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
23 Dec 2024
What to do when Windows 10 Print Management is missing
IT administrators might need to find the Print Management Console for a variety of reasons, but sometimes it is nowhere to be found. Learn the steps to take in a situation like this. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2024
What IT needs to know about Windows 10 Print Management
With the Windows 10 Print Management utility, Windows administrators can make the most of printing settings and avoid errors leading to lost productivity. 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
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Blog Post
21 Mar 2018
Reducing Win10 Upgrade Offline Time
MS says a key goal in improving feature upgrades is reducing Win10 upgrade offline time. Personally, I find their current list of upgrade/install steps more informative. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2018
How to transition to Windows 10 without the headaches
IT pros should take a step back and decide if an upgrade to Windows 10 is right for their organizations, or they may encounter problems during the process. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Mar 2018
Understanding NTUser.dat in Windows 10
Understanding NTUser.dat in Windows 10 means knowing that those files capture user profile settings and preferences, and are best left alone and untouched for proper OS operation. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Mar 2018
Check Current Win10 for In-place Upgrade Repair
If you carefully check current Win10 for in-place upgrade repair, you'll be able to choose and download the proper ISO to attempt such repairs every time, without fail. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 Mar 2018
MS Offers New Spectre Updates
As MS offers new Spectre updates through the Microsoft Update Catalog, I realize that it's going to be a long slog to get those vulnerabilities patches on all my PCs. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Mar 2018
Post Build 17115 Driver Fix Routine Still Works
Even post Build 17115 Driver Fix routine still works to fix most common driver issues and difficulties. Try this 3-step sequence and see! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Mar 2018
MS Foils Coin Mining Compelling Telemetry Case
Through clever and effective use of telemetry data, AI and machine learning, MS foils coin mining in a big way in Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Mar 2018
Day 1: Global Microsoft MVP Summit
During Day 1: Global Microsoft MVP Summit I learn that proper feedback is the real reason why Microsoft operates the Insider program, and provide tips on how to provide quality feedback on Windows. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Mar 2018
MS Offers Spectre Meltdown Updates Via Catalog
Is is because OEM are taking too long to pony up that MS offers Spectre Meltdown updates via catalog downloads? I don't know, but I'm glad somebody's doing something! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Mar 2018
Firmware Update Proceeds at Glacial Pace
Given that the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities created such a furor, one can only observe that the attendant firmware update Proceeds at glacial pace. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2018
Get to know your Windows 10 update options
Windows as a service changes the way updates work in Windows 10 from past versions of the OS. Each of the three servicing channels handles updates in its own way. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2018
Top six Windows 10 migration problems and how to avoid them
Users and IT professionals sometimes have issues after a Windows 10 migration. Careful planning can mitigate these issues before IT undertakes a full-scale migration. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Feb 2018
Fixing Missing Mouse or Keyboard
When it comes to fixing missing mouse or keyboard in Win10 you can either try different hardware, or boot from a different Windows, to effect repairs. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Feb 2018
Win7 Still Activates Win10 2/27/18
After skipping key entry on a clean Windows 10 install, I learn that Win7 Still Validates Win10 for activation. Woo hoo: my sister's HP Pavilion Dv6 is back in action. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Feb 2018
Win10 Upgrade Repair Install Tips
When it comes to fixing misbehaving or flaky Windows PCs, here are some hopefully useful Win10 upgrade repair install tips. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Feb 2018
A closer look at ARM and what it means for Windows 10 laptops
With new details on the limitations, as well as hardware due soon, Rachel Berry looks at the risks, benefits, and incentives of combining the two. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
21 Feb 2018
Win10 Safe Mode Breakout Technique
If you get stuck in a boot loop while in safe mode, you'll need a Win10 Safe Mode breakout technique. Here's one that works from the command line. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2018
How to establish Windows 10 security baselines
IT should consider following Microsoft's Windows 10 security recommendations in the Security Compliance Toolkit to better protect the operating system. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Feb 2018
Bootrec Fixes Win10 Boot Problems
When boot-up goes wonky, remember this: Bootrec fixes Win10 boot problems! Here, you'll learn how to launch and run this boot repair tool, and what it can do to help. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Feb 2018
Do Try Microsoft Teams
Having now used the platform for a couple of month, I enthusiastically exhort you: Do try Microsoft Teams! You may be in for a pleasant and productivity-enhancing surprise. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Feb 2018
Can IT make the transition to Windows 10 smooth for users?
