). He currently lives in New Hampshire with his wife and two daughters. Will was also a Representative in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 2010 to 2012. In his spare time, he likes to do blacksmithing, shooting (trap and skeet), snowmobiling, playing racquetball, and riding his Harley. Will is also a commercially rated helicopter pilot.

Table of Exercises

Exercise 1.1 Performing a Clean Install of Windows 10

Exercise 1.2 Upgrading Windows 8.1 to Windows 10

Exercise 1.3 Configuring Locales

Exercise 1.4 Troubleshooting Failed Installations with Setup Logs

Exercise 1.5 Downloading and Installing MDT

Exercise 1.6 Configuring MDT

Exercise 1.7 Prepare a System for Imaging by Using the System Preparation Tool

Exercise 2.1 Setting Up an On-Site Domain Controller

Exercise 2.2 Creating an Azure AD User Account

Exercise 2.3 Creating an Azure AD Group Account

Exercise 2.4 Setting Up Self-Service Password Reset

Exercise 2.5 Testing the Self-Service Password Reset

Exercise 2.6 Adding Azure AD Identity Protection

Exercise 2.7 Installing Azure AD Connect

Exercise 2.8 Creating the Site-to-Site VPN Connection

Exercise 2.9 Creating the Local Network Gateway

Exercise 2.10 Installing the AD FS Role on a Computer Using Server Manager

Exercise 2.11 Configuring the AD FS Role on the Computer Using Server Manager

Exercise 2.12 Configuring Multi-factor Authentication

Exercise 3.1 Converting a FAT32 Partition to NTFS

Exercise 3.2 Configuring Disk Quotas

Exercise 3.3 Configuring OneDrive

Exercise 3.4 Adding an MMC Snap-In

Exercise 3.5 Creating a New Volume

Exercise 3.6 Converting a Basic Disk to a GPT Disk

Exercise 3.7 Converting a Basic Disk to a Dynamic Disk

Exercise 3.8 Editing a Drive Letter

Exercise 3.9 Deleting a Partition

Exercise 3.10 Creating an Extended Volume

Exercise 4.1 Setting Up a Microsoft Intune Account

Exercise 4.2 Adding Users into Microsoft Intune

Exercise 4.3 Create a New Group

Exercise 4.4 Creating an Intune Policy

Exercise 4.5 Confirm the Version of Windows

Exercise 4.6 Enroll Windows 10 Desktop Version 1607 or Higher

Exercise 5.1 Running an Advanced Scan

Exercise 5.2 Creating a New Inbound Rule

Exercise 5.3 Installing Windows Defender Application Guard

Exercise 5.4 Using Windows Defender Application Guard

Exercise 5.5 Windows Defender Application Guard Enterprise

Exercise 5.6 Windows Defender Credential Guard

Exercise 5.7 Windows Defender Exploit Guard

Introduction

This book was written from over 25 years of IT experience. I have taken that experience and translated it into a Windows 10 book that will help you not only prepare for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate exams but also to develop a clear understanding of how to install and configure Windows 10 while avoiding all the possible configuration pitfalls.

Many Microsoft books just explain the Windows operating system, but with this book, I will go a step further, providing many in-depth, step-by-step procedures to support my explanations of how the operating system performs at its best.

Microsoft Windows 10 is the newest version of Microsoft's client operating system software. Microsoft has taken the best of Windows 7 and Windows 8 and combined them into the latest creation, Windows 10.

Windows 10 eliminates many of the problems that plagued the previous versions of Windows clients and it includes a much faster boot time and shutdown. It is also easier to install and configure, and it barely stops to ask the user any questions during installation. In this book, I will show you what features are installed during the automated installation and where you can make changes if you need to be more in charge of your operating system and its features.

This book takes you through all the ins and outs of Windows 10, including installation, configuration, online Microsoft subscriptions, auditing, backups, and so much more.

