Windows Server Hybrid Advanced Services Training: AZ-801 Complete Course

The AZ-801 course is designed to provide IT professionals with a comprehensive understanding of advanced hybrid Windows Server administration. As organizations increasingly adopt hybrid infrastructures, combining on-premises servers with cloud-based services such as Microsoft 365 and Azure, the need for skilled professionals who can manage and secure these environments has grown significantly. This course equips participants with the knowledge and practical experience required to meet these demands, ensuring they are prepared to handle the complexities of modern IT infrastructure.

Participants in this course will gain expertise in configuring and managing Windows Server in hybrid environments. The curriculum covers key areas such as deploying and managing domain controllers, implementing hybrid identity solutions with Azure AD Connect, and securing both on-premises and cloud resources. Learners will explore advanced authentication methods, account security, and domain controller hardening to protect sensitive organizational data. They will also develop skills in configuring authentication policy silos, managing protected accounts, and applying best practices for security across multi-domain and multi-forest environments.

Hands-on learning is a central component of the AZ-801 course. Instructor-led demonstrations and lab exercises allow participants to apply theoretical concepts in realistic scenarios. Learners will configure virtual machines, deploy failover clusters, implement storage replication using Storage Spaces Direct, and manage backups with Azure Recovery Services. Practical exercises extend to monitoring hybrid infrastructures using tools such as Microsoft Sentinel and Azure diagnostics, enabling IT professionals to proactively detect and remediate issues before they impact operations. These labs ensure that learners not only understand the concepts but can also confidently apply them in professional environments.

Networking and connectivity are critical in hybrid environments, and this course provides comprehensive coverage of these areas. Participants will learn to configure remote access services, virtual private networks, and Azure Virtual WAN to ensure seamless connectivity between on-premises and cloud resources. Advanced networking configurations, such as domain isolation, connection security rules, and firewall management, are addressed in detail to maintain secure and reliable operations. Learners will also explore hybrid DNS integration, IP address management, and DHCP configurations, giving them the tools to design robust and scalable hybrid networks.

Storage and disaster recovery are also emphasized in the course. Participants will gain practical experience with Azure Site Recovery, including configuring replication, recovery plans, and failover scenarios. They will learn to migrate on-premises servers to Azure using the Azure Migrate service, transfer data to cloud-based file shares, and manage backups for both on-premises and cloud resources. Advanced techniques, such as enabling storage encryption, managing BitLocker keys, and implementing data deduplication, are covered to ensure data security and efficiency in hybrid environments.

This course is ideal for IT professionals who wish to enhance their career opportunities in hybrid cloud administration. By completing the AZ-801 course, learners will be prepared to manage complex Windows Server infrastructures, integrate cloud services, and implement advanced security measures. The course aligns with the AZ-801 exam objectives, providing a structured learning path that includes quizzes, practice tests, and hands-on labs to reinforce understanding and readiness for certification.

Course Overview

The AZ-801 course builds on the foundational knowledge provided in the AZ-800 course, extending into advanced hybrid Windows Server and Azure integration scenarios. This course is designed for IT professionals who already possess a basic understanding of hybrid infrastructures and are seeking to expand their expertise to handle complex real-world environments. By focusing on advanced administration, configuration, and management tasks, participants develop the skills necessary to ensure operational efficiency, security, and compliance across both on-premises and cloud-based systems.

One of the key components of this course is hands-on experience. Participants engage in guided labs, practical exercises, and instructor-led simulations that replicate the challenges encountered in enterprise hybrid environments. These exercises cover critical tasks such as deploying and managing domain controllers, configuring security policies for hybrid identity systems, and implementing robust authentication solutions. Learners also gain experience with configuring account security, managing protected users, and hardening domain controllers to defend against potential security threats.

Networking is a critical aspect of hybrid infrastructure management, and this course addresses it in depth. Participants learn to configure VPNs, implement domain isolation, set up connection security rules, and manage firewalls to ensure secure communication between on-premises and cloud resources. Advanced networking configurations, including hybrid DNS integration, IP address management, and Remote Access Services, are also covered. These skills enable IT professionals to design reliable and secure networks that support seamless connectivity across hybrid environments.

