Windows OS and management

Win10 1903 Policy Handles Automatic Updates and Restarts

A new Win10 1903 policy handles Automatic Updates and Restarts. Here's how to find, enable, and manipulate its settings. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

KB4465065 Offers New Microcode Fixes

KB4465065 offers new microcode fixes for intel CPUs. The operative question is always "What's the performance hit?" For me, it's negligible across a broad range of CPUs. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Win10 ComputerName Generation

When one of my PCs disappears from the network I realize I've fallen victim to Win10 ComputerName generation during a recent clean install. So, I research the rules whereby such names are made. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Praising Voidtools Everything

Praising Voidtools Everything is easy because it's the fastest, most capable and most convenient Windows search tool around. In troubleshooting an install issue yesterday, it really showed itself ... Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Win10 Compact OS for Conventional HDs

If you, or any of your users, boot from a conventional (spinning) hard disk, look into Win10 Compact OS capabilities. This can deliver space and performance gains on such PCs. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Say Bye Bye Adobe Shockwave

With EOL coming on April 9, 2019, it's time to say bye bye Adobe Shockwave Player for Windows. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

When LinkedIn Posts Fail

When LinkedIn posts fail I turn to Twitter for help and find someone to communicate with immediately. Nothing seems to work, but I log in this morning and it's all fixed. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Reboot Still Solves Simple Win10 Problems

As I observe that a reboot still solves simple Win10 problems, I'm reminded that trying easy and obvious fixes early in the troubleshooting process remains a good idea. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Academics Say MS Updates Confuse Win10 Home Users

Based on a recent study, academics say MS Updates confuse Win10 Home users. Most of their observations apply to those who manage updates for other Windows 10 versions, too. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Knocking Out Norton Promo Pop-ups

When the darn things won't close and start blocking the view of my workspace, I find myself knocking out Norton promo pop-ups. Here's how. . . Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Nvidia LiveKernelEvent 141 Error Returns

When Nvidia LiveKernelEvent 141 error returns to Reliability Monitor, I start troubleshooting my Nvidia drivers. I eliminate GeForce and the driver installer as the cause, but not the error. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Win10 Hibernation Situation

For some users, the Win10 hibernation situation is such that normal defaults work just fine. For others -- especially those with restart or wake from sleep issues -- turning off hibernation can be ... Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

New MyOffice App Makes Office Ubiquitous

Starting 2/20/2019, a new MyOffice app makes Office ubiquitous. Works with local and remote executables, across multiple platforms and OSes. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Snipping Tool Snip & Sketch Printing

Snipping Tool Snip & Sketch printing presents problems when you want to print a screencap on a single piece of paper. Other programs include a"Fit to page" option. You should, too! Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

5 Windows 10 security settings to tweak

Desktop security is crucial, and the default settings of Windows 10 can leave organizations vulnerable. Here are a few changes to ensure that Windows 10 is as secure as possible. Continue Reading

By

• Dan Franciscus

Another Free Win7 Life Extension

In announcing a preview of its Microsoft Virtual Desktop Azure-based technology, MS sneakily offers another free Win7 life extension. Very interesting! Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

What IT needs to know about Windows 10 update troubleshooting

The Windows update process can cause a whole slew of problems for users and IT. Get acquainted with these Windows 10 update troubleshooting tips and make the process a lot easier. Continue Reading

By

• Yuuki Nishida

Win10 Alternate Update History Sources

When an attempt to recover update history turns up zilch, I find two good Win10 alternate update history sources. They may come in handy if Win10 does you like it did me. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Meet PowerShell Core 6.0

Meet PowerShell Core 6.0, it's got your scripting needs covered on Windows, modern macOS versions, and many important Linux distros, too. Check it out! Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Windows 10 customizations for enterprise desktops

Microsoft offers different services that IT can use to adjust its users' desktop experience. These Windows 10 customizations are a must in an admin's toolbox. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

So Long Venue Pro 11

When it fails all attempts to install 1809 or newer Insider Previews, I realize it's time to say so long Dell Venue Pro. Fortunately my even older ThinkPad X200T takes over without a hitch. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

MS Store Offers Windows File Manager

Those looking for a Windows nostalgia trip need not look too far. Right now, the MS Store offers Windows File Manager a la Windows 3.1. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

How does IT sideload apps in Windows 10?

There are certain cases that make sense for IT to sideload LOB apps to prevent them from reaching the Microsoft Store. Here's how to successfully perform the process. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

How to access Windows 10 troubleshooting tools step by step

Running into problems with Windows 10 booting, starting or other performance issues? Get to know the menus and options for Windows troubleshooting. Continue Reading

By

• Gary Olsen

Microsoft Windows Sandbox not a fit for all enterprise playgrounds

Windows Sandbox integrates directly into Windows 10, which makes it easy for IT and users to work with, but could spell trouble for organizations. Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

Run potentially sketchy apps in the Windows Sandbox

Install questionable or untrusted apps and open suspicious attachments in Microsoft’s new virtualized container: Windows Sandbox. Continue Reading

By

• Kyle Johnson, Technology Editor

Quiz yourself on top features of Windows 10

With each update, Microsoft introduces many new features that it can be hard to keep track of. Challenge yourself on how well you know these Windows 10 key features and other terms. Continue Reading

By

• Yuuki Nishida

Prioritize Win10 NICs Using PowerShell

It's quick and easy to prioritize Win10 NICs using PowerShell. In fact, you can favor wired over wireless, or vice-versa, as you see fit. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

How can IT keep pace with the Windows update process?

Staying current with the latest Windows updates is a difficult task, but IT can accomplish this without harming the UX with Group Policy, disk capacity planning and more. Continue Reading

By

• Brien Posey

Retiring Older PC Upon Long Service

When I hit a constant series of snags with upgrading to the latest Win10 Insider Preview version, I consider retiring older PC upon long service. Frankly, I'm torn up about this. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Win10 Safemode Trap Defeated

If you only use an MS account to log in to Windows 10, you might get caught in a trap. Here, I show the Win10 Safemode trap defeated and disarmed. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Win10 1809 Update Unknown Device Works

To my surprise and delight, I find that Win10 1809 update Unknown Device works in Device Manager. At least it did for a couple of UART system devices yesterday. Cool! Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Driver Setting Explains Venue Pro Restart Fail

After a clean install shows the problem is software -- not BIOS -- related, changing an Intel Management Engine driver setting explains Venue Pro Restart fail. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Kari Script Builds Win10 Bootable Install UFD

When repeated attempts to upgrade to recent Insider Preview releases fail, I use Kari's script to build myself a Win10 bootable install UFD. A clean install does the trick! Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

How to find Wi-Fi settings in Windows 10

In Windows 10, the Wi-Fi -- and wired -- connectivity settings are in a new spot, but they're as easy to access and configure as ever. You just have to know where to look. Continue Reading

By

• Stephen J. Bigelow, Senior Technology Editor

Windows 10 1809 versus 1901

When it comes to version naming, Windows 10 1809 versus 1901 refers to putative release in September (October) 2018 that's now turned into January 2019. Go figure! Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Windows 7 Inside Last Extended Support Year

With Windows 7 inside last extended support year, lots of businesses and organizations need to plan to migrate to Windows 10 sooner rather than later. Here's why... Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

What is Microsoft Intelligent Security Graph?

Get access to data from over 200 Microsoft services in one central view for security and performance. Continue Reading

By

• Kyle Johnson, Technology Editor

CU KB4480116 Hiccup Offers Easy Fix

CU KB4480116 Hiccup Offers Easy Fix: if you apply the update and lose the Start Menu and/or UWP apps, a quick restart/reboot may set things right. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Potential 1809 Admin Lockout Discovered

Zounds. Japanese researchers find another 1809 upgrade gotcha. With a potential 1809 admin lockout discovered, workarounds or deferrals are necessary. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

How can you perform a full Windows Update reset?

