Windows OS and management
For decades, Windows desktops have had a massive share of the overall desktop OS market. Therefore, enterprise desktop administrators must focus their energy on building a strong management plan for the latest versions of Windows. This process includes testing and applying updates and patches, upgrading to new versions and much more.
Top Stories
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Tip
25 Apr 2025
10 troubleshooting steps for when Windows Update is frozen
When a Windows desktop is frozen and can't update, there could be many causes. The troubleshooting process can be complicated, but there are some universal steps for IT to follow. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2025
Troubleshooting the most common issues with Windows 11
When Windows 11 administrators encounter an issue with a desktop without a clear fix, they should perform general troubleshooting steps in a specific order to minimize risk. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 May 2019
PowerShell Command Line Zip Handling
Once you learn the syntax and parameters involved, PowerShell command ine Zip handling is simple and easy, both for bundling files into archives, and unpacking archives' contents. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 May 2019
How can IT use Windows Autopilot to manage Windows 10 PCs?
Deploying Windows 10 devices can be a pain, especially when pre-installed PCs don't have the right applications or policies. Learn how Windows Autopilot can solve those issues. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
03 May 2019
19H1 Release Preview Bug Bites
You'll know when the Windows 10 19H1 Release Preview bug bites, when you see an error message from Windows Update that reads "What needs your attention. . ." Turns out removing the SD card usually ... Continue Reading
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Feature
03 May 2019
Windows 7 migration presents IT with an opportunity to modernize
Moving on from Windows 7 is still a necessity for more than one-third of organizations, and if done correctly, an OS migration can help modernize and secure your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2019
What to know about Microsoft's new Windows Sandbox mode
Windows Sandbox is Microsoft's integrated Windows 10 sandbox environment to test applications and files in isolation. Learn about the new program and its features. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 May 2019
MS Valuation Hits Trillion Dollar Mark
On April 30, with a stock value at the market close of $130.60 per share, MS valuation hits trillion dollar mark. Now the question is: can MS stay there? Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Apr 2019
Web-based vs Offline DotNET 4.8 Installers
The tradeoff in using web-based vs offline DotNET 4.8 installers is time. Web-based installers are quicker to download but take longer to work through installation. Vice-versa for offline installers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
24 Apr 2019
Win10 Minimum Hardware Requirements Get Interesting
Careful examination of changes to CPU details show that with version 1903, Win10 minimum hardware requirements get interesting. Simply put, newer CPUs deliver more advanced features and functions. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Apr 2019
X1 Carbon Extreme 6-Core Really Flies
If you're looking for a serious, capable road/travel laptop, be aware that the Lenovo X1 Carbon Extreme 6-Core really flies. For $2.5-3.0K you can get performance on par with a reasonably capable ... Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2019
Latest Windows 10 update issues cause more freezing problems
This news brief details the additional issues around the April 9 Windows 10 update as well as provides a look at Microsoft's Edge browser, built using Google's open sourced web browser Chromium. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Apr 2019
Comet Offers Interesting Disk Cleanup Alternative
A free, open source program named Comet offers interesting Disk Cleanup alternative for Windows 10. If MS should now decide to retire the original (which they may do), looks like we've got a usable ... Continue Reading
- Blog Post 18 Apr 2019
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News
15 Apr 2019
With the new Windows 10 OS update, trust but verify
The latest Windows 10 update, scheduled for late May, will give installation controls back to IT admins. In this Q&A, Dave Sobel talks about why that's important. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 Apr 2019
MCT1903 Misnomer Not Available
Though some enterprising Windows-head found a file named MediaCreationTool1903.exe, it's a MCT1903 Misnomer not available to the public just yet, as a bit of DISM inspection shows. It will be ready ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
12 Apr 2019
Dude, Where Is My SDXC Drive?
