Windows 10 issues top list of most read stories for IT pros

Windows 10 -- and the challenges posed to IT professionals by its updates -- dominated the enterprise desktop discussion in 2019. Troubleshooting and understanding the eccentricities of 2019's Windows 10 issues comprised many of our top 10 most popular stories this year.

With the sunset of Windows 7 scheduled for the first month of 2020, interest in other Microsoft OSes, including Windows 10, may intensify in the coming year.

Below is a countdown of the top ten most-read SearchEnterpriseDesktop stories, based on page views.

10. Micro apps, AI to power new version of Citrix Workspace

Citrix announced a new version of Citrix Workspace, which enables IT admins to provide employees with virtual access to an organization's desktop and applications, at May's Citrix Synergy event in Atlanta. The company cited micro apps or small, task-based applications as a key feature, saying they would handle complicated tasks more efficiently by bringing them into a unified work feed. The addition of micro apps was made possible through a $200 million acquisition of Sapho in 2018.

9. Lenovo to launch ThinkBook brand, next-gen ThinkPad x1

Lenovo started a new subbrand -- called ThinkBook -- this past spring, with two laptops aimed at younger employees in the workforce. The 13- and 14-inch laptops were intended to incorporate a sleek design with robust security, reliability and support services. The company also launched a laptop for advanced business users, ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2, and the ultrasmall desktop ThinkCentre M90n-1 Nano in the same time frame.

8. Learn about the device-as-a-service model and its use cases

The device-as-a-service model, in which a vendor leases devices to a business, may help IT admins fulfill their responsibility to support, maintain and repair equipment. The model has its pros and cons. It can provide a single point of contact for troubleshooting and enable more frequent hardware refreshes, but it can also limit an organization's device choices and pose complications for a company's BYOD plan.

7. Lenovo powers new ThinkPad series with AMD Ryzen Pro processors

Lenovo released three Windows 10 laptops with AMD processors this past spring, the first time it has used non-Intel chips in its higher-end ThinkPad T and X series devices. The company hoped its T495, T495s and X395 computers would provide better performance and security at a lower cost; the company said the AMD-powered T and X series laptops saw an 18% increase over the previous generation.

6. Windows 10 security breach highlights third-party vulnerabilities

Microsoft detected a security vulnerability in Windows 10, introduced through Huawei PCManager driver software. Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection, a feature that finds and blocks potential compromises, found the problem before the vulnerability could cause serious damage, but industry professionals said the incident highlighted the risks posed by third-party kernels such as device drivers and the importance of working with trusted companies.

5. Samsung Notebook 9 Pro 2-in-1 impresses with specs and looks

Samsung released a redesign of its flagship Windows 10 laptop this year, opting for an aluminum chassis in place of the plastic from previous iterations. The device offered comparable specs to other high-end laptop offerings, with a slate of features including a backlit keyboard, a variety of inputs and the Samsung Active Pen.

4. With the new Windows 10 OS update, trust but verify

Dave Sobel, senior director and managed services provider at SolarWinds in Austin, Texas, expounded on the then-forthcoming May 2019 Windows 10 update a month before its scheduled release. Sobel acknowledged the security importance of patching systems but stressed that IT professionals remain vigilant for complications -- notable, as the Windows 10 update came in the wake of an October 2018 patch that deleted files of users who work with Known Folder redirection.

3. Citrix CEO David Henshall addresses Citrix news, sale rumors

In a Q&A, Citrix CEO David Henshall talked about the future of the 30-year-old company, downplaying rumors that it would be sold. Henshall spoke of the venerable firm's history of connecting people and information on demand and saw the coming years as a time when Citrix would continue to simplify and ease that connection to encourage productivity.

2. Latest Windows 10 update issues cause more freezing problems

The April 9 Windows 10 update caused device freezing upon launch. Those in IT had already noted freezing in devices using Sophos Endpoint Protection; after a few days, they learned that the patch was clashing with antivirus software, causing freezing both during startup and over the course of regular operation of the computer. Microsoft updated its support page to acknowledge the issue and provided workarounds shortly thereafter.

1. 1. IT takes the good with the bad in Windows 10 1903 update

After experiencing problems with previous Windows 10 updates, June's 1903 version came with initial positive -- but wary -- reception. Microsoft's Windows-as-a-service model drew complaints for the way it implemented updates. Among its changes, 1903 enabled IT professionals to pause feature and monthly updates for up to 35 days. Also new was Windows Sandbox, providing IT with the ability to test application installations without compromising a machine. The new version of Windows 10 did not launch bug-free, however; issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth device connection and USB devices causing the rearrangement of drive letters were reported.