When Windows Update malfunctions, IT must follow this four-step process to fix the problems. Be sure to have admin privileges before getting started. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Windows 10 desktop management holiday wish list

IT pros managing Windows 10 desktops in 2018 might run into problems with OS updates or patches. As a result, they have some holiday wishes for changes to Windows 10. Continue Reading

By

• John Powers, Senior Site Editor

Win10 1809 Publicly Available

With Win10 1809 publicly available through Windows Update, admins should formulate a workable recovery strategy in case one or more such upgrades go sideways. Here's how. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

How to manage Windows 10 device drivers

Device drivers connect users' endpoints to the peripheral devices they work with. As a result, IT must know when to update drivers and what to do if they break. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

OSUninstallWindow DISM Difficulties

Current versions of Windows 10 suffer from OSUninstallWindow DISM difficulties. Check yours to see if this affects your users (or you). Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Opinions of Windows 10 run hot and cold for IT experts

The past year was a roller coaster ride for Windows 10. Microsoft had to put out fires with the October 2018 Update, but it also announced welcome changes to the Edge browser. Continue Reading

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• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

Late-Month WU Items Equal Update Previews

It's good to know that late-month WU items equal update previews. Those unwilling to deal with possibly shaky code should wait for Patch Tuesday and push updates instead. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Adopting Windows 10 modern management is a spectrum, not a binary move to MDM

We also have co-management, but there are other things can be considered modern management. Continue Reading

By

• Jack Madden

Intel Win10 UWP Configuration Utility

When I try out a new Intel Win10 UWP Configuration Utility, I learn that it brings lots of useful, informative capability into a single app. Good stuff! Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Out Darned Win10 Dollar Files!

When an inspection of my C: drives reveals a bunch of hidden system folders, I figure out how to chase out darned Win10 dollar files! Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Win10 Servicing Stack Updates Support CUs

Win10 Servicing Stack Updates Support CUs (Cumulative Updates) by pre-emptively addressing possible issues and problems with a CU's content and changes. That's why an SSU normally accompanies each ... Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Ready to build a custom Windows 10 image? Find out!

With a customized Windows 10 image, IT can automate much of the installation process for users and deliver the exact configurations they need. Are you prepared? Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

Cumulative Update KB4469342 Weaves Tortuous Win10 Track

After four releases, each new one to unsnarl problems from its predecessors, Cumulative Update KB4469342 weaves tortuous Win10 track for the 1809 release. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Intel Windows 10 Modern Drivers

As of November 2018, Intel Windows 10 Modern Drivers and an Intel Control Panel app represent the current and future direction for built-in Intel graphics chipsets. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Microsoft Windows as a service still finding its footing

As Microsoft continues to battle bugs in Windows 10, some analysts and developers blame its quality-control process and a lack of services in Windows as a service. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Scannell, Freelancer

iCloud Issue Hampers 1809 User Proffer

Because of synchronization problems in the latest Windows 10 release, an iCloud issue hampers 1809 user proffer. Once a PC is updated to the latest iCloud, it's safe to upgrade to 1809. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Tablets and Laptops Supplant Desktop PCs

According to the UK Government's Office of Communications (Ofcom), tablet and laptops supplant desktop PCs in the vast majority of end-user homes. Desktops won't disappear, but they're no longer ... Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

False Bug ID Causes 1809 Re-Release

When Windows Central reports that a false bug ID causes 1809 re-release, it turns out that the real data losses for 1809 looked enough like illusory ones in earlier releases to fool MS engineers. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Command-line Sequence Kills Resistant Windows.old Files

When a specific set of folders defies normal clean-up techniques I learn a command-line sequence kills resistant Windows.old files and folders. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

How Windows 10 certificates create a chain of trust

Certificates in Windows 10 create a chain of trust that confirms the identity of the user accessing corporate resources and ensures that she is doing so over a trusted connection. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

Default Screen Res Kills Event Viewer Log Filtering

Although default Screen Res kills Event Viewer log filtering in Win10 versions 1803, 1809, and Insider Preview, it's easily worked around by temporarily resetting Scale and Layout to 100%. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

RDP Win10 Black Screen Fixes

After a recent Insider Preview upgrade I lose the ability to see the desktop in inbound RDP sessions. Along the way, I uncover some RDP Win10 Black Screen fixes. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Create and enforce a password policy across the enterprise

