This module helps trainees master the minimalist Windows Server Core version to optimize performance, save resources, and tighten security for enterprise systems.

Required knowledge to grasp

  • Headless Management Mindset: Understand why businesses prioritize using the Core version (reduced attack surface, reduced memory footprint, reduced reboots due to updates).

  • Proficient in PowerShell & CMD: Master command structure (Cmdlet), data piping mechanism (|), and basic system commands.

  • Remote Management: Understand the operating principles of Windows Remote Management (WinRM) and SSH protocol on the Windows platform.

Execution sequence

  1. Server Handover: Access https://dev.mdcgroup.vn, submit a request for a virtual machine with Windows Server Core 2025 installed.

  2. Initial System Configuration with Sconfig:

    • Launch the text-based control tool sconfig from the CLI screen.

    • Proceed to rename the server, configure a static IP address, set up Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS Server according to the specified network range.

    • Enable Remote Desktop and Remote Management (WinRM).

  3. Remote Device Management via PowerShell Remoting:

    • Use a personal computer to connect to Server Core via the Enter-PSSession command or establish an encrypted connection using OpenSSH Server on Windows Core.

    • Practice configuring and checking firewall status entirely using command line.

  4. Install and Configure Server Roles & Features:

    • Use the Install-WindowsFeature command to install Web Server and file management services.

    • Create and configure a sample Website on IIS, set up directory access permissions using ACL management commands.

  5. Storage Management: Initialize, partition, format new hard drives (NTFS/ReFS) added to the system using the Storage command set in PowerShell without using the Disk Management interface.

  6. Connect Centralized Management Tool: Learn how to configure and add this Windows Core server to the Windows Admin Center tool installed on another workstation to monitor resources centrally in a Hybrid model.

Result Acceptance

  • Multiple Choice Test: Answer a set of multiple-choice questions about Windows Core architecture and administrative PowerShell commands on the internal system.

  • Questions & Proposals: Propose a solution for backing up and restoring Windows Server Core system state using the wbadmin command-line tool.

  • Report Results: Submit a report file (Markdown or PDF format) attached with the PowerShell scripts used to automate the entire Server Core from start to finish.

  • Weekend Discussion: Directly share difficulties and practical experiences when "fumbling" to troubleshoot issues on a Windows server completely without a mouse and graphical display.