IT can take a few steps to make the move to Windows 10 easier on users, including considering an in-place upgrade and holding off on any other major changes. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 Feb 2018
Update 7-ZIP to 18.01 NOW
Because of some recently-discovered and somewhat nasty vulnerabilities, you really, really want to update 7-ZIP to 18.01 NOW!! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
12 Feb 2018
No Win10 Means No Office 2019
MS has laid down the law: no Win10 means no Office 2019. If you don't get on the Win10 bandwagon, you can't stay on the Office 365 one, either. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Feb 2018
KB4058258 Install Fail Fix
Those who try, and fail, to install KB4058258 should try this simple recipe for a KB4058258 install fail fix. It takes a little while but works pretty well. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 Feb 2018
Windows 10 Gets S Modes
In a surprising twist, Microsoft does away with standalone Windows 10 S. Instead, Windows 10 gets S Modes for most consumer (and Education) versions. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Feb 2018
Windows 10 Count Finally Exceeds Windows 7
According to several sources now, the Windows 10 count finally exceeds Windows 7 from both USA and global perspectives. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2018
Microsoft Office 2019 release will force IT to migrate to Windows 10
If you're not yet on Windows 10, news about the upcoming Microsoft Office 2019 release may force your hand. Plus, the company could go all in on Office 365. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Jan 2018
MS Issues Spectre Reversal Update (Catalog Only)
Because Intel is taking its sweet time fixing microcode, and reboot and stability problems continue, MS issues Spectre reversal update (Catalog Only). Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Jan 2018
Skip Product Key When Sysprepping Win10
To skip Product Key when Sysprepping Win10, you must supply a generic product key instead. Here's a list of same to use. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jan 2018
Can IT save user settings, files in the move to Windows 10?
IT can help users maintain their personal settings and files when moving to Windows 10 through an in-place upgrade or through manual or automated processes during a clean upgrade. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
24 Jan 2018
Intel Now Advises Against Installing Spectre Patches!
Because of widely-reported issues with reboots and system stability, Intel now advises against installing Spectre patches! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Jan 2018
OneDrive File Attributes Uncovered
A careful look at help information leads to new OneDrive File attributes uncovered, and a better understanding of how OnDemand files work. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Jan 2018
17074.1002 Introduces Involuntary Upgrade Repair Install
The latest Win10 Insider Preview build 17074.1002 introduces involuntary upgrade repair install. What looks like an update is a major version upgrade! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Jan 2018
MDT PS Wizard Covers MS Deployment Toolkit Wizards
Damien Van Robaeys excellent MDT PS Wizard covers MS Deployment Toolkit wizards within the pleasing GUI of a single, comprehensive scripted environment. Great stuff! Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2018
Ten Windows 10 Fall Creators Update features to know
Microsoft introduced some significant changes to Windows 10 in the Fall Creators Update. The My People app, for example, lets users pin contacts to their task bars. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Jan 2018
Operator Error Explains 4TB Drive Mystery
When I compared the PSU (brick) I'd been using on my dual drive dock to the one I'd just purchased, I realized that operator error explains 4TB drive mystery. Sheesh! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
12 Jan 2018
Win10 PC Brick-Avoidance Techniques
When updating BIOSes or firmware, or upgrading Windows 10, it's wise to practice Win10 PC brick-avoidance techniques. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
10 Jan 2018
More Details on KB4056892 Wintel Vulnerabilities
More details on KB4056892 Wintel vulnerabilities tell us their names, and reveal that vendor hardware support is needed to fix one of this pair of critical items. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Jan 2018
RegHack Fixes Unwanted Win10 Thumbnail Deletions
A simple RegHack fixes unwanted Win10 thumbnail deletions that make preview images disappear from File Explorer. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Jan 2018
KB4056892 Fixes Critical Win10 Security Bugs
Because KB4056892 fixes critical Win10 security bugs, admins and deployment teams should get this one out to all Win10 PCs ASAP. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Jan 2018
Can you create a dynamically expanding virtual hard disk?