Storage management and disaster recovery are emphasized as integral components of hybrid administration. The course teaches learners how to configure failover clusters, implement Storage Spaces Direct, manage storage replication, and ensure high availability for critical workloads. Participants also gain experience with Azure Site Recovery, including configuring replication, recovery plans, and failover procedures. They learn to migrate on-premises servers and workloads to Azure using the Azure Migrate service, transfer data to cloud-based file shares, and implement backup strategies using Azure Recovery Services.

Identity management is another major focus area. Participants will deploy and manage hybrid identities using Azure AD Connect, implement authentication policies, and configure account security settings to protect sensitive organizational data. The course covers integrating on-premises Active Directory with Azure Active Directory, managing group policies in hybrid environments, and applying best practices for access control and security monitoring. This ensures that learners are prepared to manage identity and access across complex hybrid infrastructures.

Monitoring and troubleshooting are critical for maintaining operational efficiency. The AZ-801 course guides using tools such as Windows Admin Center, Performance Monitor, and Microsoft Sentinel to monitor system health, performance, and security. Participants learn to create alerts, analyze logs, and proactively remediate issues affecting hybrid environments. Troubleshooting scenarios include network connectivity problems, virtual machine performance issues, storage misconfigurations, and Active Directory replication errors. These exercises help learners develop the confidence to quickly identify and resolve issues in professional environments.

The course also emphasizes best practices for hybrid environment management. Participants learn to deploy virtual machines, configure remote access, manage updates, implement role-based administration, and maintain compliance with organizational policies. By working through practical exercises, learners gain the ability to design and maintain highly available, secure, and efficient hybrid infrastructures.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Secure Windows Server operating systems in hybrid environments.
  
  

• Implement and manage advanced identity and authentication services.
  
  

• Configure and manage Windows Server networking and storage in hybrid setups.
  
  

• Deploy and maintain failover clusters and high availability solutions.
  
  

• Implement disaster recovery using Azure Site Recovery and backup solutions.
  
  

• Migrate on-premises workloads, including Active Directory, IIS, Hyper-V, and other services, to Azure.
  
  

• Monitor and troubleshoot Windows Server and Azure Virtual Machines effectively.
  
  

• Manage advanced hybrid Active Directory and Azure AD configurations.
  
  

• Apply best practices for maintaining operational efficiency, security, and compliance.
  
  

Course Requirements

Participants should have:

• Knowledge of AZ-800 objectives or intermediate experience with Windows Server and Azure services.
  
  

• Access to a Windows Server environment or virtual lab for practical exercises.
  
  

• Willingness to practice the steps demonstrated in the course and engage with hands-on simulations.
  
  

Introduction to Hybrid Windows Server Environments

Managing hybrid environments requires understanding the integration of on-premises Windows Server infrastructure with cloud services. This course begins with an overview of the Microsoft ecosystem, highlighting Active Directory domains, RAS, virtualization, DMZ, and cloud services. Participants will explore infrastructure design considerations, hybrid identity requirements, and security strategies for hybrid deployments.

Hands-On Setup and Lab Preparation

Practical labs are a central component of the AZ-801 course, offering participants a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in realistic, hands-on scenarios. These labs are designed to replicate the challenges and tasks that IT professionals face when managing hybrid Windows Server environments integrated with Azure services. By engaging in these exercises, learners gain essential experience in deploying, configuring, and managing both on-premises and cloud-based resources. The lab exercises are accessible 24/7, allowing participants to practice at their own pace and revisit concepts as needed to build confidence and proficiency.

The course begins with guidance on downloading and preparing essential software for lab activities. Participants learn to acquire the Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11 ISO files and install them in virtualized environments using Hyper-V. Instructions include setting up Hyper-V, creating virtual switches, and configuring networking to ensure proper communication between virtual machines. These foundational steps enable learners to create a controlled lab environment that mirrors enterprise infrastructure, providing a safe space to test configurations and troubleshoot issues without impacting live systems.

Once the lab environment is prepared, participants move on to deploying virtual machines and configuring their operating systems. The course provides detailed instructions on creating Windows Server and Windows 11 virtual machines, joining them to on-premises Active Directory domains, and preparing them for hybrid integration with Azure. Learners practice deploying domain controllers, configuring DNS and DHCP services, and managing users and groups within Active Directory. These exercises reinforce understanding of core Windows Server concepts while providing practical experience that translates directly to real-world scenarios.

