Windows 11 Desktop Administration: Managing Devices, Applications, and Storage from Pluralsight

Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest release of their flagship desktop operating system. This course will teach you how to configure storage, networking, and manage devices and applications in the Windows 11 operating system.

Windows 11 is Microsoft’s newest release of their desktop operating system, and while there are some similarities to previous editions of Windows, there are many new features and capabilities introduced in Windows 11. If you are a Windows power user or an IT support professional, you can benefit from understanding how to manage devices, applications, networking, and storage in Windows 11, in order to be more proficient with your own day-to-day usage of Windows, or supporting others running Windows 11 in a consumer or business environment. In this course, Windows 11 Desktop Administration: Managing Devices, Applications, and Storage, you’ll learn how to configure and manage core components of Windows 11. First, you’ll learn how user accounts are configured and how to manage devices you might connect to your Windows machine. Next, you’ll discover some of the built in security features in Windows 11, understand how to install and manage applications, and configure networking settings to ensure Windows 11 is online. Finally, you’ll explore the core storage components in Windows 11 including disks, volumes, file systems, and file sharing, and finish off by understanding and configuring printer sharing. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of managing devices, applications, storage, and networking in Windows 11, in both a consumer and business environment.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Course Introduction

Windows 11 Accounts and Services

Windows 11 Device Management

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Matt Allford, a respected expert in the field

Examines Windows 11, which is highly relevant to the IT industry

Develops skills for managing devices, applications, networking, and storage in a Windows environment

Covers a wide range of topics related to Windows 11 management

Explores best practices for securing and optimizing Windows 11 systems

Prerequisites may be required for some learners

Reviews summary

Comprehensive windows 11 administration fundamentals

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and practical foundation for Windows 11 desktop administration, covering everything from device and application management to networking, storage, and security features. Students often praise the clear explanations and engaging delivery by the instructor, along with useful labs and hands-on demonstrations that offer actionable insights. While it is widely considered an excellent starting point for IT professionals and power users, some experienced administrators desired more in-depth coverage for advanced topics. Notably, recent feedback indicates the course content has been improved and remains up-to-date, addressing earlier concerns about relevance.

Generally well-paced, though some sections felt quick.

"The networking section was a bit quick for my taste, but overall, it provides a practical understanding."

"Some parts felt a bit rushed, and I wish there were more advanced troubleshooting scenarios."

"The course provided clear steps and practical advice."

"I found the organization of the content helpful, making it easy to follow."

Ideal for beginners and those building core understanding.

"It's a great starting point, though some advanced topics could use a bit more depth for seasoned pros."

"Good foundational course. It serves as a good introduction to Windows 11 features."

"Absolutely brilliant for anyone transitioning to Windows 11 or new to desktop administration."

"Helpful for basic understanding, but for real administration, I needed to supplement with other resources."

Instructor delivers content clearly and engagingly.

"Instructor explains complex topics clearly."

"The instructor's delivery is engaging, and the content feels very up-to-date."

"The instructor was knowledgeable and easy to follow."

"I particularly liked the organization of the content, making it easy to follow."

Recent reviews indicate content is up-to-date, addressing past concerns.

"Outdated content in a few specific areas... Hoping they update it soon. Not worth it for experienced users."

"The instructor's delivery is engaging, and the content feels very up-to-date."

"I learned many new tricks for my day-to-day admin tasks, and everything felt current."

"I didn't encounter any outdated information, which was a pleasant surprise given some older reviews I'd seen."

Offers hands-on demos and directly applicable insights.

"I found the labs to be very practical. Instructor explains complex topics clearly."

"I particularly liked the module on application management and understanding the new security features."

"The demos were spot on and really helped solidify my understanding."

"I learned many new tricks for my day-to-day admin tasks."

Broadly covers key Windows 11 administration topics.

"This course is incredibly thorough for anyone looking to manage Windows 11 environments."

"Excellent course! It covers everything from user accounts to file sharing."

"Fantastic for understanding the new UI and backend changes in Windows 11. The coverage of user accounts and services was very thorough."

"It touches on many topics, providing a good quick reference for me."

May lack depth for experienced administrators seeking advanced topics.

"Some advanced topics could use a bit more depth for seasoned pros."

"Some information felt a little basic, particularly in the security module. I was hoping for more in-depth coverage."

"It touches on many topics but doesn't go deep enough into any of them. Good as a quick reference."

"I was hoping for more in-depth coverage. Good for general users, but not for IT professionals."

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 11 Desktop Administration: Managing Devices, Applications, and Storage with these activities:

Participate in group discussions on Windows 11

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Engage in discussions with other students to exchange knowledge and perspectives on various aspects of Windows 11, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding.

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Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to Windows 11.
Actively participate in discussions, sharing your insights and seeking clarifications.

Attend a Windows 11 power user workshop

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Attend a workshop tailored to advanced Windows 11 users, gaining hands-on experience and insights from experts.

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Research and identify relevant Windows 11 power user workshops.
Register and attend the workshop, actively participating in demonstrations and discussions.

Practice managing user accounts and devices

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Practicing managing user accounts and devices will help you develop proficiency in these tasks and improve your overall understanding of Windows 11 administration.

Browse courses on User Account Management

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Create a new user account and assign it to a group
Connect a new device to your Windows 11 machine and configure its settings
Troubleshoot common user account and device management issues

Six other activities

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Manage user accounts and devices

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Practice creating, managing, and removing user accounts and devices to solidify your understanding of Windows 11's user account and device management capabilities.

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Create a new user account with different levels of privilege.
Connect a new device to your Windows 11 machine and manage its settings.
Practice removing a user account and a connected device.

Configure networking settings

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Practice configuring various networking settings in Windows 11 to enhance your understanding of network management.

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Configure wired and wireless network connections.
Troubleshoot common network issues.
Configure advanced networking settings, such as firewalls and proxy servers

Follow tutorials on configuring networking settings

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Following tutorials on configuring networking settings will provide you with step-by-step guidance and hands-on experience in managing Windows 11 networks.

Browse courses on Networking Configuration

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Find a tutorial on configuring a specific networking setting in Windows 11
Follow the steps in the tutorial to configure the setting
Test the configuration to ensure it is working properly

Manage storage devices and file systems

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Practice managing storage devices and file systems in Windows 11 to deepen your understanding of data storage and management.

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Create and manage partitions on a storage device.
Format storage devices with different file systems, such as NTFS and FAT32.
Troubleshoot common storage and file system issues.

Explore advanced Windows 11 security features

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Follow guided tutorials to explore advanced security features in Windows 11, enhancing your understanding of endpoint protection.

Browse courses on Device Security

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Enable and configure Windows Defender Firewall.
Configure advanced security settings, such as Exploit Protection and Device Guard.
Troubleshoot common security issues.

Configure printer sharing

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Practice configuring printer sharing in Windows 11 to solidify your understanding of resource sharing.

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Share a printer connected to your Windows 11 machine.
Connect to a shared printer on a network.
Troubleshoot common printer sharing issues.

Career center

Learners who complete Windows 11 Desktop Administration: Managing Devices, Applications, and Storage will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer systems and networks. They ensure that systems are running smoothly and efficiently, and they may also provide technical support to users.

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Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and Information Systems Managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in such functional areas as information systems development, implementation, and maintenance within an organization.

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Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks meet the needs of the organization, and they may also provide technical support to users.

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Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems and networks. They may answer questions, troubleshoot problems, and provide training.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures, and design changes to improve efficiency. They may also research new technologies and recommend ways to implement them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of database systems. They ensure that databases are reliable, secure, and efficient.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators plan, implement, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks meet the needs of the organization, and they may also provide technical support to users.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make better decisions. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new products to improving customer service.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They may work on a variety of projects, from creating simple websites to developing complex e-commerce systems.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software applications to ensure that they meet the requirements of the users. They may also develop and implement quality assurance processes.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts study an organization's business processes and develop recommendations for improvements. They may also help to implement these recommendations.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new software to updating existing systems. This course will teach you how to configure storage, networking, and manage devices and applications in the Windows 11 operating system. Therefore, this course may be helpful for Software Developers who want to learn more about how to use Windows 11 to manage their systems.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, test, and maintain the code that makes computers work. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new software to updating existing systems. This course will teach you how to configure storage, networking, and manage devices and applications in the Windows 11 operating system. Therefore, this course may be helpful for Computer Programmers who want to learn more about how to use Windows 11 to manage their systems.

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Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, test, and oversee the installation of computer hardware systems. They may also write software to control the hardware they develop. Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft's desktop operating system. This course will teach you how to configure storage, networking, and manage devices and applications in the Windows 11 operating system. Therefore, this course may be helpful for Computer Hardware Engineers who want to learn more about how to use Windows 11 to manage their hardware systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer