Introduction
Cloud computing is a core part of modern IT and cybersecurity. To strengthen my virtualization and system administration skills, I created an independent lab project: deploying a Windows 10 virtual machine on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
This project demonstrates my ability to work with cloud infrastructure, configure secure access, and manage a Windows environment outside of traditional on-premises setups.
You can watch the full lab demonstration below:
Windows 10 VM on GCP – Cloud Virtualization & Admin Skills
Lab Objectives
The main goals of this lab were:
- Deploy a Windows 10 VM in GCP.
- Configure networking and firewall rules for secure remote access.
- Connect to the system and validate functionality.
- Document the process for professional development.
Steps Taken
1. Provisioning the VM
I logged into the GCP Console and used Compute Engine to create a new instance.
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- Resources: 2 vCPUs, 4 GB RAM
- Storage: 50 GB SSD boot disk
2. Securing Access
Configured firewall rules to allow Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) traffic on port 3389.
3. Generating Credentials and Connecting
Created a username and password in the GCP console, then connected to the VM using an RDP client.
4. System Validation
Once inside the VM, I:
- Confirmed the Local Server name was correctly set.
- Verified that 50 GB of storage was available on the C: drive.
I did not check CPU, RAM, or OS details, as exposing these values is unnecessary and follows cybersecurity best practices.
Key Skills Demonstrated
- Cloud Virtualization: Deploying and managing Windows environments in GCP.
- System Administration: Performing setup and validation of virtual systems.
- Secure Networking: Configuring firewall rules and controlling RDP access.
Practical Applications
Organizations use this type of deployment to:
- Provide remote desktops for employees.
- Test applications in isolated environments.
- Support hybrid infrastructures combining cloud and on-premises resources.
Conclusion
This independent lab reinforced my ability to apply Windows administration skills in a cloud environment. By deploying a Windows 10 VM on GCP, I demonstrated hands-on experience in virtualization, secure configuration, and system management — all essential skills for modern IT and cybersecurity roles.