Top 12 Windows Administrator Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, standing out as a Windows Administrator requires showcasing a blend of technical prowess and soft skills on your resume. Highlighting the top skills in this domain not only demonstrates your proficiency in managing Windows environments but also signals to potential employers your readiness to tackle the complex challenges of IT infrastructure.

Windows Administrator Skills

1. PowerShell
2. Active Directory
3. Group Policy
4. Hyper-V
5. SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager)
6. Azure AD
7. WSUS (Windows Server Update Services)
8. IIS (Internet Information Services)
9. DNS (Domain Name System)
10. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
11. NTFS Permissions
12. VMware ESXi

1. PowerShell

PowerShell is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and scripting language, designed for system administration by automating tasks, managing configurations, and accessing system and network components in a Windows environment.

Why It's Important

PowerShell is important for Windows Administrators because it enables automation of complex management tasks, provides access to a wide range of system functions, and enhances productivity by allowing for the management of both local and remote Windows systems through a single, powerful scripting language.

How to Improve PowerShell Skills

Improving your PowerShell skills as a Windows Administrator involves a few key steps focused on understanding core concepts, automation, and community resources. Here's a concise guide:

1. Learn the Basics: Start with the fundamentals of PowerShell syntax, cmdlets, and the pipeline. Microsoft's PowerShell documentation is an excellent starting point.

2. Scripting and Automation: Practice writing scripts for common administrative tasks. Explore Microsoft's Scripting tutorials to deepen your understanding.

3. Use PowerShell ISE: The Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE) is a helpful tool for writing and debugging scripts. Familiarize yourself with its features to enhance productivity.

4. DSC (Desired State Configuration): Learn DSC to manage and deploy PowerShell configurations across multiple systems. Start with the official DSC documentation.

5. Module Management: Learn to install and manage PowerShell modules. The PowerShell Gallery is a great resource for finding and sharing modules.

6. Advanced Functions: Dive into creating advanced functions, using parameters, and error handling for robust scripts. Reference About Functions Advanced.

7. Regular Practice: Apply your skills by automating real-world administrative tasks. Join forums and communities, such as the PowerShell subreddit, for sharing knowledge and getting help.

8. Stay Updated: PowerShell is continuously updated. Follow the PowerShell Team Blog for the latest features and updates.

By following these steps and utilizing these resources, you'll significantly improve your PowerShell skills, enhancing your capabilities as a Windows Administrator.

How to Display PowerShell Skills on Your Resume

2. Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It enables centralized management of users, computers, and other resources within a network, facilitating authentication and authorization processes.

Why It's Important

Active Directory (AD) is crucial for Windows Administrators because it centralizes and simplifies user and resource management, enhances security through authentication and authorization, and supports policy enforcement across a Windows network.

How to Improve Active Directory Skills

Improving Active Directory (AD) involves enhancing security, performance, and manageability. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Optimize Security: Implement strong password policies, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and regularly review and update permissions. Use Microsoft's guidelines for securing Active Directory (Microsoft Security).

2. Regular Auditing and Monitoring: Use tools like AD Audit Plus (ManageEngine) to monitor AD changes, track login attempts, and ensure compliance.

3. Update and Patch: Regularly update AD domain controllers with the latest patches to mitigate vulnerabilities. Microsoft's patch management guide (Patch Management) is a valuable resource.

4. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Implement a rigorous backup strategy for AD, including system state and bare-metal backups. Microsoft provides insights on AD backup and recovery (AD Backup and Recovery).

5. Implement Least Privilege Principle: Ensure users have only the access necessary for their roles. Tools like Microsoft's Privileged Access Management (PAM) can help manage and mitigate risks associated with privileged access.

6. Use Group Policy Effectively: Leverage Group Policy Objects (GPOs) for efficient configuration management across AD. Review Microsoft's Group Policy documentation (Group Policy) for best practices.

7. Clean Up and Maintain AD: Regularly clean up obsolete accounts, groups, and group policies. Tools like AD Tidy (AD Tidy) can help identify and manage outdated AD objects.

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can significantly improve the performance, security, and manageability of Active Directory.

How to Display Active Directory Skills on Your Resume

3. Group Policy

Group Policy is a feature in Windows that allows administrators to manage and configure operating system settings, applications, and user environments centrally across a network of computers.

Why It's Important

Group Policy is essential for Windows Administrators because it allows centralized management and configuration of operating systems, applications, and users' settings in an Active Directory environment, improving security and reducing administrative overhead.

