ED 32: Windows Virtual Machine (15 pts extra)

What you need

Purpose

To set up a Windows local machine.

Installing VMware

Get the appropriate VMware product for your operating system: Install VMware with the default options.

Mac M1, M2, or M3 Users

If you are using a Mac M1, M2, or M3 machine, you cannot use the process below because you have the newer ARM processor.

Follow these instructions instead.

Here are the choices I recommend during the process:

  • Step 4: Choose Professional
  • Step 8: Choose UEFI
  • Step 9: Choose "Auto Generate Password". Accept the default of "Remember Password and store it in Mac's Keychain".
  • Step 11: Click "Customize Settings".
  • After step 13, change the hard disk size to 150 GB.
  • When first booting the machine, you need to click on the desktop and press Enter to boot from DVD.
  • At the "Activate Windows" screen, click "I don't have a product key".
  • Install "Windows 11 Pro".
  • Perform a Custom installation, not an Upgrade
  • At the "How would you like to set up this device?" screen, click "Set up for personal use"

Downloading Windows

In a browser, go to

https://samsclass.info/124/proj14/mseval.htm

Download the ISO for the version of Windows you want. If you're not sure, get Windows 10.

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 may 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