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What does a Windows Administrator do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A Windows Administrator is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a computer network running the Windows operating system. This may include installing and configuring software, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and providing user support.

Windows Administrator job duties include:

  • Act as first point of contact for all users requiring assistance with Windows-based systems
  • Install, configure, and support Microsoft Windows operating systems and associated software
  • Ensure that system security policies are adhered to and that systems are patched in a timely manner
  • Monitor system performance and capacity, and plan for future upgrades as necessary
  • Perform regular backups and ensure that recovery procedures are in place
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot hardware and software issues
  • Assist with the development and implementation of new Windows-based applications
  • Provide training and support to users on new or updated systems and software
  • Write technical documentation for Windows-based systems

Windows Administrator Job Requirements

A Windows Administrator is responsible for the installation, configuration, and maintenance of the Microsoft Windows operating system and related software in a business environment. They may also be responsible for providing support to end users. A Windows Administrator should have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, and they should be certified in Microsoft Windows Server administration. They should also have experience working with the Windows operating system in a business environment.

Windows Administrator Skills

  • Windows
  • Active Directory
  • Group Policy
  • Exchange
  • SharePoint
  • PowerShell
  • System Center
  • Hyper-V
  • SQL Server
  • IIS

Related: Top Windows Administrator Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Windows Administrator

As the demand for qualified Windows administrators continues to grow, so does the need for comprehensive training and education programs that can give individuals the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in this field. There are a number of ways to become a Windows administrator, but most will require some combination of formal education and on-the-job experience.

The first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. This will provide you with the basic foundation needed to begin a career in this field. Once you have completed your degree, you should consider pursuing certification from Microsoft as a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE). These credentials will demonstrate your expertise in administering Windows-based systems and will make you more attractive to potential employers.

Once you have obtained your degree and certification, you should begin seeking out entry-level positions in IT departments or with companies that specialize in providing support for Windows-based systems. These positions will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with these systems on a daily basis. As you gain more experience, you can begin to specialize in specific areas of administration, such as networking or security.

With the right combination of education and experience, you can become a successful Windows administrator. These professionals are in high demand due to the complexity of today's business environments. By obtaining the necessary training and credentials, you can set yourself apart from the competition and position yourself for success in this exciting field.

Related: Windows Administrator Resume Example

Related: Windows Administrator Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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