How to Improve Group Policy Skills

Improving Group Policy management in a Windows environment primarily involves optimizing performance, ensuring security, and maintaining manageability. Here are concise steps with resources:

1. Centralize Management: Use a single Group Policy Object (GPO) when possible to simplify management. Microsoft Docs on Group Policy Management

2. Minimize GPOs: Keep the number of GPOs to a minimum to reduce login times and system strain. Group Policy Best Practices

3. Use Security Filtering: Apply GPOs only to specific users or groups to enhance security and performance. Security Filtering

4. Implement WMI Filters: Use WMI filters for targeting GPOs based on device characteristics, further optimizing performance. WMI Filtering

5. Regularly Review and Cleanup: Audit and remove outdated or unused GPOs to maintain an efficient environment. GPO Review and Cleanup

6. Leverage Group Policy Preferences: Use preferences for non-critical settings for easier management and flexibility. Group Policy Preferences

7. Optimize Group Policy Processing: Adjust settings like disabling unused components to improve login times and system responsiveness. Optimizing Group Policy

8. Use AGPM for Change Management: Advanced Group Policy Management (part of MDOP) helps in change control and versioning of GPOs. AGPM

By following these steps and leveraging the provided resources, Windows Administrators can significantly improve their Group Policy environment.

How to Display Group Policy Skills on Your Resume

4. Hyper-V

Hyper-V is a virtualization technology developed by Microsoft that allows Windows Administrators to create and manage virtual machines, enabling the running of multiple operating systems on a single physical server, thus optimizing hardware usage and facilitating efficient management of IT environments.

Why It's Important

Hyper-V is crucial for Windows Administrators because it enables efficient management of virtualized computing environments, allowing for resource optimization, streamlined deployment of applications and services, and enhanced disaster recovery and system flexibility.

How to Improve Hyper-V Skills

Improving Hyper-V performance and management for a Windows Administrator involves a blend of best practices, performance tuning, and leveraging the right tools. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Optimize Virtual Machine Settings: Adjust settings based on the VM's workload. Hyper-V Configuration Guide

2. Enable Hyper-V Integration Services: Enhances VM performance and management capabilities. Integration Services

3. Monitor and Manage Resources: Use Windows Admin Center or System Center Virtual Machine Manager. Windows Admin Center | SCVMM

4. Implement Hyper-V Best Practices: Includes configuration, storage, networking, and security guidelines. Best Practices

5. Enable Dynamic Memory for VMs: Optimizes memory usage among VMs. Dynamic Memory

6. Use Fixed Size Disks for Better Performance: Fixed disks offer better performance than dynamically allocated ones. Virtual Hard Disk Guide

7. Leverage PowerShell for Automation: Automate repetitive tasks to save time. Hyper-V PowerShell

8. Regularly Update Hyper-V and Guest OS: Ensures security and functionality. Update Management

9. Utilize Network Virtualization: Improves network scalability and isolation. Network Virtualization

10. Conduct Performance Tuning: Adjust configurations for optimal performance. Performance Tuning

By following these tips and employing the mentioned resources, a Windows Administrator can significantly improve Hyper-V performance and management.

How to Display Hyper-V Skills on Your Resume

5. SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager)

SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager), now part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager, is a systems management software for managing large groups of Windows-based computers. It enables administrators to deploy operating systems, applications, and updates; enforce compliance settings; and monitor system status across an organization.

Why It's Important

SCCM is vital for a Windows Administrator because it centralizes the management of devices and applications within an organization, automating tasks such as software deployment, patch management, and inventory tracking, thereby enhancing system security and efficiency.

How to Improve SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) Skills

To improve SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) for a Windows Administrator, consider the following steps:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update SCCM to the latest version to take advantage of new features and improvements. Microsoft's Documentation provides details on the latest features.

2. Optimize Performance: Follow best practices for SQL Server configuration, as SCCM heavily relies on SQL. This includes proper indexing, maintenance plans, and tempDB configuration. SQL Configuration for SCCM.

3. Use the Cloud: Integrate SCCM with cloud services like Microsoft Intune for a co-management setup, allowing for modern management of devices and additional features. Co-management Guidance.

4. Implement Automation: Utilize PowerShell scripts for routine tasks and automation within SCCM. This can greatly reduce manual work and improve efficiency. Automating SCCM with PowerShell.

