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Labs

Working with Windows Accounts and Security Policies

In this lab, we will learn how to configure Windows accounts and security policies. Specifically, we will set password requirements, configure account lockout settings, and create a temporary user account that expires in one week. NOTE: Once the lab is ready, please wait 4-5 additional minutes before attempting to remote desktop to the Windows machine. Prior to that, the provided credentials will not work. This is because the Windows machine runs several preparation scripts once it starts.

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Labs

Path Info

Level
Clock icon Beginner
Duration
Clock icon 30m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 30, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Set password requirements on the local server.

    NOTE: Once the lab is ready, please wait 4-5 additional minutes before attempting to remote desktop to the Windows machine. Prior to that, the provided credentials will not work. This is because the Windows machine runs several preparation scripts once it starts.

    1. Open the Server Manager.
    2. From the Tools menu, select Local Security Policy.
    3. Expand Account Policies, and select Password Policy.
    4. Configure the following:
      • Maximum password age = 180 days
      • Minimum password age = 3 days
      • Minimum password length = 12 characters
  2. Challenge

    Configure the account lockout settings.

    1. Open the Server Manager.
    2. Click Tools, and select Local Security Policy.
    3. Expand Account Policies, and select Account Lockout Policy.
    4. Set the following values:
      • Account lockout threshold = 3 invalid logon attempts
      • Account lockout duration = 10 minutes
  3. Challenge

    Create a temporary user account.

    Create a temporary user account called contractor1 that will expire one week from today.

    1. Open the Command Prompt as Administrator.
    2. Run the following commands (remember to replace <MM/DD/YYYY> with the date one week from today):
    net user contractor1 Pinehead123abc! /add
    net user contractor1 /expires MM/DD/YYYY
    

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What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

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We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

Guided walkthrough

Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

Did you know?

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.