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• Firmware Update Proceeds at Glacial Pace

  Given that the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities created such a furor, one can only observe that the attendant firmware update Proceeds at glacial pace. Continue Reading

• Win7 Still Activates Win10 2/27/18

  After skipping key entry on a clean Windows 10 install, I learn that Win7 Still Validates Win10 for activation. Woo hoo: my sister's HP Pavilion Dv6 is back in action. Continue Reading

• How to establish Windows 10 security baselines

  IT should consider following Microsoft's Windows 10 security recommendations in the Security Compliance Toolkit to better protect the operating system. Continue Reading

• Can IT make the transition to Windows 10 smooth for users?

  IT can take a few steps to make the move to Windows 10 easier on users, including considering an in-place upgrade and holding off on any other major changes. Continue Reading

• Skip Product Key When Sysprepping Win10

  To skip Product Key when Sysprepping Win10, you must supply a generic product key instead. Here's a list of same to use. Continue Reading

• Intel Now Advises Against Installing Spectre Patches!

  Because of widely-reported issues with reboots and system stability, Intel now advises against installing Spectre patches!Continue Reading

• OneDrive File Attributes Uncovered

  A careful look at help information leads to new OneDrive File attributes uncovered, and a better understanding of how OnDemand files work.Continue Reading

• MDT PS Wizard Covers MS Deployment Toolkit Wizards

  Damien Van Robaeys excellent MDT PS Wizard covers MS Deployment Toolkit wizards within the pleasing GUI of a single, comprehensive scripted environment. Great stuff!Continue Reading

• Win10 PC Brick-Avoidance Techniques

  When updating BIOSes or firmware, or upgrading Windows 10, it's wise to practice Win10 PC brick-avoidance techniques.Continue Reading

• Undoing 7Zip ISO Association

  Undoing 7Zip ISO association means right-clicking, choosing "Open with", selecting File Explorer, and checking the "Always use" box.Continue Reading

• How to use Sysprep to install a custom Windows 10 image

  Walk through the process of adding custom software, apps and assets to your Windows 10 image in audit mode.Continue Reading

• Win10 Full Flash Update

  Full Flash Update's FFUTOOL.exe works with DISM to apply Windows images to target drives (and PCs) faster and more reliably than either WIM or VHD.Continue Reading

• Five Windows 10 security tips to know

  It is vital that IT understand the top Windows 10 security tips to protect corporate data and users from lurking cyber threats.Continue Reading

• Add Precision Touchpad Drivers Anywhere

  With the right technique, you can add Precision Touchpad drivers anywhere on any device with a Synaptics or Elan touchpad.Continue Reading

• Win10 PowerShell Chkdsk Alternative

  For most command-line program's there's a PowerShell alternative. The Win10 PowerShell Chkdsk alternative is named Repair-Volume.Continue Reading

• Set up a virtual hard disk and perform a Windows 10 dual boot

  Dual booting Windows 10 can come in handy in a variety of ways. The process requires that IT knows how to build a virtual hard disk and install Windows 10 on it.Continue Reading

• Add Custom Drivers to WinRE

  If your Windows runtime needs drivers added, you'll also want to add Custom Drivers to WinRE so your recovery environment works, too.Continue Reading

• How to navigate the Windows ADK download process

  The Windows ADK can help ensure Windows 10 compatibility for apps, software and hardware. There are six key steps to the installation process.Continue Reading

• Fsutil Cleans Up Excess Old Transactions

  NTFS Fsutil cleans up excess old transactions. You can also use it to show you how much disk space transaction info and logs consume.Continue Reading

• 12 Windows 10 GPO settings IT must know

  Group Policy Objects in Windows 10 are powerful. IT can use them to turn off the Windows Store app, reshape the Start menu, change how users log in and more.Continue Reading

• How to use the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit for Windows 10

  It's important for IT admins to know everything is going to work before they deploy Windows 10 desktops. They can use the tools in the Windows ADK to do just that and more.Continue Reading

• DISKPART Script Fixes Default Win10 Disk Layout

  In the third and final element of this 3-part series, we show how a DISKPART script fixes default Win10 disk layout issues.Continue Reading

• Exploring Win10 Clean Install Default Disk Layout

  Let's go Exploring Win10 clean install default disk layout to understand why it poses upgrade issues, and how to do it right the first time.Continue Reading

• Partition UEFI/GPT HDD Using Diskpart

  For some reason Windows Installer puts the WinRE partition at the head of its disk layout. We partition UEFI/GPT HDD using diskpart to put it at the end, where it belongs.Continue Reading

• How can you access Windows 10 advanced repair options?