When I lose a device after a Release Preview upgrade, I raise the question "Dude, Where is my SDXC Drive?" A quick rollback leads me to suspect a driver issue, and a follow-up report to the MS ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
10 Apr 2019
Samsung Consumer Drivers OEM Friendly
Because my new Lenovo loaner laptops include OEM model NVMe drives, I find myself asking are Samsung consumer drivers OEM friendly? In my case, at least, the answer turns out to be "Yes!" Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Apr 2019
Upcoming Insider Preview Changes 2020 Release Access Methods
For the next little while, upcoming Insider Preview changes 2020 release access methods: to check the Release Preview and prep for the next 19H2 Fast Ring, go "Slow;" to get the 20H1 bits, pick ... Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Apr 2019
Top Windows 10 issues facing IT
Windows 10 can be a challenging OS for both end users and IT admins. Here, IT pros discuss the biggest challenges they've experienced with Windows 10 management. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Apr 2019
MS Backs Off Forcing Updates
In a surprising but welcome move, MS Corporate VP for Windows Mike Fortin announces that, starting with the next feature upgrade, MS backs off forcing updates on users. All I can say is: "Hooray!" Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2019
Windows Defender ATP coming to Mac OS with new name and features
Windows Defender is coming to Mac OS along with a new name. The new Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection is also getting new threat vulnerability management features. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
03 Apr 2019
Win10 KB4490481 Could Leave 6 Reclaimable Packages Behind
The latest Cumulative Update Win10 KB4490481 leaves 6 reclaimable packages behind. That's 3 or 4 more than usual, and amounts to over 9 GB of obsolete material. Definitely worth cleaning up. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Apr 2019
Second Reboot Fixes DISM StartComponentCleanup Error 6824
Second reboot fixes DISM StartComponentCleanup error 6824, so if you see this you can make it work that way, too. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2019
WakeMeOnLan Provides Quick Compact Net Survey
Because NirSoft's WakeMeOnLan provides quick compact net survey, it's worth using as a survey tool, as well as to remotely start up or shut down PCs on your LAN(s). Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2019
Windows 10 security breach highlights third-party vulnerabilities
The recent Windows 10 PC security breach brought on by third-party software from a Chinese tech company raises concern about the security strength of third-party providers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Mar 2019
Win10 1809 Designated for Broad Deployment
About one month before the next feature upgrade would typically appear, MS finally proclaims Win10 1809 designated for broad deployment. 'Bout time! Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Mar 2019
How can IT assign PCs to Windows 10 servicing channels?
Microsoft offers different tools to assign Windows 10 PCs to servicing channels. Learn how to assign desktops to servicing channels using a multi-tiered strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2019
How to navigate Windows 10 update problems
It's often a hassle for IT admins to manage and control Windows 10 updates. Follow these tips to make the Windows update process as smooth as possible. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Mar 2019
AdDuplex Tells Interesting 1809 Story
In publishing its latest release distribution numbers, Latvian software company AdDuplex tells interesting 1809 story -- namely, that for every 1809 user, there are 2.5+ users running 1803 or some ... Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2019
How to create Windows 10 toast notifications with PowerShell
IT can send pop-up notifications to a Windows 10 user's taskbar with a PowerShell module called BurntToast. Here's how to get started creating toast notifications. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Mar 2019
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
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Blog Post
25 Mar 2019
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
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Blog Post
22 Mar 2019
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
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Blog Post
15 Mar 2019
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
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Blog Post
14 Mar 2019
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
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Blog Post
13 Mar 2019
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
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Blog Post
13 Mar 2019
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
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Blog Post
11 Mar 2019
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
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Blog Post
04 Mar 2019
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
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Blog Post
27 Feb 2019
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
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Blog Post
25 Feb 2019
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
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Blog Post
22 Feb 2019
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
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Blog Post
20 Feb 2019
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
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Blog Post
18 Feb 2019
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
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Tip
18 Feb 2019
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
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Blog Post
17 Feb 2019
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
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Feature
13 Feb 2019
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
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Blog Post
12 Feb 2019
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
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Blog Post
11 Feb 2019
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
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Tip
04 Feb 2019
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
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Blog Post
04 Feb 2019
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
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Blog Post
01 Feb 2019
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
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Answer
01 Feb 2019
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
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Tip
01 Feb 2019
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
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News
31 Jan 2019
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
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Opinion
31 Jan 2019
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
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Quiz
30 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
29 Jan 2019
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
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Answer
28 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
27 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
25 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
24 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
23 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
22 Jan 2019
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
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Tip
22 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
18 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
16 Jan 2019
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
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Opinion
16 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
15 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
07 Jan 2019
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
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Answer
03 Jan 2019
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
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Feature
19 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
19 Dec 2018
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
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Tip
19 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
17 Dec 2018
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
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Feature
17 Dec 2018
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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Blog Post
14 Dec 2018
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
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Opinion
13 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
12 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
10 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
07 Dec 2018
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
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Quiz
05 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
05 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
03 Dec 2018
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
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News
29 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
28 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
26 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
23 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
21 Nov 2018
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
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Tip
20 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
19 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
16 Nov 2018
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
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Tip
16 Nov 2018
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
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News
15 Nov 2018
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
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Feature
14 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
14 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
12 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
09 Nov 2018
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
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Tip
08 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
07 Nov 2018
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
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Answer
06 Nov 2018
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