There are new-fangled approaches to enterprise security, such as biometric authentication, but tried-and-true passwords are still critical to protecting an organization's network. Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Beaver, Principle Logic, LLC

Microsoft reissues Windows 10 October Update, Server 2019

Windows Server 2019 and the Windows 10 October Update are back in IT admins' hands, six weeks after the company pulled them from the market when some users reported lost data. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Scannell, Freelancer

Settle the debate on how to deploy Windows 10 desktops

IT pros have a decision to make when delivering and managing Windows 10. They can use a DaaS provider, manage the desktops with cloud-based tools or keep everything on premises. Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

Win10 1809 Is Re-released

After a 40-day hiatus, Win10 1809 is re-released. You can get the latest version through Windows Update, or use the Windows 10 Download page to force the upgrade or build installation media. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

1809 Users Missing Critical Fixes

I was surprised to learn that 1809 users missing critical fixes must join the Insider Preview program to receive them. Fortunately, it's an easy fix. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

MS Activation Server Issues Temporarily Negate Win10 Licenses

When MS Activation Server issues temporarily negate Win10 licenses, consternation reigns for a few hours. A couple of simple fixes will set affected PCs straight, though. No biggie! Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Get to know third-party Windows 10 migration tools

IT professionals should look to third-party migration tools during a transition to Windows 10 to provide any features that the native Windows migration tools do not. Continue Reading

By

• Brien Posey

New Win10 Zoom Controls Are Coming

For the 19H1 release, new Win10 zoom controls are coming. They'll make it much easier to resize command windows (PowerShell, cmd.exe and WSL) and the text they contain. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

How can you pause Windows Update with Group Policy?

Mistimed updates in Windows 10 can drive users crazy and cost organizations in terms of productivity. There are steps you can take to pause these updates, however. Continue Reading

By

• Brien Posey

Handy Win10 USB Eject Tool

When Windows 10 won't properly handle or report on ejecting USB devices, this handy Win10 USB Eject tool does the job quite nicely. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Win10 Registry Backup Task Broken

A Win10 Registry Backup task broken: it's named RegIdleBackup and it reports successful completion in Task Manager even though it writes no backup files. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

5 Windows 10 management tools every IT pro must know

With tools such as PowerShell and the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, IT can make managing Windows 10 much simpler from deployment through mobile device management. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

The complete guide to Windows 10 security tools

IT professionals must carefully consider which security tools they use to protect their Windows 10 desktops. They may want to stray from the Microsoft path in some instances. Continue Reading

MS Posts New Win10 1809 Group Policy Reference

When MS posts new Win10 1809 Group Policy Reference in Excel spreadsheet format it provides a rare (and fairly complete) snapshot of state-of-the-art management stuff. Grab your copy soon! Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Operator Error Makes Insider Preview Reflect Bug Persist

When operator error makes Insider Preview Reflect bug persist, my colleagues at TenForums guide me back to the solution I'd already tried, using the proper patch this time instead. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Second Data Loss Bug in 1809 Raises Serious Concerns About Win10

As users report that unzipping files into folders with existing copies may cause earlier versions to be overwritten, a second Data Loss bug in 1809 raises serious concerns About Win10. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Can WUMgr Replace WUMT?

As I get to know David Xanatos Windows Update Manager tool, I find myself asking: Can WUMgr replace WUMT. At present, I'm leaning toward "Yes!" But only time will tell. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Build 17763.55 Fixes USB Issues

After the initial release of Windows 10 1809 demoted USB 3.0 devices to 2.1, Build 17763.55 fixes USB 3.0 issues. All drivers back to current levels. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Understanding third-party Windows 10 security tools

Third-party security tools provide value and new utilities for Windows 10 desktop administrators. IT should consider non-Microsoft options for patching, firewalls and more. Continue Reading

By

• John Powers, Senior Site Editor

Navigating the cost mechanisms of running VMs on public clouds

Running desktop virtualization on IaaS in the public cloud means dealing with complicated billing mechanisms. Today, Marius lays everything out to make it easier to understand. Continue Reading

By

• Marius Sandbu, Sopra Steria

What's new in the Microsoft Windows 10 October 2018 Update?