  To resolve Windows 10 boot problems you can access a few repair options by entering the OS through the back door. Here's how to do it.Continue Reading

• Tip: Access HTML Files Using Edge

  Even though the File - Open menu entry is MIA, turns out there are plenty of ways to access HTML files using Edge in Windows 10.Continue Reading

• Manage Win10 Drivers Using DISM

  When I confirm that an upgrade indeed installs a whole new slate of device drivers, I decide to manage Win10 Drivers using DISM at the command line.Continue Reading

• Handy Win10 Boot Controls

  Rebooting Windows 10 to access UEFI/BIOS or boot media can be tricky, and make handy Win10 Boot controls vital.Continue Reading

• How can you whitelist apps and fight ransomware with Windows 10 AppLocker?

  With application whitelisting, admins can create a list of approved apps users can work with. This way, users cannot accidentally open an app containing ransomware.Continue Reading

• Always Adjust Defaults After Clean Install

  After 17 months of installing many Win10 Technical and Insider Previews, you'd think I'd remember to always adjust defaults after clean install, eh?Continue Reading

• Enable Disable Win10 Administrator Account

  Though it's hidden, Windows 10 still includes a built-in admin account . Here's how to enable disable Win10 Administrator account.Continue Reading

• EI.cfg and PID.txt Install Windows License Info

  When added to a standard Setup.exe environment for Windows, EI.cfg and PID.txt install Windows license info without requiring user input.Continue Reading

• Panoramic Desktop Themes for Win10

  Those with 2 monitors need panoramic themes to take full advantage of available screen real estate. These panoramic desktop themes work for Windows 10.Continue Reading

• Take on Windows 10 Wi-Fi problems and address Wi-Fi Sense

  Windows 10 Wi-Fi connectivity is not as straightforward as it sounds. Microsoft moved the Wi-Fi settings and added security risks with Wi-Fi Sense. Plus, Wi-Fi often fails after an upgrade.Continue Reading

• How to use WMI and the CIM standard with Windows PowerShell

  WMI, Microsoft's implementation of the CIM standard, lets admins use PowerShell commands to view and modify system data and configuration.Continue Reading

• Win10 Storage Diagnostics (StorDiag.exe)

  The Windows 10 Anniversary Update introduces a new administrative tool: Storage Diagnostics, aka StorDiag.exe.Continue Reading

• How to handle Windows 10 browser compatibility issues

  IT often runs into problems with legacy apps not functioning well on new browser versions. There are a few ways to combat Windows 10 browser compatibility issues in Internet Explorer 11.Continue Reading

• Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack brings back Windows XP updates

  Admins who still have Windows XP systems on their networks can turn to a Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack to reopen the update floodgates.Continue Reading

• Can I control the Windows 10 user interface?

  You can control the Control Panel, Shared Folders, Start menu and other components in Windows 10 using Group Policy settings.Continue Reading

• Use an in-place upgrade to repair Windows 10

  If your Windows 10 installation has gone wonky and needs some attention, one way to fix it is with an in-place upgrade to the same version of Windows you already use.Continue Reading

• Admin toolbox item: Uncleaner

  Although it doesn't replace cleanup tools like cleanmgr.exe or CCleaner, admin toolbox item: Uncleaner is best at removing temp and log files for Windows.Continue Reading

• Why do I keep getting Windows 10 driver errors?

  If you keep getting driver errors in Windows 10, a video driver could be to blame. Luckily, the problem is easy to troubleshoot.Continue Reading

• What do I do when I can't activate Windows?

  When you can't activate a Windows installation there are two things you should check before you pull out your hair.Continue Reading

• DISM Exports Drivers: Here's How

  Windows built-in DISM exports drivers to a file repository of your choosing, to make restoring those drivers after an upgrade easy and simple.Continue Reading

• Tweaking File Explorer in Windows 10

  For those who don't like the default displays in Windows 10 File Explorer, TenForums.com has tutorials on tweaking File Explorer.Continue Reading

• Windows PE Tools for Windows 10

  Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) lets admins can build their own Windows PE tools, or work with numerous third-party options.Continue Reading

• How does Windows 10 virtualization-based security work?

  The Isolated User Mode in Windows 10 is a virtualization-based security technology that helps power Credential Guard and Device Guard.Continue Reading

• Four ways to put Sysinternals Process Explorer to work

  IT admins can use Process Explorer in Sysinternals to find suspicious software, inspect process and object privileges, and more.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Office Trust Center settings that help stop malware

  The Trust Center in Microsoft's Office suite has some important and useful settings to prevent users from opening files infected with malware and viruses, but admins need to know about and enable them.Continue Reading

• Demystify the Windows 10 update process

  It would be simple if there was one update ring to rule them all in Windows 10. Instead there are two rings and four update branches to sort through.Continue Reading

• Comprehensive guide to desktop monitoring tools

  IT admins can identify the source of device and app problems using monitoring tools such as Windows Sysinternals and other offerings.Continue Reading

• Top Windows command-line commands

  Examine some of the best command-line commands for Windows, including tools to shut down a user's computer or force updates.Continue Reading

• Why is there a Windows 10 Control Panel and a Settings window?