Integration with cloud services is a critical aspect of the AZ-801 course. Participants are guided through the creation of trial Microsoft 365 and Azure subscriptions to simulate hybrid infrastructure environments. Using these subscriptions, learners practice connecting on-premises Active Directory domains to Azure AD through Azure AD Connect, implementing hybrid identities, and configuring synchronization policies. These exercises provide practical insight into identity management and authentication in hybrid environments, preparing participants to manage secure and efficient connections between local and cloud resources.

The labs also cover security and compliance configurations. Participants implement security measures such as Windows Defender for Endpoint, Credential Guard, SmartScreen, and exploit protection policies. They learn to configure and manage group policies, harden domain controllers, and enforce password policies to maintain the integrity of hybrid environments. These hands-on exercises enable learners to see the direct impact of security configurations on their lab systems, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Networking is another focus area within the practical labs. Participants configure VPNs, implement domain isolation and connection security rules, and manage Windows Defender Firewall settings across on-premises and Azure-integrated systems. These exercises demonstrate how hybrid networks function, including DNS integration, IP addressing, and remote access services. Learners also gain experience in troubleshooting connectivity issues, ensuring they are equipped to handle networking challenges in professional environments.

Storage and disaster recovery exercises form a significant part of the labs. Participants practice configuring Storage Spaces, implementing failover clusters, and managing backups using Azure Recovery Services and the Azure Backup Server. They also learn to perform VM replication, migrate on-premises workloads to Azure, and configure disaster recovery policies. By performing these tasks in a lab setting, learners develop practical skills that enhance their ability to maintain high availability and protect organizational data.

Identity Management and Security

Advanced identity management is a critical component of hybrid environments. Participants will learn to:

• Deploy and manage domain controllers on-premises and in Azure.
  
  

• Join servers and Windows 11 clients to a domain.
  
  

• Implement secure password policies, protected user accounts, and account security on Read-Only Domain Controllers.
  
  

• Harden domain controllers and configure authentication policy silos.
  
  

• Manage administrative groups, delegation, and Microsoft Defender for Identity.
  
  

• Secure hybrid Active Directory infrastructures and monitor for potential security risks using Defender for Cloud and Microsoft Sentinel.
  
  

Hands-on labs allow learners to apply these configurations, ensuring secure identity and authentication practices.

Operating System Security

Participants will gain expertise in securing Windows Server operating systems by configuring:

• Exploit protection and Windows Defender Application Control.
  
  

• Windows Defender for Endpoint and Credential Guard.
  
  

• SmartScreen and other system protection features.
  
  

• Group Policies for operating system hardening and access management.
  
  

These configurations enable learners to maintain secure and compliant hybrid environments.

Networking and Storage Security

Hybrid infrastructures require advanced networking and storage solutions. Participants will learn to:

• Manage Windows Defender Firewall and implement domain isolation rules.
  
  

• Configure secure network connections and connection security rules.
  
  

• Implement BitLocker drive encryption, recover encrypted volumes, and enable Azure Disk Encryption.
  
  

• Configure failover clustering, Scale-Out File Servers, and cluster-aware updates.
  
  

• Implement Storage Spaces Direct, manage storage replication, and ensure high availability.
  
  

Practical labs provide experience in configuring network security and resilient storage solutions in hybrid scenarios.

Disaster Recovery and Backup

Ensuring business continuity is a key objective. Participants will gain expertise in:

• Configuring Azure Backup, Azure Backup Server, and Recovery Services vaults.
  
  

• Creating backup policies and performing file, folder, and virtual machine recovery.
  
  

• Implementing disaster recovery using Azure Site Recovery.
  
  

• Configuring VM replication to secondary datacenters or Azure regions.
  
  

• Managing Hyper-V replicas and nested virtualization for high availability.
  
  

Hands-on exercises simulate real-world recovery scenarios, ensuring learners can respond to infrastructure failures effectively.

Workload Migration

Migrating workloads to Azure is essential for hybrid cloud strategies. Participants will learn to:

• Use Azure Migrate for discovery, assessment, and migration planning.
  
