As we continue building our intermediate cybersecurity lab, this part of the setup focuses on installing the second Windows 10 virtual machine — Windows VM-2. This machine will be configured later to act as a client or workstation, interacting with our Domain Controller and participating in testing environments.
Below is the network diagram.
Downloads
You do not need to download a second .iso file. You can use the same one you used for Windows VM-1.
Install Windows 10 VM #2
- Once it is downloaded, open VirtualBox and select the Machine tab and then select New.
2) Give the VM a name and and then use the drop down on ISO Image and navigate to where you downloaded the Windows .iso.
3) Select next and assign resources to your VM, as seen below. This may vary based on the resources of your host system. Ensure you save enough resources for an additional VM.
4) Select next and create the virtual hard disk. Once again it is based on the resources of your host system. Do not select the Pre-allocate Full Size.
5) Click next and ensure the settings are correct and then select Finish.
6) Go to Settings and then Network and select Adapter 1, Internal Network, and change the Name to LAN 1
7) Go to System and deselect Floppy and move Hard Disk to the top and Optical as the second from the top. Then select OK.
Start the Windows VM and go through the typical Windows installation.
Testing Our Configuration
- Start the Windows VM.
- Run ipconfig. The last octet of your IP may be different. The critical part is the first three octets, 10.0.3.x
As seen above the IP address is in the IP range of the Ecorp VLAN.
Install VirtualBox Guest Additions
The VirtualBox Guest Additions is a set of software and drivers that can be installed on the guest operating system (OS) running inside a VirtualBox virtual machine (VM). These additions provide several benefits and enhancements to improve the integration and performance of the guest OS within the virtual environment, such as Improved Graphics Performance, Shared Clipboard, Shared Folders, Mouse Pointer Integration, Time Synchronization, etc. To install the Guest Additions, you mount the Guest Additions ISO (included with VirtualBox) within the guest OS.
Open the drive.
Run the installer.
This will install the necessary drivers and software to enable the enhanced features. Reboot the VM.
Enable Copy and Paste between the VM and the host.
- Open VirtualBox Dashboard
- Go to the Settings of the Windows VM
- Go to the General tab.
- Select the Advanced tab
- Select Bidirectional from the Shared Clipboard setting
Conclusion
With Windows VM-2 installed, you've added a crucial piece to your growing cyber lab. It will act as a testbed for endpoint-based attacks, policy enforcement, and user simulation — skills essential for aspiring ethical hackers and system defenders.
Stay tuned for other Parts : Joining Windows VM-2 to the Domain Controller.