If you build a dynamically expanding VHD it is important to remember to set the size to match the maximum possible storage space it will use. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2017
How to create a snapshot of your custom Windows 10 image
Once you finish creating your custom Windows 10 image, the time is right to take a snapshot of it so you can deliver it to your users. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Dec 2017
Undoing 7Zip ISO Association
Undoing 7Zip ISO association means right-clicking, choosing "Open with", selecting File Explorer, and checking the "Always use" box. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2017
Top Windows 10 backup and restore utilities
The key to a good backup and restore tool is reliability. Look into third-party utilities such as Reflect or OneKey for Windows 10 restore and backup. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2017
How to use Sysprep to install a custom Windows 10 image
Walk through the process of adding custom software, apps and assets to your Windows 10 image in audit mode. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2017
Pros and cons of a Windows 10 clean install vs. upgrade
When migrating to Windows 10, IT must decide whether to perform an upgrade install or clean install. The benefits of one are the weaknesses of the other. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Nov 2017
Win10 Full Flash Update
Full Flash Update's FFUTOOL.exe works with DISM to apply Windows images to target drives (and PCs) faster and more reliably than either WIM or VHD. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Nov 2017
Can you use Sysprep to install a custom Windows 10 image?
With the right know-how, IT can create and install a custom Windows 10 image using Microsoft's System Preparation tool. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Oct 2017
Does Windows 10 virtualization-based security defend the OS?
With Windows 10, Microsoft emphasized virtualization-based security, such as Device Guard and Credential Guard, to keep corporate information off users' devices. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Sep 2017
Put your Windows 10 deployments on AutoPilot
Aaron Parker talks cloud management, MDM, and provisioning for Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2017
How to check Windows 10 compatibility for legacy apps
Testing apps is just one way to ensure that legacy apps have Windows 10 compatibility. Find out how to confirm the compatibility of legacy apps with the OS. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Aug 2017
Win10 PowerShell Chkdsk Alternative
For most command-line program's there's a PowerShell alternative. The Win10 PowerShell Chkdsk alternative is named Repair-Volume. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Aug 2017
MS Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DaRT) 10
The Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset, aka DaRT, is an invaluable toolset for admins seeking remedies for Windows 10 boot or startup issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2017
Set up a virtual hard disk and perform a Windows 10 dual boot
Dual booting Windows 10 can come in handy in a variety of ways. The process requires that IT knows how to build a virtual hard disk and install Windows 10 on it. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Aug 2017
How to use a technician machine to create a custom Windows 10 image
IT pros must be able to mold Windows 10 into the OS their organization needs. To do so, they need to first learn to install Windows 10 on a technician machine. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Jul 2017
Add Custom Drivers to WinRE
If your Windows runtime needs drivers added, you'll also want to add Custom Drivers to WinRE so your recovery environment works, too. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Jul 2017
Fsutil Cleans Up Excess Old Transactions
NTFS Fsutil cleans up excess old transactions. You can also use it to show you how much disk space transaction info and logs consume. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jul 2017
12 Windows 10 GPO settings IT must know
Group Policy Objects in Windows 10 are powerful. IT can use them to turn off the Windows Store app, reshape the Start menu, change how users log in and more. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Jul 2017
Microsoft *FINALLY* creates a cloud service provider virtualization license for Windows 10
For many years, we've wanted service provider licensing for Windows desktop OSes. On Monday, Microsoft announced just that. Here's what we know. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jul 2017
How to use the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit for Windows 10
It's important for IT admins to know everything is going to work before they deploy Windows 10 desktops. They can use the tools in the Windows ADK to do just that and more. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Jun 2017
Are third-party firewalls worth the investment?
It might be effective, but Windows Firewall is not the be-all and end-all of security. In some cases, third-party firewalls add the extra layer of protection IT needs. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
21 Jun 2017
DISKPART Script Fixes Default Win10 Disk Layout
In the third and final element of this 3-part series, we show how a DISKPART script fixes default Win10 disk layout issues. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Jun 2017
Exploring Win10 Clean Install Default Disk Layout
Let's go Exploring Win10 clean install default disk layout to understand why it poses upgrade issues, and how to do it right the first time. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Jun 2017
Partition UEFI/GPT HDD Using Diskpart
For some reason Windows Installer puts the WinRE partition at the head of its disk layout. We partition UEFI/GPT HDD using diskpart to put it at the end, where it belongs. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Jun 2017
How can you access Windows 10 advanced repair options?