Windows 10 has improved on Microsoft's desktop environment, made networking easier, working with Microsoft Azure, enhanced search ability, improved performance—and that's only scratching the surface.

When all is said and done, this is a technical book for IT professionals who want to take Windows 10 to the next step and get certified. With this book, you will not only learn Windows 10 and hopefully pass the exams, you will also become a Windows 10 expert.

The Microsoft Certification Program

Since the inception of its certification program, Microsoft has certified more than two million people. As the computer network industry continues to increase in both size and complexity, this number is sure to grow—and the need for proven ability will also increase. Certifications can help companies verify the skills of prospective employees and contractors.

The Microsoft certification tracks for Windows include just some of the following certifications:

Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate: Windows 10 The Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate is now the highest-level certification you can achieve with Microsoft in relation to Windows 10. It requires passing exams MD-100 and MD-101. This book assists in your preparation for exam MD-101.

Microsoft Certified Technology Associate (MTA) This is Microsoft's newest certification program. This certification targets those new to the IT field and tests candidates on the core competencies necessary to become an IT professional.

How Do You Become Certified on Windows 10?

Attaining Microsoft certification has always been a challenge. In the past, students have been able to acquire detailed exam information—even most of the exam questions—from online “brain dumps” and third-party “cram” books or software products. For the new generation of exams, this is simply not the case.

Microsoft has taken strong steps to protect the security and integrity of its new certification tracks. Now prospective candidates must complete a course of study that develops detailed knowledge about a wide range of topics. It supplies them with the true skills needed, derived from working with the technology being tested.

The new generations of Microsoft certification programs are heavily weighted toward hands-on skills and experience. It is recommended that candidates have troubleshooting skills acquired through hands-on experience and working knowledge.

Fortunately, if you are willing to dedicate the time and effort to learn Windows 10, you can prepare yourself well for the exam by using the proper tools. By working through this book, you can successfully meet the requirements to pass the Windows 10 exams.

Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate Exam Requirements

Candidates for MCSA certification on Windows 10 must pass two Windows 10 MCSA tests:

  • MD-100: Windows 10
  • MD-101: Managing Modern Desktops

Microsoft provides exam objectives to give you a general overview of possible areas of coverage on the Microsoft exams. Keep in mind, however, that exam objectives are subject to change at any time without prior notice and at Microsoft's sole discretion. Please visit the Microsoft Learning website (www.microsoft.com/learning) for the most current listing of exam objectives.

images For a more detailed description of the Microsoft certification programs, including a list of all the exams, visit the Microsoft Learning website at www.microsoft.com/learning.

Types of Exam Questions

In an effort to both refine the testing process and protect the quality of its certifications, Microsoft has focused its latest certification exams on real experience and hands-on proficiency. There is a greater emphasis on your past working environments and responsibilities and less emphasis on how well you can memorize. In fact, Microsoft says that certification candidates should have hands-on experience before attempting to pass any certification exams.

images Microsoft will accomplish its goal of protecting the exams’ integrity by regularly adding and removing exam questions, limiting the number of questions that any individual sees in a beta exam, limiting the number of questions delivered to an individual by using adaptive testing, and adding new exam elements.

Exam questions may be in a variety of formats: Depending on which exam you take, you'll see multiple-choice questions as well as select-and-place and prioritize-a-list questions. Simulations and case study–based formats are included as well. Let's take a look at the types of exam questions, so you'll be prepared for all of the possibilities.

Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions come in two main forms. One is a straightforward question followed by several possible answers of which one or more is correct. The other type of multiple-choice question is more complex and based on a specific scenario. The scenario may focus on several areas or objectives.

Select-and-Place Questions

Select-and-place exam questions involve graphical elements that you must manipulate to successfully answer the question. For example, you might see a diagram of a computer network. A typical diagram will show computers and other components next to boxes that contain the text “Place here.” The labels for the boxes represent various computer roles on a network, such as a print server and a file server. Based on information given for each computer, you are asked to select each label and place it in the correct box. You need to place all of the labels correctly. No credit is given for the question if you correctly label only some of the boxes.

In another select-and-place problem, you might be asked to put a series of steps in order by dragging items from boxes on the left to boxes on the right and placing them in the correct order. One other type requires that you drag an item from the left and place it under an item in a column on the right.

images For more information on the various exam question types, go to www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/policies/innovations.asp.

Simulations

Simulations are the kinds of questions that most closely represent actual situations and test the skills you use while working with Microsoft software interfaces. These exam questions include a mock interface on which you are asked to perform certain actions according to a given scenario. The simulated interfaces look nearly identical to what you see in the actual product.

Because of the number of possible errors that can be made on simulations, be sure to consider the following recommendations from Microsoft:

  • Do not change any simulation settings that don't pertain to the solution directly.
  • When related information has not been provided, assume that the default settings are used.
  • Make sure that your entries are spelled correctly.
  • Close all the simulation application windows after completing the set of tasks in the simulation.

The best way to prepare for simulation questions is to spend time working with the graphical interface of the product on which you will be tested.

Case Study–Based Questions

Case study–based questions first appeared in the MCSD program. These questions present a scenario with a range of requirements. Based on the information provided, you answer a series of multiple-choice and select-and-place questions. The interface for case study–based questions has a number of tabs, each of which contains information about the scenario. At present, this type of question appears only in most of the Design exams.

Tips for Taking the Windows 10 Exams

Here are some general tips for achieving success on your certification exam:

  • Arrive early at the exam center so that you can relax and review your study materials. During this final review, you can look over tables and lists of exam-related information.
  • Read the questions carefully. Do not be tempted to jump to an early conclusion. Make sure that you know exactly what the question is asking.
  • Answer all questions. If you are unsure about a question, mark it for review and come back to it at a later time.
  • On simulations, do not change settings that are not directly related to the question. Also, assume default settings if the question does not specify or imply which settings are used.
  • For questions that you're not sure about, use a process of elimination to get rid of the obviously incorrect answers first. This improves your odds of selecting the correct answer when you need to make an educated guess.

Exam Registration

At the time this book was released, Microsoft exams are given using more than 1,000 Authorized VUE Testing Centers around the world. For the location of a testing center near you, go to VUE's website at www.vue.com. If you are outside the United States and Canada, contact your local VUE registration center.

Find out the number of the exam you want to take, and then register with the VUE registration center nearest to you. At this point, you will be asked for advance payment for the exam. The exams are $165 each and you must take them within one year of payment. You can schedule exams up to six weeks in advance or as late as one working day prior to the date of the exam. You can cancel or reschedule your exam if you contact the center at least two working days prior to the exam. Same-day registration is available in some locations, subject to space availability. Where same-day registration is available, you must register a minimum of two hours before test time.

When you schedule the exam, you will be provided with instructions regarding appointment and cancellation procedures, ID requirements, and information about the testing center location. In addition, you will receive a registration and payment confirmation letter from VUE.

Microsoft requires certification candidates to accept the terms of a nondisclosure agreement before taking certification exams.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is intended for individuals who want to earn their Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate: Windows 10 certification.

This book will not only help anyone who is looking to pass the Microsoft exams, it will also help anyone who wants to learn the real ins and outs of the Windows 10 operating system.

What's Inside?

Here is a glance at what's in each chapter:

Chapter 1: Installing and Updating Windows 10 In the first chapter, I explain the requirements and steps to install and configure Windows 10. I will also show you the different versions of Windows 10. This chapter also shows you how to configure automated installation of Windows 10.

Chapter 2: Managing Authentication This chapter shows you how to configure user authorization and authentication. Understanding how users authenticate onto your network and Azure is one of the most important tasks that administrators must perform. I will also teach you how to manage user profiles.

Chapter 3: Managing Devices I show you how to implement conditional access and compliance policies for devices. I will show you how to configure device profiles and also how to plan and implement co-management between your on-site network with your Azure based network.

Chapter 4: Planning and Managing Microsoft Intune This chapter takes you through the different ways to manage Intune device enrollment and inventory. I will also show you how to deploy and update your applications. Finally, I will talk about implanting Mobile Application Management.

Chapter 5: Managing Security This chapter teaches you how to configure and manage Windows Defender. I will show you how to use Windows Defender Credential Guard, Windows Defender Exploit Guard, Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, Windows Defender Application Guard, and Windows Defender Antivirus.

Chapter 6: Configuring Auditing This chapter will show you how to monitor your different devices. I will also talk about how to monitor the health of your devices using Windows Analytics and cloud-based tools.

What's Included with the Book

There are many helpful items intended to prepare you for the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate certification included in this book:

Assessment Test There is an Assessment Test at the conclusion of the introduction that can be used to quickly evaluate where you are with Windows 10. This test should be taken prior to beginning your work in this book and should help you identify areas in which you are either strong or weak. Note that these questions are purposely more simple than the types of questions you may see on the exams.

Opening List of Objectives Each chapter includes a list of the exam objectives that are covered in that chapter.

Helpful Exercises Throughout the book, I have included step-by-step exercises of some of the more important tasks you should be able to perform. Some of these exercises have corresponding videos that can be downloaded from the book's website. Also, later in this introduction you'll find a recommended home lab setup that will be helpful in completing these tasks.

Video Resources After each chapter summary, if the chapter includes exercises with corresponding videos, a list or description of the exercises with video resources will be provided. The videos can be accessed at www.wiley.com/go/Sybextestprep.

Exam Essentials The end of each chapter also includes a listing of exam essentials. These are essentially repeats of the objectives, but remember that any objective on the exam blueprint could show up on the exam.

Chapter Review Questions Each chapter includes review questions. These are used to assess your understanding of the chapter and are taken directly from the chapter. These questions are based on of the exam objectives and are similar in difficulty to items you might actually receive on the MCSA: Windows 10 exams.

imagesThe Sybex Interactive Online Test Bank, flashcards, videos, and glossary can be accessed at www.wiley.com/go/Sybextestprep.

Interactive Online Learning Environment and Test Bank

The interactive online learning environment that accompanies the MCA Modern Desktop Administrator Study Guide, Exam MD-101 study guide provides a test bank with study tools to help you prepare for the certification exams and increase your chances of passing the exam the very first time! The test bank includes the following elements:

Sample Tests All of the questions in this book are provided, including the assessment test, which you'll find at the end of this introduction, and the chapter tests that include the review questions at the end of each chapter. In addition, there are two practice exams. Use these questions to test your knowledge of the study guide material. The online test bank runs on multiple devices.

Electronic Flashcards The flashcards are included for quick reference and are great tools for learning quick facts. You can even consider these as additional simple practice questions, which is essentially what they are.

Videos Some of the exercises include corresponding videos. These videos show you how the author does the exercises. There is also a video that shows you how to set up virtualization so that you can complete the exercises within a virtualized environment. I also have videos to help you on the Microsoft exams at www.youtube.com/c/williampanek.

PDF of Glossary of Terms There is a glossary included that covers the key terms used in this book.

Recommended Home Lab Setup

To get the most out of this book, you will want to make sure that you complete the exercises throughout the chapters. To complete the exercises, you will need one of two setups. First, you can set up a machine with Windows 10 and complete the labs using a regular Windows 10 machine.

The second way to set up Windows 10 is by using virtualization. I set up Windows 10 as a virtual hard disk (VHD) and I did all the labs this way. The advantages of using virtualization are that you can always just wipe out the system and start over without losing a real server. Plus, you can set up multiple virtual servers and create a full lab environment on one machine.

I created a video for this book showing you how to set up a virtual machine and how to install Windows 10 onto that virtual machine. This video can be seen at www.youtube .com/c/williampanek.