  Windows 10's multiple settings menus are a vestige of Windows 8, but users can access almost all the settings configurations they may need from the Settings windows.Continue Reading

• Windows 8 GPO settings to configure search, indexing options

  Windows 8 and 8.1 GPOs can help with many tasks, including creating Start screen layouts that adhere to corporate policies, as well as configuring search and indexing settings.Continue Reading

• Why you should remove local administrator rights once and for all

  Some companies shy away from removing local admin rights just to make users happy, but taking back users' admin privileges can prevent many problems and improve security.Continue Reading

• What to expect from Macs in the enterprise

  For enterprise IT, Apple's Mac OS can pose a few problems, including compatibility, applications, support, networking and other issues. But if you know what could be coming your way, you can get the training and tools to manage Macs.Continue Reading

• How do I build Apportals in Windows 8.1?

  Windows Apportals let you put the applications certain user groups need right in front of them, but you need some development knowledge and a Windows Developer License if you want to build them yourself.Continue Reading

• How much memory do my Windows 8 desktops really need?

  It can be tough to know how much memory Windows 8 and 8.1 desktops need before they're actually in use, but the Windows Task Manager can help you see memory usage.Continue Reading

• Desktop management tools and best practices

  Desktop management tools are the key to making sure things in your fleet are running smoothly. Systems such as Desktop Central and Client Management Suite cover the big five of desktop management.Continue Reading

• The importance of desktop inventory management tools

  Desktop inventory management tools help keep track of how many endpoints are in use and who's using them. That basic information can help with sundry other management tasks, such as budgeting and responses to security breaches.Continue Reading

• MDM, MIM and MAM products help in securing data

  Mobile device management, mobile application management and mobile information management form a security trio that protect data in the age of BYOD.Continue Reading

• How does Windows 8.1 support affect Active Directory?

  Windows 8.1 support for endpoint security includes Open MDM and biometrics, but removing Remote Server Administration Tools can affect Active Directory.Continue Reading

• Tighten Windows 8.1 security in five simple steps

  Microsoft has improved Windows 8.1 security, but no OS is free of vulnerabilities. Some basic settings can further protect Windows 8.x systems.Continue Reading

• What's the best way to reformat a hard drive remotely?

  Whether you need to remotely reformat a hard drive for security or prepare new network-attached machines, a few utilities can make the job easier.Continue Reading

• How do I remove admin restrictions from Windows 7 laptops?

  To relax the usual restrictions on Windows 7 laptops, use the Windows administrator account, but remember to record your password.Continue Reading

• Registry tweaks can speed up Windows 8 performance

  Our latest article on using the Windows registry to improve Windows 8 performance looks at disk access and shutting down Windows Store appsContinue Reading

• Four utilities can verify Group Policy object settings

  Client-side extensions could cause a Group Policy object to fail. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to track down Windows GPO settings.Continue Reading

• How to enable Windows 8.1 kiosk mode for Modern apps

  It's possible to control user application access on startup with Assigned Access, but note that Windows 8.1 kiosk mode works only for Modern apps.Continue Reading

• Windows kiosk mode locks down PCs, but note workarounds

  Switching from the Windows Explorer shell to a particular app can be useful for single-purpose devices, but users can still foil Windows kiosk mode.Continue Reading

• Using tools to back up and restore bootable USB device images

  Do you have more install or diagnostic environment images to manage than physical UFDs? Learn how to back up and restore bootable USB device images.Continue Reading

• How to allow multiple users to share an Excel workbook

  Public folders allow users to share an Excel workbook, but OneDrive and Windows 8.1 HomeGroups might be better.Continue Reading

• Five Windows Sysinternals utilities can aid in desktop troubleshooting

  There are many free tools in the Windows Sysinternals suite, but some might help admins more than others for viewing data and managing desktops.Continue Reading

• Ten hidden Windows command prompt tricks

  Every desktop admin should have these command prompt tricks up their sleeves to save time and make Windows management easier.Continue Reading

• Use Excel's IF statement to track, save on IT support contract costs

  Warranty tracking for enterprise software can be an odious task, but if you know how to use the IF statement in Microsoft Excel, you could save money.Continue Reading

• Track software licenses and IT support with Excel date functions

  As part of our series on Excel for IT admins, we look at how Excel date functions can help with calculating software licenses and support dates.Continue Reading

• More remote Group Policy Object settings and checking refresh status

  Admins can refresh Group Policy Object settings across multiple computers, but they must verify that Group Policy settings have successfully changed.Continue Reading