The Windows 10 October 2018 Update might be best known for some of the problems it caused, but it also added some features that can help business users and IT pros. Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

Print Scan Drivers Move to Windows Update

Reducing the overall Win10 image size, print scan drivers move to Windows Update starting with Version 1809. Thus, WU must be available when adding new printers. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

RunAsTool Elevates Privileges Per Application

Because the RunAsTool elevates privileges per application, admins don't need to promote accounts to admin level unnecessarily. This reduces overall security risks. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Microsoft Windows 10 October 2018 Update stumbles out of gate

The most recent Windows 10 update includes enhancements for business users, but it ran into major problems shortly after its release. Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

What does a Windows 10 digital certificate do?

IT pros can build trust into Windows 10 by adding certificates that form trusted connections by confirming the identity of any individuals or entities communicating with the OS. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

SpiceWorld 2018 Confirms Win10 Migration Intelligence

SpiceWorld 2018 confirms Win10 migration intelligence, as I interact with attendees, and learn about their migration progress, plans, and challenges. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Alternate Win10 1809 Source During Hold Period

Right now MS has withdrawn the October 2018 release from circulation. For those in (dire) need, I provide an alternate Win10 1809 source during hold period. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

How can IT put Windows 10 containers to use?

Using Docker containers in Windows 10, IT can isolate apps and processes from users' devices, which can help in several ways, including preventing conflicts with other apps. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

Check Those Win10 Installer UFDs

To be absolutely, positively sure what you're about to install, here's how to check those Win10 installer UFDs for version info. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Interesting 1809 Disk Layout Changes

After I perform the 1809 upgrade on numerous PCs, I observe interesting 1809 disk layout changes on some machines, because WinRE partition size increases for this release. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Marginal Power Mars Win10 USB Flash Drive Access

When using 500 GB and 1 TB mSATA SSDs, I discover that marginal power mars Win10 USB flash drive access, with drives dropping out or completely inaccessible. Easy fix, though. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Windows Defender Application Guard

Windows Defender Application Guard is a security tool built into Microsoft Edge that isolates browser sessions from the desktop in a virtual machine (VM) to prevent any malicious activity from reaching the desktop. Continue Reading

By

• John Powers, Senior Site Editor

Win10 WSUS Gets Smaller Downloads

Thanks to limiting update downloads to 64-bit only for commercial users of WSUS and SCCM, Win10 WSUS gets smaller downloads (as much as 40% smaller). Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Hard Disk Warning Prompts Win10 Tool Search

Casual use of a freebie tool means hard disk warning prompts Win10 tool search. Net net: new hard disk arriving next week by mail. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

IT's essential toolbox for troubleshooting and managing users

End-user computing administrators spend a lot of time considering which products and services to deliver to end users that will make the employees' jobs easier. But what about the IT pros themselves? They need a variety of tools for managing users and the many issues that end users encounter daily. With help desk and remote access tools, plus a good password management system, IT admins are on their way to managing users and troubleshooting problems with all the necessities in hand.

Also in this issue, get a look at Samsung's Galaxy Note 9, learn whether IT departments should really focus only on general-purpose operating systems, and explore the emerging world of mobile analytics. Plus, take a deep dive into mobile thin clients and how these movable -- sometimes pocketable -- devices can be a solid option for VDI.

 Continue Reading

Logoff Disconnected Win10 Users Via Command Line

Saw an interesting question raised on TenForums.com this morning. The thread was entitled “Log off all but current user.” On a PC where multiple users share the same machine, but don’t always log ... Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Getting KB4458469 Installed When Windows Update Offer Absent

Getting KB4458469 installed when Windows Update offer absent requires manual update. A quick download from the Microsoft Update Catalog, and all is well. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Preserving Cleanmgr.exe for Future Use

Preserving Cleanmgr.exe for future use in Win10 is easy, as long as you know which files to grab and how to arrange them. Here are those details. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel