Module 3: Setting Up a Virtual Lab Environment

Step 1: Download ISO windows 11
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download


Step 2: Download and install VMware workstation player.
VMware download : https://www.vmware.com/products/desktop-hypervisor/workstation-and-fusion
Create a free account here: https://support.broadcom.com/

Part 1: Creating the Virtual Machine in VMware Workstation Player

1. Confirm Windows 11 ISO Download:

   • Make sure your Windows 11 ISO file download has finished. Take note of the location where you saved it. For example : "C:\Users/Downloads\file.name"

2. Create a New Virtual Machine:

   • Open VMware Workstation Player.

   • Go to Player > File > New Virtual Machine to start creating a new virtual machine.

3. Select the Windows ISO:

   • In the setup window, select Installer disc image file (ISO).

   • Click Browse and locate the Windows ISO file you downloaded.

   • Click Next to proceed.

4. Name and Save the VM:

   • Give the virtual machine a name, such as "Windows 11 VM".

   • Choose a location to save the virtual machine files or keep the default location if it suits your needs.

   • Click Next.

5. Set the Disk Size:

   • Set the maximum disk size for the VM to 50 GB. This should be sufficient for testing purposes.

   • Select Store virtual disk as a single file and click Next.

6. Customize Hardware Settings:

   • Click Customize Hardware to configure the virtual machine's resources:

     • Memory: If your system has sufficient RAM, you may increase the memory allocation. If unsure, leave it at the default.

     • CPU: Leave this as is unless you have specific CPU requirements.

     • Network Adapter: Change the network adapter setting to Bridged. This configuration allows the VM to communicate with the host computer’s network, which is useful for Nessus scans.

   • Once you’ve adjusted the settings, click Close to save them.

7. Finish VM Setup:

   • Check the box Power on this virtual machine after creation to start the VM automatically.

   • Click Finish to create the VM.

Part 2: Installing Windows 11 on the Virtual Machine

1. Boot from the ISO:

   • When the VM starts, it will prompt you to "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD." Press a key to begin the Windows 11 installation.

2. Navigate VMware Cursor Controls:

   • If your cursor disappears inside the VM, check the lower-left corner of VMware. It will prompt you to "Press Ctrl + Alt" to release the cursor back to your host system.

3. Start Windows Installation:

   • Click Next and then Install Now to begin the Windows installation process.

4. Skip Product Key:

   • Select I don’t have a product key to skip activation for now.

5. Choose Windows Edition:

   • Select Windows 11 Pro (or the version you prefer) and click Next.

6. Accept License Agreement:

   • Review the license terms, check I accept the license terms, and click Next.

7. Select Custom Installation:

   • Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) to install Windows on the blank virtual hard drive.

8. Select Drive and Start Installation:

   • Select the unallocated space (e.g., Drive 0 Unallocated Space) and click Next to begin the installation.

   • The installation may take some time. Feel free to take a break while it is complete.

Part 3: Configure Windows 11 Initial Setup

1. Complete Initial Setup:

   • After installation, you’ll be prompted to configure Windows:

     • Select your region (e.g., United States) and click Yes.

     • Choose your keyboard layout (e.g., US) and click Yes. Skip adding a second layout.

2. Setup for Personal Use:

   • When prompted, choose Set up for personal use and click Next.

3. Create an Offline Account:

   • Select Offline Account to avoid using a Microsoft account.

   • Choose Limited experience if prompted.

4. Create a Local Admin Account:

   • Enter a username, such as "admin."

   • Set a simple password. Remember this password, as it will be used for credentialed scans later with Nessus Essentials.

5. Disable Privacy Settings:

   • For the privacy settings (e.g., location, diagnostics), select No or Not now as needed. This VM is intended for testing purposes, so these settings are generally unnecessary.

6. Finish Windows Setup:

   • Complete the remaining setup steps until you reach the Windows 11 desktop. Your virtual machine is now ready for testing and further configuration.

Part 4: Verifying Setup for Nessus Essentials

1. Verify Nessus Essentials Installation:

   • Make sure Nessus Essentials is set up and accessible on the host computer.

2. Test Connectivity:

   • With the VM configured in Bridged mode, Nessus Essentials on your host system should be able to detect and scan the virtual machine.