How to Crack Windows Passwords for CEH Labs?

Introduction

Windows password attacks are guaranteed in every CEH practical exam — at least 2–4 Windows machines with weak or default passwords. You will get 5–8 flags from dumping hashes, cracking NTLM/LM, pass-the-hash, Mimikatz live memory dump, and LSA secrets. Students who master these techniques finish the system hacking section in under 60 minutes. At Ethical Hacking Training Institute we provide 100+ real Windows 7/10/11/Server machines with different password policies so you practice every technique daily and clear CEH with full marks.

Top 10 Windows Password Cracking Tools for CEH

Master NTLM cracking.

LM vs NTLM Hashes – Know the Difference

• LM (Legacy) → weak, case-insensitive, max 14 chars
• NTLM (Modern) → stronger, case-sensitive
• Windows still stores LM if password <15 chars
• Crack LM first → usually gives password
• Our lab has both types daily

Offline Cracking with Hashcat & John the Ripper

Dump SAM with pwdump/secretsdump, then crack with Hashcat (GPU) or John (CPU). Hashcat is 100× faster with GPU. Use rockyou.txt, weakpass, crackstation wordlists. Our cloud lab provides dedicated GPU rigs — crack 8-character complex passwords in minutes.

Use Hashcat for speed.

Mimikatz – Live Memory Password Dumping

• privilege::debug
• sekurlsa::logonpasswords
• lsadump::sam
• lsadump::secrets
• Extract clear-text passwords instantly
• Works on Windows 7–11

Pass-the-Hash & Overpass-the-Hash Attacks

No need to crack password — use NTLM hash directly with psexec, wmiexec, crackmapexec. Lateral movement in domain environment. Our lab has full Active Directory setup for daily PtH practice.

Rainbow Tables & ophcrack Instant Cracking

• Pre-computed tables for LM hashes
• Free tables crack any LM password instantly
• Works even on Windows 10/11
• Our lab has all tables pre-loaded

Use rainbow tables.

Conclusion

Windows password cracking is the easiest way to score 5–8 flags. Join Ethical Hacking Training Institute and get:

• 100+ real Windows machines
• GPU cracking rigs
• Daily new password challenges
• Weekend & weekday batches
• 100% placement support

Book free demo — crack first password in 30 minutes!

Avoid common mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many password flags in CEH practical?

5–8 flags from Windows passwords.

Is LM hash still used?

Yes — if password <15 chars.

Is Mimikatz allowed?

Yes — most powerful tool.

Which is fastest?

Hashcat with GPU — we provide free.

Is pass-the-hash tested?

Yes — lateral movement.

Do you provide rainbow tables?

Yes — full set pre-loaded.

Is ophcrack still relevant?

Yes — instant LM crack.

Weekend batch covers passwords?

Yes — full hands-on.

How many machines to practice?

100+ for confidence.

Is DPAPI in syllabus?

Yes — browser passwords.

Can freshers crack passwords?

Yes — we start from basics.

Is GPU required?

No — we give cloud GPU rigs.

Is reporting needed?

Yes — screenshot cracked passwords.

Do you teach prevention?

Yes — LAPS, strong passwords.

How to start today?

Book free demo — crack first hash in 30 minutes!