How to Use TryHackMe – A Beginner’s Guide to Learning Cybersecurity
Quick answer: To use TryHackMe, create a free account, then join a beginner room such as Tutorial. Each room has short tasks: read the lesson, click Start Machine, attack it from the in-browser AttackBox (or your own Kali machine over OpenVPN), and answer the questions to earn points. Then follow a structured path, such as Pre Security, to learn in order.
How to Use TryHackMe – A Beginner’s Guide to Learning Cybersecurity
Are you ready to dive into the world of cybersecurity but don’t know where to start? TryHackMe is the perfect hands-on learning platform designed for beginners and professionals alike. This guide will walk you through the “How to Use TryHackMe” room, helping you understand its structure and how to deploy and use your first virtual machine.
Access the Lab: How to Use TryHackMe
YouTube Video Walkthrough
Watch the full video walkthrough to see every step in action. Perfect for visual learners!
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Task 1: What Are TryHackMe Rooms?
TryHackMe rooms are like virtual classrooms where you learn cybersecurity concepts in a practical, guided way. Each room focuses on a specific topic, combining:
- Easy-to-understand guides
- Practical challenges
- Interactive learning environments
💡 Complete tasks and earn points to climb the leaderboard and track your progress among fellow ethical hackers.
Task 2: Deploying Your First Machine
One of TryHackMe’s most powerful features is hands-on hacking labs via virtual machines (VMs).
Access via AttackBox (Browser-Based)
- Launch the AttackBox directly in your browser.
- Go to My Machine and click the Start Machine button.
- Wait for setup and copy the IP address shown.
- Open Firefox within the AttackBox and paste the IP to access your target.
Access via OpenVPN (Manual Setup)
- Download your VPN configuration file from TryHackMe.
- Connect using OpenVPN.
- Use the IP address in your local browser to interact with the machine.
Answer (Flag): flag{connection_verified}
To find the flag:
For the full walkthrough of your first room, including the flag, see my TryHackMe Tutorial room guide.
- Connect the OpenVPN
- Search the IP on your browser
- Visit the page and you’ll see the flag!
Task 3: What’s Next on TryHackMe?
Congratulations! You’ve taken your first step in your cybersecurity journey.
Here’s what you can do next:
- Explore more rooms in the Hacktivities section
- Follow a guided learning Pathway like:
- Pre-Security
- Complete Beginner
- Offensive Pentesting
- Challenge yourself with weekly CTFs and walkthroughs
- Join the TryHackMe Discord to connect with the community
You can even create and share your own rooms!
What Is TryHackMe?
TryHackMe is an online platform for learning cybersecurity hands-on. Instead of only reading theory, you work through short, guided lessons called rooms, and practise on real virtual machines directly in your browser. It’s used by complete beginners, students preparing for certifications, and companies training their staff.
Step 2: How to Use TryHackMe Rooms (Tasks, Flags & Points)
Every room is split into tasks. Each task has a short lesson and one or more questions. Some answers come from the reading; others are flags, text strings like THM{...} that you find by hacking the room’s machine. Correct answers earn points, which count towards your rank and your place on the league tables.
Step 3: AttackBox vs OpenVPN (table)
| AttackBox | OpenVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A ready-made hacking machine in your browser | Connects your own computer or Kali VM to TryHackMe’s network |
| Setup | None: click “Start AttackBox” | Download a .ovpn file and connect (Windows · Linux) |
| Best for | Beginners, quick practice | Using your own tools and setup |
| Free account | Limited daily time | Unlimited |
Step 4: Choose a learning path
Paths are ordered sets of rooms that take you from zero to job-ready skills. Start with Pre Security (networking, Linux, Windows and web basics), then Cyber Security 101. After that, choose a direction: Jr Penetration Tester for offensive security or SOC Level 1 for defensive security. My TryHackMe Roadmap lists 350+ rooms in the order I recommend.
Check the current path names on TryHackMe’s Paths page before publishing. “Complete Beginner” has been replaced, so remove it.
TryHackMe Free vs Premium (table)
| Free | Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Rooms | Hundreds of free rooms | All rooms, including Premium-only ones |
| Learning paths | Some content | Full access to every path |
| AttackBox | Limited time per day | Unlimited |
| Best for | Trying the platform and beginner rooms | Following complete paths and certification prep |
Check current pricing and limits on tryhackme.com/pricing before adding any numbers.
Tips on How to Use TryHackMe Effectively
- Do one room a day. Consistency beats long weekend sessions, and your streak keeps you motivated.
- Try for 30 minutes before reading a writeup. Being stuck is where the learning happens.
- Take notes for every room: commands, mistakes and one lesson learned.
- Don’t skip the basics. Linux and networking rooms make every later room easier.
- Use the room’s discussion tab and Discord when you’re stuck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TryHackMe free?
Yes. TryHackMe has a free plan with hundreds of rooms, including all the beginner rooms. Premium adds full access to every learning path, Premium-only rooms and unlimited AttackBox time. It’s worth it once you’ve finished the free beginner content.
Is TryHackMe good for complete beginners?
Yes. TryHackMe is designed for beginners, with guided lessons, in-browser machines and paths like Pre Security that start from zero. You don’t need any prior IT or hacking experience.
Do I need Kali Linux to use TryHackMe?
No. The in-browser AttackBox already includes the main hacking tools. Kali Linux is only needed if you prefer your own setup, which connects to TryHackMe over OpenVPN.
Which room should I start with on TryHackMe?
Start with the Tutorial room, then Starting Out in Cyber Sec and Learning Cyber Security. After that, begin the Pre Security path, which teaches networking, Linux and Windows fundamentals.
Can TryHackMe help me get a job in cybersecurity?
It builds the practical skills employers test for, and paths like Jr Penetration Tester and SOC Level 1 map to entry-level roles. Combine TryHackMe practice with a recognised certification and published writeups to stand out.
What is the fastest way to learn how to use TryHackMe?
Complete the Tutorial room first, then follow the Pre Security path one room a day. Within a week you’ll understand rooms, machines, the AttackBox and flags, which is everything you need for most beginner content.
Conclusion
Learning how to use TryHackMe is simple: create a free account, learn how rooms work, learn how rooms work, pick the AttackBox or OpenVPN, and follow a learning path one room at a time. The platform rewards consistency, so aim for one room a day. Start with my Tutorial room walkthrough, then follow the TryHackMe Roadmap and the bigger-picture Cyber Security Roadmap 2026.
Written by Mehmood Ali (Mr. Professor), CEH & CEI. More tutorials on my YouTube channel.
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