Setting Up a Windows 10 on VMware for Your Cybersecurity Home Lab

Windows 10 is a widely used operating system, making it an ideal target machine for cybersecurity labs. In this guide, I’ll walk you through setting up a Windows 10 virtual machine in VMware. This process will simulate a Windows environment for testing, learning, and experimenting in a controlled setup.

Downloading the Windows 10 ISO

1. Visit the official Microsoft website to download the Windows 10 ISO file.
2. Select the desired version (Windows 10 Pro x64).
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to download the ISO to your computer.

Keep in mind this file is large and may take some time.

Creating a New Virtual Machine in VMware

1. Open VMware Workstation Pro.
2. Click Create a New Virtual Machine.

3. In the wizard, select Typical (recommended) for default settings.

4. Click Next to continue.

Selecting the ISO File

1. In the “Install from” section, select Installer disc image file (ISO).
2. Click Browse and locate the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded.
3. VMware will detect the ISO and enable the Easy Install feature.
4. Click Next to proceed.

Naming and Storing the Virtual Machine

1. Enter a name for the virtual machine, such as Windows10_Lab.
2. Choose the default location for the virtual machine files or specify a folder if you prefer.
3. Click Next to continue.

Configuring Disk Capacity

1. Set the disk size to 80 GB (recommended for Windows 10).
2. Select Store virtual disk as a single file for better performance.
3. Click Next to proceed.

Customizing Hardware Settings

Before finalizing, configure the hardware settings to ensure smooth performance:

1. Click Customize Hardware.

1. Adjust the following:

Memory (RAM): Set it to 4 GB (4096 MB) for smooth operation.

Processors: Assign 2 processors and 2 cores per processor (4 virtual cores in total).

Network Adapter: Select Bridged to connect the virtual machine to the same network as the host or choose NAT to share the host’s internet connection.

Choosing Between Bridged and NAT Networking
When setting up the network for your virtual machine, you’ll see two common options: Bridged and NAT. Here’s what they mean:

Bridged: This connects your virtual machine directly to your network, just like a separate device. Your VM will get its own IP address from your router. Choose this if you want the VM to act like it’s part of your home or office network.

NAT (Network Address Translation): This shares your host computer’s internet connection. It’s simpler to set up because the VM uses your computer’s IP address to access the internet. Choose this if you’re unsure, as it’s more secure for beginners.

Tip: Start with NAT if you don’t need the VM to interact directly with other devices on your network. You can always change the setting later if needed.

3. Click Close to save and return to the main screen.

Finalizing the Setup

1. Review all settings (name, location, disk size, and hardware configuration).
2. Check the option Power on this virtual machine after creation.
3. Click Finish to create the virtual machine and start the installation process.

Installing Windows 10

1. The virtual machine will boot using the ISO file. the architecture.
2. Follow the installation prompts:

Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences.

Enter the product key (if applicable) or choose I don’t have a product key to activate later.

Agree to the license terms.

3. Choose Custom Installation and select the virtual hard disk you created earlier.

Windows will copy files, install features, apply updates, and complete the setup. This process may take some time, so be patient.

Do not turn off the system during this process.

Choose region.

Choose keyboard layout.

Skip

Choose How would you like to set up.

Set up a user account:

Choose a username and password for the administrator account.

Create 3 security questions.

Not now

Chose privacy settings for your device.

Skip

Not now

Initial Configuration

Once the installation is complete and Windows boots into the desktop environment:

Enable “Make this PC discoverable” if you want the virtual machine visible on the network.

Windows 10 is Ready!

Install updates

Check for updates and install any available Windows updates.

Windows will copy files, install features, apply updates, and complete the setup. This process may take some time, so be patient.

After the update is complete, you need to restart the VM to apply the changes.

Installing VMware Tools

Installing VMware Tools on a Windows 10 virtual machine (VM) is essential to optimize performance, enable additional features like shared folders, drag-and-drop functionality, and enhance the overall user experience.

Select Install VMware Tools. If VMware Tools is already installed, you will see the option to “Reinstall VMware Tools.”

The VMware Tools installation wizard will launch. Select Next to begin the installation.

Choose the Typical installation type for a standard setup, or Custom if you want more control over the installation components.

Click Next .

Install to begin the actual installation of VMware.

Click Finish.

After the installation completes, you will be prompted to restart the VM to apply the changes. Select Yes to restart the machine.

Congratulations!

Your Windows 10 virtual machine is now fully set up and operational. This environment can be used to:

Test applications.

Simulate cybersecurity attacks and defenses.

Practice penetration testing techniques.