ED 32: Windows Virtual Machine (15 pts extra)

What you need

Purpose

To set up a Windows local machine.

Installing a Hypervisor

Install VMware, VirtualBox, or some other virtualization software on your machine.

I recommend the VMware Products.

Downloading Windows

In a browser, go to

WIn11Local.htm

Download the ISO for the version of Windows you want. If you're not sure, get Windows 11.

Installing Windows

In your virtualization software, create a new virtual machine.

Connect the virtual DVD drive to the ISO file.

Boot from the DVD and follow the on-screen directions to install Windows. This guide may be helpful.

You will need to install VMware Tools (or the comparable software) manually.

Disabling Windows Update

At the lower left of the desktop, in the search box, type SERVICES

Open Services.

Double-click "Windows Update", as shown below.

Change the Startup type to Disabled, as shown below.

Then click OK.

Disabling Windows Defender

At the lower left of the desktop, in the search box, type DEFEND

Open "Windows Defender Settings".

Click "Virus & threat protection".

In the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click "Manage settings".

in the Exclusions section, click "Add or remove exclusions".

Click "Add an exclusion". Click Folder.

Select the C:\ drive.

Click the "Select folder" button.

In the User Account Control box, click Yes.

The C: drive should now be excluded, as shown below.

Flag ED 32: OS Name (15 pts)

In a Command Prompt window, type in this command and then press the Enter key:
systeminfo
You should see information about your Windows version, as shown below. The flag is the OS Name, covered by a green rectangle in the image below.

License Expired

If you see a "Your Windows License is Expiring Soon" message, open an Administrator Command Prompt
and execute this command:
slmgr /rearm
Then restart your machine.

Posted 3-12-2022
Updated 1-31-23
Mac M1 link added 2-6-23
License Expired message added 2-9-23
Win 11 installation on M1 instructions added 1-21-24
Minor formatting update 1-25-24
VMware download links and Windows 11 installation guide added 9-10-24
Win 11 ISO link updated 12-3-24
VMware link updated 5-11-25