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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Feature
29 Oct 2024
CrowdStrike outage explained: What caused it and what’s next
A CrowdStrike update caused a massive IT outage, crashing millions of Windows systems. Critical services and business operations were disrupted, revealing tech reliance risks. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2024
Microsoft repairs 2 zero-days on October Patch Tuesday
Administrators will have to tackle 117 new vulnerabilities, including three rated critical, in this month's batch of security updates. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Sep 2018
4 tips for handling the upgrade process to Windows 10
To ensure a smooth upgrade to Windows 10, IT should take advantage of helpful tools such as the Microsoft Management Console to test Windows 10 application compatibility. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
10 Sep 2018
Macrium Patches Skipahead Preview Reflect Win10 Bug
Macrium patches Skipahead Preview Reflect Win10 bug in under 24 hours (on a weekend, no less). This is first-rate customer service that goes way beyond the ordinary call of duty. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 Sep 2018
A Win10 Post-Upgrade Checklist
With a well-crafted Win10 Post-Upgrade checklist, you can streamline the process of cleaning up and tweaking a new Windows 10 desktop once the upgrade is complete. Here's a good start! Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Sep 2018
Seriously, what is multi-user Windows 10 for? (Another possible clue?)
We know it’s coming, but we still have no clue what Microsoft is thinking. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Sep 2018
GPT vs MBR Disks
The distinction between GPT vs MBR disks in Windows 10 can be important for boot-up, and also determine the maximum number of partitions and disk sizes allowed. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Sep 2018
Finding Another Path to Reliability Monitor
When Start10 throws an unexpected launch error at me, I'm off, finding another path to Reliability Monitor. Turns out that "perfmon /rel" does the trick! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Aug 2018
PS Get-HotFix Cmdlet Checks Update Status
For those who want to know if a Windows update or upgrade is present or absent, the PS Get-HotFix Cmdlet checks update status. Here's how to use it. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2018
Understand Windows Insider Program for Business options
With its business-friendly Insider Program, Microsoft allows IT and users to test Windows 10 preview builds for compatibility and performance issues. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
24 Aug 2018
KB 4093836 Summarizes August 2018 Spectre Microcode Updates
KB 4093836 summarizes August 2018 Spectre Microcode Updates, and points to patches for Windows 10 1803, 1709, 1703, 1607 and the long-term servicing versions. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2018
How to get the Windows 10 upgrade process right
To install Windows 10 correctly, IT pros should alter the disk layout for a fresh installation of the OS to match Microsoft's recommended order rather than its default order. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Aug 2018
Windows Defender Blocks PUAs
Windows Defender offers numerous advanced security capabilities. Among them, Windows Defender Blocks PUAs (potentially unwanted applications). Here's how to put it to work! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Aug 2018
Win10 Version 1809 Makes Official Debut
A quick screen capture of winver.exe from Build 17741 shows that Win10 Version 1809 makes official debut as the upcoming next version name. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Aug 2018
Win10 Registry Includes AllowExperimentation Key
If it comes as a surprise that Win10 Registry includes AllowExperimentation key that's enabled by default, take cheer from an easy fix to disable it explicitly. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Aug 2018
How can IT fix Windows Update issues?