  

• Migrate on-premises servers, Active Directory objects, IIS workloads, Hyper-V, RDS, DHCP, and print services to Azure.
  
  

• Utilize Storage Migration Service to transfer data to Azure VMs or file shares.
  
  

• Migrate workloads to containers or Azure App Service Plans where appropriate.
  
  

These exercises equip learners with practical experience in modernizing infrastructure and integrating cloud services.

Monitoring and Troubleshooting

Effective monitoring and troubleshooting ensure operational efficiency. Participants will explore:

• Performance monitoring with Windows Admin Center and System Insights.
  
  

• Collecting and analyzing performance data using Data Collector Sets and Log Analytics.
  
  

• Monitoring Azure Virtual Machines with VM insights and Azure diagnostics.
  
  

• Troubleshooting network connectivity, VM performance, storage issues, and Active Directory replication.
  
  

• Recovering Active Directory objects using the AD recycle bin and Directory Services Restore Mode.
  
  

These skills ensure learners can proactively maintain hybrid environments and resolve issues efficiently.

Advanced Hybrid Features

The course also covers advanced topics such as:

• Configuring hybrid Active Directory infrastructures for multiple domains and forests.
  
  

• Managing Azure AD Connect for secure synchronization.
  
  

• Implementing cluster sets, quorum modifications, and floating IP load balancing for failover clusters.
  
  

• Securing hybrid networks with Azure AD Application Proxy and Virtual WAN.
  
  

Hands-on labs allow learners to implement advanced configurations and test real-world scenarios.

Who This Course Is For

The AZ-801 course is specifically designed for IT professionals who aspire to develop advanced skills in managing hybrid Windows Server environments. As organizations increasingly adopt hybrid cloud architectures, the demand for professionals with expertise in integrating on-premises servers with cloud services such as Microsoft 365 and Azure continues to grow. This course provides a comprehensive roadmap for IT administrators, operations teams, and cloud professionals who want to gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in configuring, managing, and securing hybrid infrastructures.

IT professionals preparing for the AZ-801 certification exam will find this course invaluable. The curriculum is fully aligned with the exam objectives, ensuring that learners acquire the knowledge needed to successfully pass the certification. Participants will learn advanced techniques for managing Windows Server, including securing domain controllers, implementing hybrid identity solutions, and configuring authentication policies. They will also gain experience in monitoring and troubleshooting hybrid environments, enabling them to maintain high availability, operational continuity, and compliance with organizational and regulatory standards. By the end of the course, learners will be fully prepared to demonstrate their expertise in hybrid Windows Server administration through the AZ-801 exam.

Administrators seeking to enhance their capabilities in managing Windows Server, Microsoft 365, and Azure integration will benefit significantly from this course. Participants will explore the architecture of hybrid environments, understanding how on-premises and cloud resources interact and how to optimize their integration. The course covers topics such as Azure AD Connect, hybrid identity management, advanced authentication methods, and security hardening techniques. Learners will also develop skills in managing group policies, deploying and configuring virtual machines, implementing storage and networking solutions, and using cloud-based monitoring tools. These skills ensure that administrators can confidently manage complex hybrid infrastructures while minimizing security risks and operational issues.

Operations teams responsible for managing hybrid infrastructure will gain practical experience through hands-on labs and simulations. The course offers real-world scenarios that demonstrate the deployment, configuration, and management of hybrid Windows Server environments. Participants will learn how to implement failover clusters, configure storage replication, manage backups using Azure Recovery Services, and monitor both on-premises and cloud resources. These practical exercises allow learners to apply theoretical concepts in controlled environments, building confidence in their ability to handle hybrid operations in professional settings.

IT professionals aiming to expand their career opportunities in hybrid cloud environments will find this course particularly valuable. Hybrid IT skills are in high demand, as organizations seek to leverage the benefits of cloud computing while maintaining critical on-premises infrastructure. By completing this course, participants will position themselves as highly qualified candidates for roles such as hybrid systems administrator, cloud engineer, or IT operations specialist. The advanced knowledge gained in this course, combined with certification preparation for AZ-801, provides a competitive edge in the job market and enhances career growth potential.