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Preparation Hints

Exam Objectives

The objectives for this exam, as stated by Microsoft include:

Install and Upgrade to Windows 8 (14%)

  • Evaluate hardware readiness and compatibility.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: determine whether 32 bit or 64 bit is appropriate; determine screen resolution; choose between an upgrade or a clean installation; determine which SKU to install

  • Install Windows 8.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: install as Windows to Go; migrate from Windows XP or Windows Vista; upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8 or from one edition of Windows 8 to another edition of Windows 8; install VHD

  • Migrate and configure user data.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: migrate user profiles; configure folder redirection; configure profiles

Configure Hardware and Applications (16%)

  • Configure devices and device drivers.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: install, update, disable, and roll back drivers; resolve driver issues; configure driver settings

  • Install and configure desktop applications.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: set compatibility mode; install and repair applications by using Windows Installer; configure default program settings; modify file associations; manage App-V applications

  • Install and configure Windows Store applications.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: install, reinstall, and update Windows Store applications; restrict Windows Store content; add internal content (side loading); disable Windows Store

  • Control access to local hardware and applications.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure AppLocker; configure access through Group Policy or local security policy; manage installation of removable devices

  • Configure Internet Explorer.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure compatibility view; configure security settings; manage add-ons; configure websockets; configure Download Manager

  • Configure Hyper-V.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: create and configure virtual machines; create and manage snapshots; create and configure virtual switches; create and configure virtual disks

Configure Network Connectivity (15%)

  • Configure IP settings.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure name resolution; connect to a network; configure network locations; resolve connectivity issues

  • Configure networking settings.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: connect to a wireless network; manage preferred wireless networks; configure network adapters; configure location-aware printing

  • Configure and maintain network security.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure Windows Firewall; configure Windows Firewall with Advanced Security; configure connection security rules (IPSec); configure authenticated exceptions; configure network discovery; manage wireless security

  • Configure remote management.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: choose the appropriate remote management tools; configure remote management settings; modify settings remotely by using MMCs or Windows PowerShell

Configure Access to Resources (14%)

  • Configure shared resources.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure shared folder permissions; configure HomeGroup settings; configure file libraries; configure shared printers; set up and configure SkyDrive; configure Near Field Communication (NFC)

  • Configure file and folder access.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: encrypt files and folders by using EFS; configure NTFS permissions; configure disk quotas; configure object access auditing

  • Configure local security settings.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure local security policy; configure User Account Control (UAC) behavior; configure Secure Boot; configure SmartScreen filter

  • Configure authentication and authorization.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure rights; manage credentials; manage certificates; configure smart cards; configure biometrics; configure picture password; configure PIN; set up and configure Windows Live ID

Configure Remote Access and Mobility (14%)

  • Configure remote connections.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure remote authentication; configure Remote Desktop settings; establish VPN connections and authentication; enable VPN reconnect; manage broadband connections

  • Configure mobility options.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure offline file policies; configure power policies; configure Windows to Go; configure sync options; configure WiFi direct

  • Configure security for mobile devices.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure BitLocker and BitLocker To Go policies; configure startup key storage; configure remote wipe; configure location settings (GPS)

Monitor and Maintain Windows Clients (13%)

  • Configure and manage updates.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure update settings; configure Windows Update policies; manage update history; roll back updates; update Windows Store applications

  • Manage local storage.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: manage disk volumes; manage file system fragmentation; manage storage spaces

  • Monitor system performance.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure and analyze event logs; configure event subscriptions; configure Task Manager; monitor system resources; optimize networking performance; optimize the desktop environment; configure indexing options

Configure Backup and Recovery Options (14%)

  • Configure backup.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: create a system recovery disk; back up files, folders, and full system; schedule backups

  • Configure system recovery options.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure system restore; determine when to choose last known good configuration; perform a complete restore; perform a driver rollback; perform a push button refresh or reset; configure startup settings

  • Configure file recovery options.

    • This objective may include but is not limited to: configure file restore points; restore previous versions of files and folders; configure File History

Where to Go from Here

Those passing the 70-687 do not automatically receive a Microsoft certification. This exam counts as credit toward the MCSA: Windows 8 certification. In order to receive this certification, you must pass the following exams:

  • Exam 70-687, Configuring Windows 8
  • Exam 70-688, Managing and Maintaining Windows 8

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Last Update: November 17, 2020