Exam Profile: Configuring Windows 8 (70-687)

Date: Feb 11, 2013

This article profiles the Configuring Windows 8 (70-687) exam, which tests an administrator’s ability to configure and maintain a Windows 8 operating environment. Pearson IT Certification provides a variety of exam preparation tools to help our customers in their quest for certification. As part of our service to you, we have developed this Exam Profile series. Each profile is developed based on the testing experience of one of our trainers or authors. You won’t get exact questions or answers, but you will get a real feel for the exam. Each profile describes question forms, trouble spots, hints for exam preparation, and recommendations for additional study resources. Find out what you can expect to see on the exam and how you can better prepare for it.

Like any new Microsoft desktop operating system, Windows 8 offers a number of new features. Exam 70-687 tests an administrator’s ability to use these new features and to configure the Windows 8 operating system according to Microsoft’s recommended best practices.

Exam Details

Number of questions: Microsoft does not disclose the number of questions on their certification exams, but this exam is estimated to have about 50 questions.
Types of questions: Microsoft does not disclose the exam format, but the bulk of the exam is reported to be made up of multiple choice questions. You may also encounter simulations, reorder, or build a tree questions.
Passing score: 700/1000
Time limit: Microsoft does not disclose the time limit for their exams, but most exams have a time limit of about two hours.
How to register: Prometric

Trouble Spots

As operating system exams go, Exam 70-687 is one of the easier exams that Microsoft has created in quite some time. A good bit of the exam subject matter is left over from Windows 7, so those who are proficient with Windows 7 will likely do very well on this exam.

The only real trouble spots on this exam are the questions that deal with the Metro interface and the app store. Administrators in corporate environments tend to work with Windows 8 primarily in Desktop mode. However, there are several questions on the exam which require familiarity with Metro style apps.

Trouble Spots

Preparation Hints

The best thing that you can do to prepare for this exam is to avoid making the mistake of being overly confident. Yes, much of the exam material should be very familiar to those who have taken the Windows 7 exams, but don’t make the mistake of not studying that material. In some cases there are subtle differences between a Windows 7 feature and its Windows 8 counterpart. Don’t skip reviewing an exam objective just because you assume that you already know it.

Recommended Study Resources

Being that Windows 8 is Microsoft’s flagship desktop operating system, there are plenty of study resources available for this exam. Microsoft offers a five day training course (Course 20687A Configuring Windows 8). In addition there are a number of training guides available including:

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