• Set IT support and reporting priorities with an Excel pivot table

  An Excel pivot table can help IT report on support, especially if admins use its ability to prioritize data by location, date and other criteria.Continue Reading

• Excel pivot tables can help IT admins track support, costs

  Excel isn't just for end users. If you know how to properly filter data with Excel pivot tables, you can track expenses and create detailed reports.Continue Reading

• Before you clone HDD to SSD, know the benefits and danger to data

  Which type of drive is better: hard disk drive or solid-state drive? HDD to SSD cloning can ease data access, but SSDs aren't without risks to data.Continue Reading

• Locking down Internet Explorer settings with Group Policy in IE 11

  New Internet Explorer settings can tighten enterprise security, but only if Group Policy is properly enabled in IE 11 and you have Windows 8.Continue Reading

• Learn how to install Office 2013 with Group Policies or SCCM

  To successfully deploy Office 2013 across a network, you'll need Group Policies or tools such as Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager.Continue Reading

• Windows tools and terminology for desktop admins

  There are a number of Windows tools that desktop admins can use, but before you can use them you have to know what the terms actually mean.Continue Reading

• Microsoft USMT (User State Migration Tool)

  The Microsoft User State Migration Tool (USMT) is a command-line utility used to transfer user files and settings between computers.Continue Reading

• application manager (app manager)

  An application manager (app manager) is programming for overseeing the installation, patching and updating and perhaps access of software applications.Continue Reading

• Tablet licensing rules with Microsoft Office

  As tablets make their way into the enterprise, it might be time to brush up on licensing rules for mobilizing Microsoft Office. We also provide some solutions for reducing costs.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows 7 Task Manager troubleshooting tips

  Here are some troubleshooting tips for Microsoft Windows 7's improved Task Manager -- from identifying processes and services to using the Resource Monitor.Continue Reading

• Using P2V Migration for Software Assurance for Windows 7 upgrades

  P2V Migration for Software Assurance automates the Windows 7 migration process and preserves XP applications and data. Yet its limitations may be a deal breaker.Continue Reading

• Windows 7 Learning Guide

  The recent release of Windows 7 SP1 means Microsoft's newest operating system is likely coming to a desktop near you. Prepare for the unexpected with this guide.Continue Reading

• Patch management guide for Windows desktops

  Routinely patching your Windows desktops is a necessary evil -- but patch management can be overwhelming. Get a grasp on the process with this learning guide.Continue Reading

• Creating an IT admin's PowerShell toolbox

  The PowerShell scripting tool in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 should be the staple of any IT administrator's toolbox. Learn how it can help you.Continue Reading

• Weighing Microsoft Office 2010

  Microsoft Office 2010 offers a slew of new features for both end users and IT pros. Check out the pros and cons of the newest suite in this guide for enterprises and consumers.Continue Reading

• A guide to Windows 7 migration tools

  Upgrading to Windows 7 from Windows XP is no easy task, but several tools from Microsoft and third-party vendors can simplify the process.Continue Reading

• Netbook guide

  Netbooks are becoming increasingly popular with corporate workers and in the enterprise. Check out this guide for netbook trends, news and reviews.Continue Reading

• Top 10 Windows desktop security tips of 2009

  Check out the best -- and most popular -- Windows desktop security tips of 2009, including info on Windows 7 security, a guide to Sysinternals and password advice.Continue Reading

• Top 5 Windows desktop security tips

  Check out this mid-year review of the most popular Windows desktop security tips; covering notable changes to Windows 7 security features, free security tools and more.Continue Reading

• Using Sysinternals tools in security management scenarios

  Discover three valuable Sysinternals tools and common Windows security management scenarios in which these tools would be used.Continue Reading

• Step 4: Start the BitLocker encryption process

  In Vista, the BitLocker function allows you to encrypt your hard drive, but a computer with Trusted Platform Module is preferred. Not to worry … learn how to use BitLocker on a computer without TPM and encrypt your hard drive with this ...Continue Reading

• Step-by-step guide: Laptop hacking

  Laptops with sensitive data are getting stolen every day. Contributor Kevin Beaver says the best way to secure your laptops is to understand how they will be attacked. He provides the basic attack methods and a set of contingencies in this ...Continue Reading

• Windows XP Troubleshooting Tutorial

  Need help troubleshooting Windows XP? This tutorial features tons of tips and tricks that admins can use to solve a variety of system and network problems, with advice on troubleshooting Windows XP system startup issues, printer problems and more.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows XP Device Manager error codes

  Windows XP Device Manager alerts you if a system's hardware malfunctions, but often you need an advanced degree in unraveling cryptic code in order to understand the problem. Device Manager's error codes may be puzzling, but once you crack them, ...Continue Reading