How to Build Your Microsoft AD/Configuration Manager + Pentesting Lab in 30 Minutes

RonJan 21, 2024

This lab kit from Microsoft contains evaluation software designed for IT professionals interested in assessing Windows 10 deployment and management products. I find it useful not only for learning AD & Configuration Manager but also for studying pentesting. Lab contains the following VM below.

Server Name	Roles & Products
HYD-CLIENT1	Windows 11, Version 23H2 Domain Joined
HYD-CLIENT2	Windows 11, Version 23H2 Domain Joined
HYD-CLIENT3	Windows 11, Version 23H2 Workgroup
HYD-CLIENT4	Windows 11, Version 23H2 Workgroup
HYD-CLIENT 5, 6	Bare metal (No Installations)
HYD-CM1	Microsoft Configuration Manager 2303 Windows Deployment Services Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit for Windows 11, Version 22H2 Windows Software Update Services Microsoft SQL Server 2022
HYD-DC1	Active Directory Domain Controller, DNS, DHCP, Certificate Services
HYD-GW1	Remote Access for Internet Connectivity

Source:Windows 11 and Office 365 Deployment Lab Kit | Microsoft Evaluation Center

1. Download the lab from Microsoft from the link below:

Windows 11 and Office 365 Deployment Lab Kit | Microsoft Evaluation Center

2. For your workstation, I’m using Windows 10. Install Hyper-V by navigating to the Control Panel, clicking on ‘Program Features,’ and checking ‘Hyper-V.

3. Create an External Virtual Switch in Hyper-V . Launch the Hyper-V Console and under Actions, click Virtual Switch Manager. Select External .

4. Download and Extract the ZIP File.

5. Run the setup as an administrator. Click ‘Next’ and wait until the installation is completed.

7. Lastly set VMs Virtual switch to External 2 to provide internet connection.

Bonus Lab:

Now, the setup for Windows AD/Configuration Manager training is complete. I have added a host, Kali203, for learning pentesting. To install it on Hyper-V, follow the steps below:

1. On HypeV click Action Quick Create