Windows Endpoint Administration: Manage, Maintain, and Protect Devices from Pluralsight

Managing Windows 10 and 11 devices today means leveraging cloud-based tools such as Microsoft Intune. This course will teach you how to enroll, inventory, configure, secure, update, and monitor Intune clients alongside traditional desktops.

Managing Windows devices over time involves enrolling them into a management ecosystem, ensuring that they adhere to a consistent and desired set of operating system settings, protecting them from the many possible sources of both intentional and unintentional harm, and monitoring them on an ongoing basis for both security and stability. In this course, Windows Endpoint Administration: Manage, Maintain, and Protect Devices, you will gain the ability to enroll, protect, and monitor Windows 10 and 11 devices with both LAN-based and cloud-based utilities. First, you will learn about all the methods – automatic and manual – for enrolling devices into Microsoft’s MDM solution, Intune. Next, you will discover how to protect those devices with the many security components that Microsoft has branded with the Microsoft Defender label, using settings that can be made locally or through corporate management tools. Finally, you will explore ways to keep tabs on Windows systems by using Azure Monitor, Endpoint Manager Admin Center, Microsoft 365 Defender portal, and Endpoint Analytics. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge to enroll, secure, and monitor Windows 10 and 11 devices with both on-premises and cloud-based tools, and be prepared for the MD-102 exam to obtain certification as an Endpoint Administrator Associate.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Intune Enrollment and Inventory

Configure Device Profiles

Monitor Devices

Manage Updates

Manage Microsoft Defender

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a technical foundation for understanding Windows management using Microsoft's tools

Develops skills that are useful in roles such as IT Help Desk Technician, Windows Administrator, and Endpoint Administrator

Taught by Glenn Weadock, who is recognized for their work in Microsoft Windows Server and Azure

Examines Microsoft Endpoint Manager, which is a standard in Windows device management

Covers Microsoft Defender, a highly relevant security solution for Windows systems

Requires learners to come in with some background knowledge in Windows device management

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Windows Endpoint Administration: Manage, Maintain, and Protect Devices with these activities:

Read Microsoft's Endpoint Manager Documentation

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Review Microsoft's Endpoint Manager documentation to supplement your understanding of the course material and stay up-to-date on the latest features and best practices.

View 70-688 Supporting Windows 8.1 (Microsoft... on Amazon

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Identify relevant sections of the documentation based on the course syllabus.
Read and understand the documentation.
Take notes or highlight important concepts.

Attend a Local IT Meetup or Conference

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Attend a local IT meetup or conference to connect with professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends in Windows device management.

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Find upcoming IT meetups or conferences in your area.
Register for the event.
Attend the event and participate in discussions.
Network with other attendees.
Follow up with new connections after the event.

Compile a Glossary of Windows Device Management Terms

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Create a glossary of common Windows device management terms to enhance your understanding of the course content.

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Identify key terms related to Windows device management.
Define each term accurately and concisely.
Organize the terms alphabetically or by category.
Share the glossary with classmates or use it for personal reference.

Five other activities

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Assist with Windows Device Deployment in a Local Organization

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Volunteer to assist with Windows device deployment in a local organization to gain real-world experience and contribute to the community.

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Contact local organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Assist with tasks such as device imaging, software installation, and user training.
Document the deployment process and share your learnings.
Network with IT professionals and learn about industry best practices.
Obtain a letter of recommendation to demonstrate your skills and experience.

Configure Intune Device Profiles in a Lab

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Configure Intune device profiles in a lab environment to gain hands-on experience managing Windows devices.

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Set up a lab environment with Intune.
Create a new device profile in Intune.
Configure settings and restrictions for the device profile.
Assign the device profile to a test group of devices.
Monitor the devices to ensure the profile is applied and working as intended.

Deploy a Windows 10 or 11 Update

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Plan and execute a Windows 10 or 11 update deployment project to gain practical experience in managing Windows devices.

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Plan the update deployment strategy.
Test the update in a pilot environment.
Deploy the update to production devices.
Monitor the update progress and address any issues.
Document the deployment process and lessons learned.

Manage Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

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Practice managing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to protect Windows devices from threats.

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Configure Microsoft Defender for Endpoint policies.
Monitor security alerts and events.
Respond to security incidents.
Generate security reports.
Troubleshoot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint issues.

Develop a Windows Endpoint Management Policy

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Create a comprehensive Windows Endpoint Management policy to ensure consistent and secure management of Windows devices.

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Identify the scope and objectives of the policy.
Research and select appropriate settings and configurations.
Draft the policy document.
Review and refine the policy.
Implement and monitor the policy.

Career center

Learners who complete Windows Endpoint Administration: Manage, Maintain, and Protect Devices will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Endpoint Management Engineer

An Endpoint Management Engineer is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing the organization's endpoint devices, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration can help you build a foundation for success in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to enroll, secure, and monitor Windows devices, as well as how to manage Microsoft Defender. This course may also be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in IT operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Endpoint Management Engineer

Endpoint Security Engineer

An Endpoint Security Engineer is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing the organization's endpoint security, including protecting devices from malware, viruses, and other threats. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration can help you build a foundation for success in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to secure Windows devices, as well as how to manage Microsoft Defender. This course may also be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Endpoint Security Engineer

Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining cloud-based applications and infrastructure. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration can help you build a foundation for success in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and maintain Windows devices in the cloud, as well as how to manage Microsoft Defender. This course may also be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in cloud computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration may be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in software development by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand how Windows devices work and how to develop software that runs on Windows devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining computer networks, including routers, switches, and firewalls. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration may be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in network engineering by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand how Windows devices connect to networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining databases, including creating, modifying, and deleting databases, and backing up and restoring data. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration may be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in database administration by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand how to manage and maintain Windows devices that host databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify trends and patterns. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration may be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in data analysis by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand how to collect and analyze data from Windows devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst is responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks, investigating security incidents, and developing and implementing security policies. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration can help you build a foundation for success in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to secure Windows devices, as well as how to manage Microsoft Defender. This course may also be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the network, including managing and maintaining network hardware and software, ensuring network security, and monitoring network performance. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration can help you build a foundation for success in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to enroll, secure, and monitor Windows devices, as well as how to manage Microsoft Defender. This course may also be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in IT management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

IT Support Specialist

An IT Support Specialist is responsible for providing technical support to users, including troubleshooting computer problems, installing software, and providing training. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration can help you build a foundation for success in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and maintain Windows devices, as well as how to manage Microsoft Defender. This course may also be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in IT help desk.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

IT Administrator

An IT Administrator is responsible for planning, managing, and maintaining the organization's computer systems and networks, and is also responsible for helping to implement security measures and enforcing security policies. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration can help you build a foundation for success in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to enroll, secure, and monitor Windows devices, as well as how to manage Microsoft Defender. This course may also be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in IT management.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Administrator

Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems, including hardware and software, to meet the needs of an organization. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration can help you build a foundation for success in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and maintain Windows devices, as well as how to manage Microsoft Defender. This course may also be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in IT consulting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

IT Auditor

An IT Auditor is responsible for assessing the organization's IT systems and processes to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration may be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in IT auditing by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand how to audit Windows devices.

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IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and directing the organization's IT resources, including hardware, software, and personnel. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration can help you build a foundation for success in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and maintain Windows devices, as well as how to manage Microsoft Defender. This course may also be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in IT leadership.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems, including hardware, software, and operating systems. A course on Windows Endpoint Administration can help you build a foundation for success in this role by providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and maintain Windows devices, as well as how to manage Microsoft Defender. This course may also be helpful for those who wish to pursue a career in IT operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator