Enterprise Desktop Resources

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

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

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

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

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

How can you deal with all the new macOS security controls?

How to deal with KEXT whitelisting and TCC controls, and how to stay up to date on the latest developments. Continue Reading

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

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

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

A look at Jamf Connect (formerly NoMAD Pro) and how it helps with identity management on macOS

Jamf Connect, based on the recent NoMAD acquisition, can set up user accounts and link them to modern authentication. It will soon be adding support for Azure AD, on top support for Okta and AD. Continue Reading

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

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

Top Microsoft Office alternatives for enterprise use

Microsoft's productivity suite sees the most enterprise use, but organizations can switch to certain Microsoft Office alternatives for lower licensing costs and more. Continue Reading

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

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

Buy the right help desk tools to track and resolve incidents

Help desk management tools help admins manage, track and resolve problems. Learn about the leading products and the reporting, communication and support features they offer. Continue Reading

Windows Server 2019 RDSH drops Office 365 ProPlus support

Microsoft hopes to accelerate customer cloud desktop adoption when it makes the Office 365 ProPlus suite a cloud-only product for Windows Server 2019 RDSH users. Continue Reading

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

Can you put together an efficient help desk system?

Help desk software should not be an organization's only plan for incident management. An effective help desk should include agreed-upon timelines, a knowledge base and more. Continue Reading

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

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

How to manage cookie privacy in the enterprise

Cookies can make life easier for users by preventing them from having to re-enter passwords and preferences on websites, but they also carry some legitimate privacy concerns. Continue Reading

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

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

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

Create an email phishing test to minimize attack vectors

With email phishing testing, IT can improve its end-user security. Phishing attacks prey on user ignorance, so IT can use a test to teach users how to avoid this attack vector. Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IT must prime its desktop management strategy for the future

IT cannot rely on its traditional methods of desktop management to control all the devices, OSes and more in the enterprise today. Instead it must take a more modern approach. Continue Reading

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

Microsoft doubles down on Office 365 AI capabilities

Microsoft confirmed its strategic commitment to Office 365, delivering an improved version that includes new AI and machine learning features. Continue Reading

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

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

Get to know the Windows upgrade paths for different OSes

When organizations upgrade to Windows 10, they must understand the Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8 upgrade paths, potential pitfalls and best practices. Continue Reading

IT pros see security win with Microsoft Managed Desktop

Microsoft's Managed Desktop service extends physical device management into the cloud era, with managed security updates and a monthly subscription fee. Continue Reading

How to create an internal phishing campaign from scratch

When IT begins an email phishing campaign, it must determine what server the emails will come from, consider phishing tool options and more. Continue Reading

Why you don't always need a general-purpose operating system

A purpose-built, or real-time, operating system could be more useful for applications that require a lot of data processing. Several options for this type of system exist today. Continue Reading

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.

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Get to know the device-as-a-service trend

Everything is a service these days. You can even get Yankee candles delivered from Amazon on a subscription basis. For EUC admins, device as a service is probably a bigger deal. Continue Reading

Essential desktop troubleshooting tools for every IT pro

Remote access tools, help desk systems and others are essential to managing end users. Without these tools, IT would have a much tougher time with even the simplest tasks. 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

Five Microsoft Windows 10 features to know in the enterprise

IT professionals transitioning their organization's desktops to Windows 10 should understand the best Windows 10 features, such as Microsoft Cortana and Windows Defender's new tools. Continue Reading

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

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

Why you don't always need a general-purpose operating system

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Windows 10 updates options to ease the process

Windows 10 update issues are commonplace in the enterprise, but IT isn't helpless to deal with them. Group Policy and other tools can help IT regain control over updates. Continue Reading

Essential desktop troubleshooting tools for every IT pro

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Get to know the device-as-a-service trend

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8GadgetPack Remains Viable and Valuable

Despite resting on technology introduced in Vista, and officially deprecated in Windows 7, 8GadgetPack remains viable and valuable today. Check it out! Continue Reading

Bye-Bye Disk Cleanup?

When MS says the program is being deprecated, does that mean bye-bye Disk Cleanup? Storage Sense is upping capabilities in Version 1809, but it's too soon to say if Disk Cleanup will disappear. Continue Reading

What to do if Windows Defender updates don't work

Without the latest Windows Defender updates, your users' desktops won't be completely protected. When update problems occur, there are several actions you can take to solve them. Continue Reading

Reduce update-related downtime after a Windows 10 OS upgrade

Windows 10 updates are a necessary evil, as they add new features and improve security, but also cause downtime for users. IT can downplay the negative effects of updates. Continue Reading

What’s new with Workspace ONE Intelligence & Trust Network?

Announcements focused on improving security features and automating common processes. Continue Reading

Handling Intel Management Engine Exploits . . . or Not!

Handling Intel Management Engine exploits can throw up some interesting and challenging obstacles, as I learn in attempting to deal with Intel advisory Intel-SA-00141. I may have a fix, but I'm ... Continue Reading

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

Assess IT help desk software options based on these features

Explore communication channels, ticket management, agent management, knowledge base options and reporting capabilities when evaluating prospective help desk management software. Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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

4 enterprise email clients to consider instead of Outlook

Organizations looking to cut costs or make a change for their business email client have numerous options to replace Microsoft Outlook, but not all of them are viable. Continue Reading

Get users on board with your VMware Workspace One deployment

Users are the crux of a Workspace One enterprise implementation, but it takes a lot of work to get them excited about new processes. Continue Reading

VMware Workspace One updates aim to ease Windows 10 management

VMware added new Windows 10 desktop management features for IT administrators and end users in its Workspace One updates at VMworld. Plus, AirLift gets general availability. Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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

MSIX app packaging gets a hand from Cloudhouse

The introduction of the MSIX packaging format creates potential app compatibility concerns for IT pros. With the right tool, however, they can make the transition much smoother. Continue Reading

How to solve Windows 10 updates problems

Nothing is more annoying than an OS update that breaks something or won't load right. Windows admins may need some tips and tools to manage Windows 10 updates now that they're automatic. Continue Reading

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

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

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

Get to know data synchronization tools for the enterprise

Users who work with multiple devices will want their data to transfer across endpoints. IT can ease the syncing process by working with the right tools. Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 VMworld 2018 sessions for EUC admins to attend

Put your plan in place now by exploring eight of the top sessions on Windows management, VDI and more at VMworld 2018 in Las Vegas. Continue Reading

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

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

Establish help desk best practices to improve the system

To run a successful help desk, IT must prioritize help desk tickets and establish expectations for admins and users, as well as reduce the number of time-wasting tickets. Continue Reading

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

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

Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 laptop slims down, but it's no tablet

Despite Dell's best efforts, including combining CPU and GPU in a single processor to make the device smaller, the XPS 15 2-in-1 still falls short as a tablet. Continue Reading

End-user security awareness training is a must-have

There are lots of different ways to keep users up to date on the latest security risks and how they should be handling their corporate resources. Continue Reading

How to approach end-user security training

Most IT pros are aware that user behavior can be a security threat to an organization. But what is there to do about it? With end-user security training, IT can ensure that employees are updated on the latest risks and know how to access corporate resources in accordance with IT policies. There are several ways to approach end-user security training, from online resources to in-person meetings, so we explore the methods at hand in this month's cover story of Access magazine.

Also in this issue, learn how to prepare for Windows 7 end of life and what Apple's Device Enrollment Program can bring to the table for desktop and mobile environments. In another expert column, get to know how internet of things devices fit into unified endpoint management today. Plus, check out this month's Device Spotlight on the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 and see what the editor has to say about monitoring mobile device usage in the enterprise.

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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

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