Windows – Training Portal

Windows – Training Portal

Built on the strengths of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista, Windows 7 is the new Microsoft operating system designed to enhance your organization's desktop environment. Windows 7 provides improved security and manageability for remote and local PCs, and improves performance and reliability.

Become the Windows 7 expert in your organization. Discover the wide variety of classroom and online training, books, and certifications offered by Microsoft Learning to help you succeed.

On This Page

Special offers

Check this section often for new and limited-time, special offers for training on Windows 7.

Learning Plans

A Learning Plan is a collection of training resources organized into an interactive path that focuses on your specific learning needs.

Created by Microsoft experts, Learning Plans save you time by organizing the most relevant training content into a self-guided path. Resources include online courses, instructor-led classes, books, articles, and more.

Certification

You can be among the first to prove your proficiency in the latest Microsoft operating system. A certification on Windows 7 helps demonstrate to project leads and hiring managers that you keep your skills current. Multiple Windows 7 certifications are scheduled, including the following:

Specialist Series

Exam number

MCTS: Windows 7 Configuration

Exam 70-680: TS: Windows 7, Configuring

Professional Series

Exam number

MCITP: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician

Exam 70-685: PRO: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician (expected in late 2009)

MCITP: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Administrator

Exam 70-686: PRO: Windows 7, Desktop Administrator (expected in late 2009)

Classroom training

Classroom training is designed to help you build expertise with the help of world-class learning content. Classroom training includes "First Look" courses and classes. The authorized source for Microsoft training, Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions are uniquely positioned to help you develop expertise on the latest Microsoft technology through classroom training; online, instructor-led training; and facilitated, blended learning solutions.

  • Course 6292A: Beta: Update Your Technology Knowledge of Microsoft Windows XP to Windows 7

First-look courses and hands-on labs

The following three-hour clinic and hands-on lab cover new functionality in Windows 7. They provide hands-on experience and helpful information about user productivity, improved security and control, streamlined PC management, and desktop optimization.

Microsoft E-Learning

If you learn best independently, Official Microsoft E-Learning courses provide a simple and effective way to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. E-Learning courses can be used to improve your skills, prepare for a project or an exam, or earn certifications. Most e-learning courses include hands-on virtual labs.

The following free e-learning courses are online and available now:

Books from Microsoft Press

Microsoft Press provides comprehensive reference and training books that enable you to get the most from Microsoft tools and technologies. Microsoft Press books are written by industry experts and Microsoft insiders who provide accurate and current information so that you can find the answers you need and develop your skills.

Microsoft Press sample chapters

Register to download free preview chapters from soon-to-be-published Microsoft Press books about Windows 7. Books include:

  • Windows 7 Inside Out

  • Windows 7 Resource Kit

  • Windows 7 Step by Step

  • Windows 7 for Developers

We will add sample chapters as they become available, so register today.

Register to download Windows 7 sample chapters

Learning Snacks

If you want to learn more about Windows 7 but do not have much time, try Microsoft Learning Snacks. Learning Snacks are short, interactive presentations about popular topics that are created by Microsoft Learning experts. Each Snack is delivered by using innovative Microsoft Silverlight technology and includes various media, such as animations and recorded demos. At the end of each presentation, you can view additional Snacks, learn more about the topic, or visit a related Web site.

Note To view Learning Snacks, you need to install Microsoft Silverlight and enable pop-up windows.

Become an expert on Windows Vista. The Windows Vista operating system is more secure, easier to deploy, and simpler to manage than previous versions of Windows. It provides enhanced communication, mobility, and networking features that enable users to view and organize information and control their computing experience like never before.

With the right training, you can use Windows Vista to achieve your goals—whether you want to get the greatest benefit from your technology investment, earn a certification, or advance in your career. Explore Microsoft Learning offerings, including classroom training, and books.

On This Page

Special offers

Check this section often for new and limited-time, special offers for training on Windows Vista.

Learning Plans

A Learning Plan is a collection of training resources organized into an interactive path that focuses on your specific learning needs.

Created by Microsoft experts, Learning Plans save you time by organizing the most relevant training content into a self-guided path. Resources include online courses, instructor-led classes, books, articles, and more.

Certification

Demonstrate your value to employers by attaining a Microsoft Certification. Certification helps you validate your understanding of new technology features and inspire confidence in your abilities. We offer three types of certification for Windows Vista:

  • Microsoft Business Certification (MBC) program
    Earn the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) credential on Windows Vista or the Microsoft Certified Application Professional (MCAP) credential to show your advanced business skills.

  • Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
    When you earn your MCTS on Windows Vista, you validate your skills in installing, managing, configuring, and maintaining the new security, network, and application features in Windows Vista. Credentials include MCTS: Business Desktop Deployment and MCTS: Windows Vista – Configuration.

  • Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
    MCITP certifications are designed for experienced IT professionals to highlight a focused area of expertise.

  • Browse all certifications for Windows Vista (Learning Catalog)

Classroom training

Classroom training is designed to help you build expertise with the help of world-class learning content. Classroom training includes "First Look" courses and classes. The authorized source for Microsoft training, Microsoft Certified Partners for Learning Solutions, are uniquely positioned to help you develop expertise on the latest Microsoft technology through classroom training; online, instructor-led training; and facilitated, blended learning solutions.

Microsoft E-Learning

If you learn best independently, Official Microsoft E-Learning courses provide a simple and effective way to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. E-Learning courses can be used to improve your skills, prepare for a project or an exam, or earn certifications. Most e-learning courses include hands-on virtual labs.

Books from Microsoft Press

Microsoft Press provides comprehensive reference and training books that enable you to get the most from Microsoft tools and technologies. Microsoft Press books are written by industry experts and Microsoft insiders who provide accurate and current information so that you can find the answers you need and advance your skills.

Learning Snacks

If you want to learn more about Windows Vista but are do not have much time, try Microsoft Learning Snacks. Learning Snacks are short, interactive presentations about popular topics that are created by Microsoft Learning experts. Each Snack is delivered by using innovative Microsoft Silverlight technology and includes various media, such as animations and recorded demos. At the end of each presentation, you can view additional Snacks, learn more about the topic, or visit a related Web site.

Note To view Learning Snacks, you need to install Microsoft Silverlight and enable pop-up windows.