Microsoft offers some built-in troubleshooting methods to resolve Windows Update problems. There are also some third-party options IT should be aware of. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Aug 2018
Add Recovery Partition to Win10 Boot Menu
When recovery entry fails on my Lenovo T520, I re-learn how to add recovery partition to Win10 Boot Menu. Easily done thanks to EasyBCD and MTPW. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Aug 2018
About Logitech Driver Interface Drivers
As I dig into and learn more about Logitech Driver Interface Drivers, I quickly realize that they're essentially no-ops (not needed, not loaded, and not used). 'Nuff said! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
10 Aug 2018
NoMo Snipping Tool Try Screen Sketch Instead
Starting with a feature upgrade sometime soon, the screencap motto will be "NoMo Snipping Tool Try Screen Sketch Instead!" I take a look at what's what with Skip Ahead Preview Build 18204. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Aug 2018
Manual Download Works When WU Finds Nothing
After TenForums news alerts me to a new firmware update for my Surface Pro 3, a manual download works when WU finds nothing. The real secret is knowing where to look. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Aug 2018
How to stop Windows 10 updates temporarily
A poorly timed Windows 10 update can cause a major headache for an end user. Fortunately, users can pause updates or IT can take steps to halt updates using Group Policy. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Aug 2018
Fast Ring Win10 Builds 17728 and 17730 May Require Clean Install
When numerous attempts with Windows Update, WUMT, and even an upgrade install from a mounted ISO all fail, I realize that Fast Ring Win10 Builds 17728 and 17730 may require clean install. To my ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
03 Aug 2018
Latest GeForce Driver 398.82 Bluescreens PC
When the latest GeForce Driver 398.82 bluescreens PC this morning, I find myself on an unwanted nostalgia trip. Been here before, not eager to go back. Even so, I'm waiting to see if it happens one ... Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Aug 2018
7 features for managing Windows 10 updates and upgrades
Managing updates and upgrades in Windows 10 is tough. Fortunately, Microsoft includes seven features in the OS, including SetupDiag, that IT pros can use to simplify both processes. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Aug 2018
Fixing Win10 Upgrade Stuck on Restart Issues
When it comes to fixing Win10 Upgrade stuck on Restart, there are several techniques that can put things back to rights. I usually start with WUMT then move onto a full-blown WU reset maneuver. One ... Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Jul 2018
Prepare for Windows 7 end of life before time runs out
The end-of-extended-support date for Windows 7 is a short 18 months from now: Jan. 14, 2020. Make sure you're ready and have considered Windows 10 as well as other options. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Jul 2018
Clean Install Fixes Long-Standing Win10 Restart Issue
A clean install fixes long-standing Win10 Restart issue and thereby vindicates conventional wisdom that occasional or periodic clean Windows installs serve as a kind of OS maintenance technique or ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Jul 2018
PS Cmdlet Turns Win10 Networks Private
Because GUI access to the control can sometimes be problematic (or MIA), it's a good thing that PS Cmdlet turns Win10 networks Private. That cmdlet is named Set-NetConnectionProfile. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Jul 2018
DISM Export-Image Grabs Selected Image Installer
When I observe that a multi-image ISO file results in an installer for Windows 10 Home, I learn that DISM Export-Image grabs selected image installer for Pro instead. This lets me update my ... Continue Reading
- 24 Jul 2018
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Tip
24 Jul 2018
Get to know enterprise patch management tools
Unpatched software and OSes can create a huge security hole in any organization. IT should know what tools can fill in the gaps. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Jul 2018
Surface Pro Boot Requires Minimum Charge
When a tablet connected to A/C power absolutely, positively refuses to boot, I learn that Surface Pro boot requires minimum charge levels to succeed. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Jul 2018
Win10 Migration Survey Reveals 2018 Challenges
Jeremy Moskowitz's recent Win10 migration survey reveals 2018 challenges facing organizations of all kinds, based on 500-plus responses from 30 countries (80% US-based). Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Jul 2018
Dell Venue Pro 11 7130 Strange Upgrade Issues
When Dell Venue Pro 11 7130 strange upgrade issues manifest for recent Insider Preview builds, my usual troubleshooting ritual sets things right. No clean install this time, as I'd feared might be ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Jul 2018
Productivity Hurdles Emphasize Office PC Setup Benefits
Working on the road for just over a week, I realize that productivity hurdles emphasize office PC setup benefits. With a little thought, ingenuity and money, though, most of these hurdles can be ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Jul 2018
MS Smartens Update Downloads
By downloading updates from smallest to largest in size in that order, and downloading updates in pairs, MS smartens Update downloads. Now, if I could only figure out what determines update ... Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jul 2018
How can IT turn off Windows 10 automatic updates?
In some cases, IT pros should disable Windows 10 updates to gain control over the process. They can use methods such as editing group policies and setting a metered connection. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Jul 2018
The Occasional Resurgence of Windows.old
When it comes to post-upgrade cleanup in Windows 10, an occasional resurgence of Windows.old seems to pop up from time to time. Here's another one found and fixed! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Jul 2018
MS Win7 Cert Exams Expire July 31
When S Win7 Cert Exams expire July 31 they signal that today's reigning Windows version is nearing the end of its lifecycle. With 900-plus million devices still running Win7, lots of change is at hand. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Jul 2018
Why would IT manually upgrade to Windows 10?
There are some instances where IT should manually upgrade to Windows 10, including when the desktop runs older software for which IT does not have the installation media. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Jul 2018
DISM Cleans Up After Windows Update
Because DISM cleans up after Windows Update adds new items to Win10, it's a good idea to use its AnalyzeComponentStore and CleanupComponentStore directives from time to time. Here's how! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Jul 2018
Strange Display Behavior Gets Workarounds
Strange display behavior gets workarounds in Windows 10: right-click the taskbar entry, Alt+Space to restore the original window, or force-change then restore screen resolution. Very interesting! Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2018
How to create a Windows 10 security program
IT can get ahead of Windows 10 security problems by understanding its organizational needs and focusing on a few key areas, including patching and domain password policies. Continue Reading
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Quiz
29 Jun 2018
Take the Windows 10 migration tools pop quiz
Microsoft offers a host of tools IT pros can use to make the move to Windows 10 a little easier. See how well you know your options with this quiz. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2018
New types of authentication take root across the enterprise
At Identiverse 2018, speakers and attendees expect a rise in two-factor authentication, as the single sign-on user password authentication falls out of favor. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Jun 2018
WUMT Resolves Update Woes Yet Again
When one of my laptops balks at completing the update check for a current cumulative update, WUMT resolves update woes yet again for Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jun 2018
Windows 10 Update Assistant
Windows 10 Update Assistant is a native update management tool designed to help individual users keep up with OS updates as Microsoft publishes them. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Jun 2018
MS Answers Offers 1803 Networking Resolution
MS Answers offers 1803 networking resolution for those seeking to make nodes or network resources visible or available using File Explorer and other tools. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Jun 2018
Win10 Hyper-V VMs Benefit from More VRAM
Depending on the workload and applications in use Win10 Hyper-V VMs benefit from more VRAM (virtual RAM), easily allocated using the Hyper-V manager. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jun 2018
What can you do if a Windows 10 keyboard or mouse is not working?
If users encounter problems with a Windows 10 mouse or keyboard, IT pros can follow these steps to troubleshoot the connectivity issue quickly and easily. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Jun 2018
UWP Win10 Sticky Notes Backup
Making a UWP Win10 Sticky Notes backup translates into finding and copying the file named plum.sqlite to a safe place. Easy-peasy! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
18 Jun 2018
Grab New DriverStore Explorer from GitHub
Whether you're a first-time user or are running an older version, please take the time to grab new DriverStore Explorer from GitHub. It's worth using! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Jun 2018
AI Drives Win10 Update Access
AI drives Win10 Update access, and uses telemetry and feedback data to target updates PCs likely to have a positive experience. Over time, MS extends updates to more PCs as the likelihood of ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Jun 2018
Sysprep Audit Mode Alternate Key Sequence
When the default Ctrl+Shift+F3 won't do it, try the Sysprep Audit Mode alternate key sequence instead: Ctrl+Fn+Shift+F3. Works for me! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Jun 2018
Fixing Win10 Restart PC to Finish Installing Drivers Issue
Evidence I compiled helped me with fixing Win10 Restart PC to Finish Installing Drivers issue by leading me to the device involved, and possible fixes. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Jun 2018
Ctrl+Winkey+C Toggles Win10 Display to Grayscale Mode
For some people, learning that Ctrl+Winkey+C toggles Win10 display to grayscale mode comes as an unpleasant surprise. Fortunately, it's easy to reverse. Continue Reading
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Quiz
07 Jun 2018
How well do you know your Windows 10 update options?
Microsoft offers three Windows 10 servicing channels, a host of tools for managing updates and different update types. See if you can sort it all out with this Windows 10 update quiz. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Jun 2018
How do the Windows 10 servicing channels work?
IT can use the servicing channels for Windows 10 to assign different deployment cadences to different devices and defer updates where necessary. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Jun 2018
NirSoft NetBScanner Offers Win10 LAN Insights
After the 1803 upgrade monkey with LAN visibility for some nodes, NirSoft NetBScanner offers Win10 LAN insights to help get things running again. Good stuff! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Jun 2018
Set Win10 RS5 Rollback Retention Interval
I don't normally write much about the Insider Preview builds for this blog post. Practicing Enterprise admins have enough on their hands keeping up with current branch versions of the OS. But when ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Jun 2018
AdDuplex-based Win10 Uptake Projections Mostly Bogus
When I first saw the news, I was stunned. But on further analysis, AdDuplex-based Win10 uptake projections mostly bogus, reflecting an incomplete and off-kilter subset of the user base. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 May 2018
Two Win10 Setup.exes Offer Differing Capabilities
If you build conventional Win10 installation media, you'll find two Win10 Setup.exes offer differing capabilities. One is good to upgrades or repair an existing Win10 install, the other for ... Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2018
Use Windows Analytics to better support Windows 10 desktops
With the help of Windows Analytics, IT can improve its Windows 10 desktop support with tools such as Device Health, which monitors desktop performance and identifies underperforming devices. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 May 2018
HID Woes Cause Overkill Win10 Repair
When HID woes cause overkill Win10 repair, it's because I try a software fix for what turns out to be a purely hardware problem. Sigh. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 May 2018
How can you change Windows 10 update settings?
Windows 10 updates can disrupt your workflow and cause frustration. With the right settings, however, you can minimize the risk of an update getting in the way of productivity. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 May 2018
Win10 NetBIOS Names Get Weirder
When I say Win10 NetBIOS names get weirder I mean two things: they are indeed case sensitive, and sometimes the actual defined case-correct name string won't resolve properly. Continue Reading
- 21 May 2018
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Blog Post
21 May 2018
Bring Back PING in Win10 1803
As I troubleshoot an inexplicable inability to remote into one of my office PCs, I figure out how to bring back PING in Win10 1803. In short, my recent spate of networking issues continue! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
18 May 2018
Why Windows Machine Names Are Case-Sensitive in RDP
When the certificate warning shows up, I finally figure out why Windows machine names are case-sensitive in RDP. The machine name isn't case-sensitive, but the certificate name most certainly is! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 May 2018
Win10 1803 Gets New Bluetooth Version
Amidst a raft of other changes, enhancements and additons, Win10 1803 gets new Bluetooth version that leaves some users in the lurch, functionality-wise. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 May 2018
Windows Command Line Reference Observations
By checking which commands work in PowerShell and which have PowerShell aliases, I compile an interesting set of Windows Command Line Reference observations. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 May 2018
Win10 DCOM 10016 Errors Are Mostly Benign
Finally! A Microsoft Support note explicitly confirms what I've long suspected: Win10 DCOM 10016 errors are mostly benign. They occur by deliberate design, in fact. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 May 2018
Bring Back Basic Win10 1803 Networking
The demise of HomeGroup makes it necessary to bring back basic Win10 1803 networking for Workgroup based Windows networks. Here's how! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 May 2018
MS Publishes Big Free Command Line Reference
Last Friday, my partner in crime at Win10.Guru, Kari Finn, sent me a link to a very interesting document. It comes from the Microsoft Download Center and shows up with very little descriptive ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 May 2018
1803 May Drop Spectre Patches on Some PCs
According to some usually reliable observers and experts, Windows 10 Version 1803 may drop Spectre Patches on some PCs. Here's how to check if any of your PCs are affected. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 May 2018
Top Windows 10 April 2018 Update features you need to know
Microsoft's latest update to Windows 10 helps IT pros and users alike. On the user front, Focus Assist can help employees silence notifications while they work. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 May 2018
How can IT convince users of the benefits of Windows 10?
Users may not see the Windows 10 improvements as an upgrade from their current OS. As a result, IT must highlight relevant new features to gain user support. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 May 2018
Win10 1803 Sometimes Creates Phantom Recovery Drive
Thanks to a minor but annoying error, Win10 1803 sometimes creates phantom Recovery Drive during the upgrade process. Here are two easy fixes to make it go away. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 May 2018
Four Windows 10 migration tools to consider
With the right tools -- such as the Windows ADK or MAP -- at their disposal, IT pros can take some of the headaches out of a move to Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Apr 2018
Tune Into PortableApps.com
If you tune into PortableApps.com and use their platform, you'll find a great way to take tools, utilities and applications with you onto any PC. Great stuff! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Apr 2018
Finding Windows Defender Security About Info
It turns out that finding Windows Defender Security About info is a little convoluted, but checking its Settings will point you in the right direction. Continue Reading
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Quiz
26 Apr 2018
Are you prepared for a Windows 10 transition?