5. Secure Your Environment: Apply security best practices for SCCM to protect your infrastructure, including regular patching, secure communication, and role-based administration. Security and Privacy for SCCM.

6. Educate and Train: Continuously learn and train on SCCM features and best practices through Microsoft's official documentation and community forums. SCCM Documentation.

By staying updated, optimizing performance, utilizing cloud services, automating tasks, securing your environment, and engaging in continuous learning, you can significantly improve your SCCM deployment.

How to Display SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager) Skills on Your Resume

6. Azure AD

Azure AD (Azure Active Directory) is Microsoft's cloud-based identity and access management service, allowing for secure sign-in and authorization to applications and resources across the cloud and on-premises environments.

Why It's Important

Azure AD is crucial for a Windows Administrator because it provides centralized, cloud-based identity and access management, enabling secure and seamless access to applications and services across the organization, enhancing security, and simplifying user administration.

How to Improve Azure AD Skills

Improving Azure AD involves enhancing security, managing identities efficiently, and ensuring seamless access for users. Here are concise steps and resources for a Windows Administrator:

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access by requiring two or more verification methods. Enable Azure AD MFA

2. Use Conditional Access Policies: Implement policies that provide contextual access controls. These policies can be based on user, location, device state, and application. Conditional Access documentation

3. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Minimize risks by providing users only the access they need to perform their jobs. Understand and use role assignments in Azure AD

4. Regularly Review and Audit Access: Use Azure AD's reporting features to monitor and audit access and activities, ensuring compliance and identifying potential security issues. Access and usage reports in Azure AD

5. Keep Azure AD and Tenant Security Features Up-to-date: Regularly check for and apply updates in Azure AD and related services. Stay informed about new features and security recommendations. What's new? Release notes in Azure AD

6. Educate Users about Security Hygiene: Conduct regular training sessions on password management, recognizing phishing attempts, and secure device usage. Security best practices for Azure solutions

7. Utilize Azure AD Identity Protection: Leverage AI and machine learning to detect and mitigate potential vulnerabilities or compromised identities. Azure AD Identity Protection

8. Consolidate and Manage Identities with Azure AD Connect: Synchronize and manage identities across on-premises and cloud to simplify the user experience. Azure AD Connect documentation

By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, Windows Administrators can significantly improve their Azure AD environment, enhancing both security and efficiency.

How to Display Azure AD Skills on Your Resume

7. WSUS (Windows Server Update Services)

WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) is a Microsoft server role that enables administrators to manage the distribution and scheduling of updates released through Microsoft Update to computers in a corporate environment, helping to ensure that the organization's devices stay up to date and secure.

Why It's Important

WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) is important for a Windows Administrator because it centralizes the management and deployment of Windows updates and patches for networked computers, enhancing system security and compliance while reducing bandwidth usage and update-related disruptions.

How to Improve WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) Skills

Improving WSUS involves optimizing its performance, managing storage efficiently, and ensuring updates are delivered promptly and accurately. Here are concise steps and resources for a Windows Administrator to enhance WSUS:

1. Optimize WSUS Database: Regular maintenance of the WSUS database can significantly improve performance. Use SQL scripts or maintenance tasks to reindex the database and remove unnecessary content. Microsoft Guide on WSUS Database Maintenance.

2. Clean Up WSUS: Utilize the WSUS Cleanup Wizard to remove old or superseded updates, freeing up storage and improving synchronization times. For automation, consider using PowerShell scripts. WSUS Cleanup Process.

3. Configure Client-Side Targeting: Organize computers into groups for more efficient update management. This allows for targeted updates, reducing the load on WSUS and ensuring relevant updates are applied promptly. Client-Side Targeting Configuration.

4. Adjust IIS Settings: Modify Internet Information Services (IIS) settings to optimize WSUS performance, such as increasing the ASP.NET request queue limit, which can help under high-load scenarios. Optimizing IIS for WSUS.

5. Limit Update Languages: Only download updates in the languages needed. This reduces bandwidth and storage requirements. Configure this in the WSUS options. WSUS Update Languages.

6. Network Optimization: Use BranchCache or BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service) to optimize bandwidth usage, especially in environments with limited bandwidth or multiple branches. BranchCache for WSUS.

7. Monitor and Report: Regularly monitor WSUS performance and compliance reports to identify issues early and ensure updates are being applied successfully. Custom PowerShell scripts can automate this process. WSUS Reporting and Monitoring.

Implementing these strategies can significantly improve the efficiency, performance, and reliability of your WSUS environment.