To resolve Windows 10 boot problems you can access a few repair options by entering the OS through the back door. Here's how to do it. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2017
Windows 10 security tools to have handy
Cyberthreats lurk around every corner, so it's always a good time to fortify Windows 10 defenses. These top security tools can help make that happen. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 May 2017
Manage Win10 Drivers Using DISM
When I confirm that an upgrade indeed installs a whole new slate of device drivers, I decide to manage Win10 Drivers using DISM at the command line. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2017
How to build and use a bootable recovery partition in Windows 10
Understanding how to set up a bootable recovery partition in Windows 10 allows you to restore a damaged OS or troubleshoot a litany of problems. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Apr 2017
Handy Win10 Boot Controls
Rebooting Windows 10 to access UEFI/BIOS or boot media can be tricky, and make handy Win10 Boot controls vital. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Apr 2017
How can you whitelist apps and fight ransomware with Windows 10 AppLocker?
With application whitelisting, admins can create a list of approved apps users can work with. This way, users cannot accidentally open an app containing ransomware. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2017
How to fix Windows 10 update problems with the DISM command tool
With a few tricks in the Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management command utility, admins can solve some of the most common Windows 10 update problems plaguing their users. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Feb 2017
Always Adjust Defaults After Clean Install
After 17 months of installing many Win10 Technical and Insider Previews, you'd think I'd remember to always adjust defaults after clean install, eh? Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Feb 2017
Enable Disable Win10 Administrator Account
Though it's hidden, Windows 10 still includes a built-in admin account . Here's how to enable disable Win10 Administrator account. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Feb 2017
EI.cfg and PID.txt Install Windows License Info
When added to a standard Setup.exe environment for Windows, EI.cfg and PID.txt install Windows license info without requiring user input. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Dec 2016
Panoramic Desktop Themes for Win10
Those with 2 monitors need panoramic themes to take full advantage of available screen real estate. These panoramic desktop themes work for Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2016
Take a close-up look at Windows 10 permissions settings
With all the new updates and features, Windows 10 can appear daunting. To simplify the transition, break down and tailor the permissions in Windows 10 to users' specific needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2016
Take on Windows 10 Wi-Fi problems and address Wi-Fi Sense
Windows 10 Wi-Fi connectivity is not as straightforward as it sounds. Microsoft moved the Wi-Fi settings and added security risks with Wi-Fi Sense. Plus, Wi-Fi often fails after an upgrade. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 Oct 2016
Windows Updates: CAB vs MSU Files
Sometimes, Microsoft releases out-of-band updates outside the Windows Update service through its Update Catalog. That's when understanding CAB vs MSU files helps. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2016
How to solve four common Windows 10 problems
Windows 10 comes with some concerns, including activation issues and device driver failures. Learn how to resolve these problems and more. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Aug 2016
Win10 Storage Diagnostics (StorDiag.exe)
The Windows 10 Anniversary Update introduces a new administrative tool: Storage Diagnostics, aka StorDiag.exe. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Jun 2016
Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack brings back Windows XP updates
Admins who still have Windows XP systems on their networks can turn to a Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack to reopen the update floodgates. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jun 2016
Can I control the Windows 10 user interface?
You can control the Control Panel, Shared Folders, Start menu and other components in Windows 10 using Group Policy settings. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2016
Use an in-place upgrade to repair Windows 10
If your Windows 10 installation has gone wonky and needs some attention, one way to fix it is with an in-place upgrade to the same version of Windows you already use. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
03 Jun 2016
Admin toolbox item: Uncleaner
Although it doesn't replace cleanup tools like cleanmgr.exe or CCleaner, admin toolbox item: Uncleaner is best at removing temp and log files for Windows. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 May 2016
Why do I keep getting Windows 10 driver errors?
If you keep getting driver errors in Windows 10, a video driver could be to blame. Luckily, the problem is easy to troubleshoot. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2016
What do I do when I can't activate Windows?
When you can't activate a Windows installation there are two things you should check before you pull out your hair. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 May 2016
DISM Exports Drivers: Here's How
Windows built-in DISM exports drivers to a file repository of your choosing, to make restoring those drivers after an upgrade easy and simple. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Apr 2016
Download Ready-to-Run Windows 10 VMs
For those interested in learning more about the new OS, downloading and using Ready-to-Run Windows 10 VMs may be just the ticket. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Apr 2016
Tweaking File Explorer in Windows 10
For those who don't like the default displays in Windows 10 File Explorer, TenForums.com has tutorials on tweaking File Explorer. Continue Reading