How to Contact Sybex or the Author

Sybex strives to keep you supplied with the latest tools and information you need for your work. Please check the website at www.wiley.com/go/Sybextestprep, where I'll post additional content and updates that supplement this book should the need arise.

You can contact Will Panek by going to his website at www.willpanek.com. Will Panek also has videos and test prep information located at www.youtube.com/c/williampanek. Will also has a Windows 10 Facebook page and a Twitter account @AuthorWillPanek.

Objective Mapping

Table I.1 contains an objective map to show you at-a-glance where you can find each objective covered.

Table I.1 MD-101 Objective Map

Objective Chapter
Deploy and update operating systems (35-40%)
Plan and implement Windows 10 by using dynamic deployment Chapter 1
  • evaluate and select an appropriate deployment options
  • pilot deployment
  • manage and troubleshoot provisioning packages
Chapter 1
Plan and implement Windows 10 by using Windows Autopilot Chapter 1
  • evaluate and select an appropriate deployment options
  • pilot deployment
  • create, validate, and assign deployment profile
  • extract device HW information to CSV file
  • import device HW information to cloud service
  • troubleshoot deployment
Chapter 1
Upgrade devices to Windows 10 Chapter 1
  • identify upgrade and downgrade paths
  • manage in-place upgrades
  • configure a Windows analytics environment
  • perform Upgrade Readiness assessment
  • migrate user profiles
Chapter 1
Manage updates Chapter 1
  • configure Windows 10 delivery optimization
  • configure Windows Update for Business
  • deploy Windows updates
  • implement feature updates
  • monitor Windows 10 updates
Chapter 1
Manage device authentication Chapter 2
  • manage authentication policies
  • manage sign-on options
  • perform Azure AD join
Chapter 2
Manage policies and profiles (25-30%)
Plan and implement co-management Chapter 3
  • implement co-management precedence
  • migrate group policy to MDM policies
  • recommend a co-management strategy
Chapter 3
Implement conditional access and compliance policies for devices Chapter 3
  • implement conditional access policies
  • manage conditional access policies
  • plan conditional access policies
  • implement device compliance policies
  • manage device compliance policies
  • plan device compliance policies

Chapter 3

Configure device profiles Chapter 3
  • implement device profiles
  • manage device profiles
  • plan device profiles

Chapter 3

Manage user profiles Chapter 2
  • configure user profiles
  • configure Enterprise State Roaming in Azure AD
  • configure sync settings
  • implement Folder Redirection, including OneDrive
Chapter 2
Manage and protect devices (20-25%)
Manage Windows Defender Chapter 5
  • implement and manage Windows Defender Application Guard
  • implement and manage Windows Defender Credential Guard
  • implement and manage Windows Defender Exploit Guard
  • implement Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection
  • integrate Windows Defender Application Control
  • manage Windows Defender Antivirus
Chapter 5
Manage Intune device enrollment and inventory Chapter 4
  • configure enrollment settings
  • configure Intune automatic enrollment
  • enable device enrollment
  • enroll non-Windows devices
  • enroll Windows devices
  • generate custom device inventory reports’ Review device inventory
Chapter 4
Monitor devices Chapter 6
  • monitor device health (e.g., log analytics, Windows Analytics, or other cloud-based tools, etc.)
  • monitor device security
Chapter 6
Manage apps and data (10-15%)
Deploy and update applications Chapter 4
  • assign apps to groups
  • deploy apps by using Intune
  • deploy apps by using Microsoft Store for Business
  • deploy O365 ProPlus
  • enable sideloading of apps into images
  • gather Office readiness data
  • configure and implement kiosk (assigned access) or public devices
Chapter 4
Implement Mobile Application Management (MAM) Chapter 4
  • implement MAM policies
  • manage MAM policies
  • plan MAM
  • configure Windows Information Protection
  • implement Azure Information Protection templates
  • securing data by using Intune
Chapter 4