When IT executes a transition to Windows 10, it must understand all the potential pitfalls inherent in an OS migration. Quiz yourself to see if you are ready for this challenge. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Apr 2018
Skippy Shows Off Lean Win10 Edition
The Windows Insider Skip Ahead Preview, aka Skippy Shows Off Lean Win10 Edition as a new SKU pops up in Build 17650. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2018
Manage Windows 10 desktops, mobile devices with EMM software
Windows 10 supports crucial functions that enable enterprise mobility management. IT must follow a few important steps to prepare desktops for management through EMM. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Apr 2018
Microsoft says RDSH is coming to a Server 2019 preview soon. (Update: It's back!)
There’s still speculation about multi-user Windows 10, though. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Apr 2018
Build 1803 Equals April Update
Based on the content of the Edge Welcome screen in Build 17134, it seems pretty safe to proclaim that Build 1803 Equals April Update. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2018
Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities show haste makes waste
When the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities came to light, everyone scrambled to find a fix. As a result, the patching process has been anything but smooth. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Apr 2018
God Mode Causes Win10 Office URL Insert Fail
If God Mode Causes Win10 Office URL Insert Fail and pasting URLs causes Word, Excel and so forth to crash, delete the God Mode parent folder to fix this problem. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2018
How to create a custom Windows 10 image for deployment
IT pros can build a Windows 10 image with custom apps, Start menu tools and more that they can easily deliver throughout the organization. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Apr 2018
Windows Server 2019 RDSH is a go
After some confusing messaging about whether Remote Desktop Session Host would be in Windows Server 2019, Microsoft said the role will in fact be coming to the preview and official release. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Apr 2018
Fixing Recovery Drive Creation Problems
Fixing recovery drive creation problems in Win10 turns out to involve running the utility twice: once with system files out, again with system files in. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Apr 2018
Updating BIOS UEFI When Windows App Fails
A questionable January firmware update for an older hybrid tablet has me seeking ways of updating BIOS UEFI when Windows app fails to run to completion. Dell Forums provide my answers. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2018
Four Windows 10 built-in security features to know
IT needs an effective plan to maximize security for Windows 10 and get the most out of its built-in features. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Apr 2018
When USB Hub Gets Weird Win-RAID Provides Fix
When USB hub gets weird Win-RAID provides fix for MIA Asmedia device. It's got modded drivers for Intel, and most other USB hubs and controllers, too. Worth checking out! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Apr 2018
MS Releases Open Source Win3.0 File Manager
In an interesting surprise move, MS Releases Open Source Win3.0 File Manager. Works like a champ on Windows 10, too! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Apr 2018
Intel Excludes Older CPUs from Spectre Updates
Intel excludes older CPUs from Spectre updates. I summarize the charts to identify newly-added microcode updates, and CPUs for which updates will not be available. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Apr 2018
MPP IT Support Track Offers Interesting Insights
For those interested in working in tech support, but also for those into understanding Microsoft, the MPP IT Support Track offers interesting insights. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Apr 2018
Myerson's Farewell Reveals Interesting Win10 Stats
Myerson's farewell reveals interesting Win10 stats -- specifically that the total number of Win10 users is closing in on 700M with 15M members in the Windows Insider program. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Mar 2018
Macrium Reflect Upgrade Cancels Backup Schedules
As I follow my twice-monthly drive cleanup routine, I realize that Macrium Reflect upgrade cancels backup schedules. Can't have that! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Mar 2018
KB4089848 Poses Widely Reported Win10 Problems
With oodles and scads of users reporting issues, KB4089848 poses widely reported Win10 problems that occur often enough and with severity sufficient to make it advisable to block this update outright. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Mar 2018
Windows Server 2019: Session Host is dead! Multi-user Win10 instead?
Imagine if RDSH was based on a client OS instead of a server OS. Fantastic, right? Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Mar 2018
Script Out Your Win10 Build History Using PowerShell
A nifty pair of carefully crafted commands let you script out your Win10 build history using PowerShell for each PC you run it on. Continue Reading