How to Display WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) Skills on Your Resume

8. IIS (Internet Information Services)

IIS (Internet Information Services) is a flexible, secure, and manageable Web server from Microsoft that is used for hosting websites, services, and applications on the Windows platform.

Why It's Important

IIS (Internet Information Services) is crucial for Windows Administrators because it serves as the primary platform for hosting and managing web applications and websites on Windows servers, enabling secure, manageable, and scalable web services.

How to Improve IIS (Internet Information Services) Skills

To improve IIS (Internet Information Services), follow these concise steps focusing on performance, security, and management:

Performance Optimization

1. Enable Compression: Reduce load times by compressing static and dynamic content. Enable HTTP Compression.
2. Implement Caching: Use output caching to store dynamic content, reducing server load. Configure IIS Output Caching.
3. Tune Application Pools: Adjust worker processes for optimal performance. Configure Application Pools.

Security Enhancements

1. Use HTTPS: Secure communications with SSL/TLS. SSL/TLS Setup.
2. Regularly Update IIS: Apply security patches promptly. IIS Updates.
3. Restrict Permissions: Limit access rights to essential users and processes. IIS Permissions.

Efficient Management

1. Automate Tasks with PowerShell: Use scripts for routine tasks. PowerShell for IIS.
2. Monitor Performance: Use IIS logs and Windows Performance Monitor. IIS Logging, Windows Performance Monitor.
3. Enable Failed Request Tracing: Identify and troubleshoot issues. Failed Request Tracing.

By focusing on these areas, a Windows Administrator can significantly improve the performance, security, and manageability of IIS.

How to Display IIS (Internet Information Services) Skills on Your Resume

9. DNS (Domain Name System)

DNS (Domain Name System) is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system for computers, services, or any resources connected to the Internet or a private network. It translates human-friendly domain names (like www.example.com) into numerical IP addresses that computers use to locate and communicate with each other. For a Windows Administrator, DNS is crucial for network and Internet connectivity, enabling users to access websites and services using domain names instead of IP addresses, and for managing domain names within corporate networks.

Why It's Important

DNS is crucial for a Windows Administrator because it translates domain names into IP addresses, enabling users to access websites and services using easy-to-remember names instead of numeric IP addresses, ensuring efficient network navigation and resource access within Windows environments.

How to Improve DNS (Domain Name System) Skills

To improve DNS in a Windows environment, focus on the following steps:

1. Update DNS Servers: Regularly update your DNS servers to the latest versions for enhanced security and performance. Microsoft Documentation

2. Configure Forwarders: Use forwarders to handle DNS queries more efficiently by directing queries for external names to specific, high-performance DNS servers. Configure DNS Forwarders

3. Enable DNSSEC: Implement DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to protect against DNS spoofing by ensuring the authenticity of response data. DNSSEC in Windows

4. Monitor and Audit: Regularly monitor DNS logs and audit configurations to identify and respond to unusual activity or configuration issues. Monitor DNS Server

5. Apply Caching Strategies: Configure DNS caching strategically to reduce latency and improve response times for DNS queries. Understanding DNS Caching

6. Use Secondary DNS Servers: Implement secondary DNS servers for redundancy and load balancing, ensuring high availability. Secondary DNS Servers

7. Secure your DNS: Implement access controls and firewalls to limit who can query your DNS servers, reducing the risk of attacks. Secure the DNS Server Role

By following these strategies and regularly reviewing your DNS infrastructure for updates and best practices, you can significantly improve the performance and security of your DNS services.

How to Display DNS (Domain Name System) Skills on Your Resume

10. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a network management protocol used to automatically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network, simplifying the task of IP address management for network administrators.

Why It's Important

DHCP is crucial for a Windows Administrator because it automates the assignment of IP addresses, ensuring efficient network configuration and management, reducing manual errors, and saving time.

How to Improve DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Skills

To improve DHCP for a Windows environment, consider the following concise steps:

1. Update and Patch: Regularly update Windows Server and DHCP software to ensure all known vulnerabilities are patched. Microsoft Update Catalog

2. Network Segmentation: Use VLANs to segment your network, reducing broadcast traffic and improving DHCP management. Network Segmentation Best Practices

3. DHCP Failover: Implement DHCP failover to provide high availability for your DHCP service. Configure DHCP Failover

4. Reserve IP Addresses: Reserve IP addresses for critical devices (servers, printers, etc.) to ensure they always receive the same IP. Manage Reservations and Reserved Clients

5. Scope Configuration: Properly configure scope settings, including lease duration based on the type of network and devices. Shorter leases for guest networks, longer for internal devices. DHCP Scopes

6. DHCP Filtering: Utilize MAC address filtering to allow or deny devices, enhancing security. Configure MAC Address Filtering

7. Audit and Monitor: Regularly audit and monitor DHCP logs for unusual activity or errors. Implement monitoring tools. DHCP Logging

8. Backup and Recovery: Regularly backup DHCP database and understand the recovery process to prevent data loss. Back up and Restore DHCP

By applying these strategies, you can significantly improve the performance, reliability, and security of your DHCP services within a Windows environment.

How to Display DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Skills on Your Resume

11. NTFS Permissions

NTFS (New Technology File System) permissions are a set of rules defined by a Windows Administrator that control access to files and folders on NTFS-formatted drives. These permissions determine the level of interaction (such as read, write, modify, or full control) that users or groups can have with the filesystem's objects. NTFS permissions are crucial for securing data and managing user access in a Windows environment.

Why It's Important

NTFS permissions are crucial for a Windows Administrator because they provide the ability to control access to files and folders, ensuring that sensitive information is protected and that users only have the appropriate level of access to network resources, enhancing both security and data integrity.

How to Improve NTFS Permissions Skills

Improving NTFS Permissions involves a few key strategies aimed at enhancing security and minimizing administrative overhead. Here's a concise guide for a Windows Administrator:

1. Understand Permission Inheritance: Grasp how permissions are inherited from parent folders to ensure appropriate access levels are maintained. Microsoft's Overview on Inheritance.

2. Use Groups for Permission Assignment: Assign permissions to groups, not individual users, to streamline management. Group Strategy for Permissions.

3. Apply the Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users the minimum levels of access necessary for their roles. Understanding Least Privilege.

4. Regularly Review and Audit Permissions: Periodically check permissions for accuracy and necessity. Use tools like AccessEnum or ShareEnum for this task. AccessEnum Tool.

5. Implement Advanced Security Settings When Necessary: For sensitive data, consider using Advanced Security Settings for more granular control. Advanced Security Settings.

6. Educate Users: Ensure users understand the importance of data security and the implications of mishandling permissions.

7. Leverage PowerShell for Management: Use PowerShell scripts to automate and manage NTFS permissions efficiently. PowerShell for File Management.

8. Backup and Document Your Permissions: Regularly backup NTFS permissions and keep documentation updated for disaster recovery purposes. Backup and Restore NTFS Permissions.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively improve your NTFS permissions management, enhancing both security and efficiency within your organization.

How to Display NTFS Permissions Skills on Your Resume

12. VMware ESXi

VMware ESXi is a type-1 hypervisor used to create and manage multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server, enabling efficient hardware utilization and simplified administration of various operating systems and applications on a consolidated platform.

Why It's Important

VMware ESXi is important for a Windows Administrator because it provides a powerful and efficient platform for virtualizing Windows servers, enabling better hardware utilization, simplified management, and enhanced disaster recovery options.

How to Improve VMware ESXi Skills

Improving VMware ESXi for a Windows Administrator involves enhancing performance, security, and manageability. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Optimize Performance: Update to the latest version for performance improvements. Adjust VM hardware versions and configurations based on your workload requirements. Use VMware's Performance Best Practices guide (VMware Documentation).

2. Enhance Security: Apply security patches promptly. Follow VMware's Security Hardening Guides (Security Hardening Guides) to reduce vulnerabilities.

3. Efficient Management: Utilize VMware vCenter for centralized management. Consider automation and scripting with PowerShell and PowerCLI for repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency (PowerCLI).

4. Storage and Network Optimization: Use VMware's storage and network best practices to ensure high performance and reliability. Implement VMFS for efficient storage management (Storage Hub).

5. Monitor and Analyze: Use VMware vRealize Operations Manager for performance monitoring and analysis to proactively address issues (vRealize Operations).

6. Disaster Recovery Planning: Implement a solid backup and disaster recovery plan using VMware Site Recovery Manager (Site Recovery Manager).

7. Educate and Stay Updated: Continuously educate yourself on VMware ESXi best practices and updates through VMware Learning (VMware Customer Connect Learning) and communities (VMware Community).

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the performance, security, and manageability of VMware ESXi environments.

How to Display VMware ESXi Skills on Your Resume