Microsoft Windows XP Pro

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

Does unified endpoint management need user environment management?

After a few years of saying “no, the other UEM,” worlds could collide! Continue Reading

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

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

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

End-user security training quiz for IT pros

When it comes to social engineering attacks, there is no better method to improve security than training users. Find out if you're ready with this quiz. Continue Reading

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

Unified endpoint management tools enrich the user experience

A well-conceived and well-executed UEM strategy that prioritizes UX can improve cross-platform capabilities, system access and ultimately worker productivity. Continue Reading

Ivanti Cloud offers device info, real-time data analytics

Ivanti Cloud hopes to break down IT siloes by combining IT operations and security teams. The platform includes key features like device prescription and real-time updates. Continue Reading

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

How EDR tools can improve endpoint security

IT should be constantly re-evaluating security tool choices. Endpoint detection and response tools, for example, can be a good option to improve endpoint security. Continue Reading

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

Enterprises are adopting UEM technology -- but slowly

The bigger the company, the more challenging it will be to migrate to a UEM system. But, according to Gartner's Chris Silva, the move is a necessary one. Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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

Why can’t other apps get real-time co-authoring right like Google Docs?

Google Docs has been the supreme co-authoring experience for years, why can’t anyone else offer anything as good? Just a frustrating thing, really. Continue Reading

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

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

Test your knowledge of the device-as-a-service model

For some organizations, leasing devices and support, also known as device as a service, is the best option for device management. Quiz yourself on this business model. Continue Reading

How does Microsoft’s digital workspace app compare to VMware and Citrix's?

Citrix and VMware aren’t alone in offering a digital workspace experience, but does Microsoft’s stack up? Continue Reading

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

Digital workspaces upgrade IT delivery, management benefits

Thanks to more simplified management and delivery, digital workspaces can benefit IT pros and users. This guide takes a closer look at the technology and latest features. Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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

New Zoho office application software includes AI feature Zia

Zoho's next generation office application software seeks to integrate business groups to contextualize the workplace with AI, according to the company. Continue Reading

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

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

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

Strengthen end-user security with effective training methods

IT must rely on users to avoid behavior that could lead to breaches. Learn about the threats, such as phishing and malware, that IT professionals must explain to users. Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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

Samsung Notebook 9 Pro 2-in-1 impresses with specs and looks

Other business laptops look downright drab next to the newly redesigned Samsung Notebook 9 Pro 2-in-1, which also has the specs to compete with those Windows 10 workhorses. Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to manage cookies across web browsers

There are pros -- saved login credentials -- and cons -- privacy concerns -- to cookies. Either way, IT should understand how to manage cookies across web browsers. Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

Government shutdown raises end-user security risks

The government shutdown could be a boon for hackers, as end-user resources are a prime attack vector. An expert explains what IT should be on the lookout for. Continue Reading

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

Test your digital workspace services prowess with this quiz

Citrix and VMware each have workspace platforms with features that control mobile notifications, workflows and more. Find out if you know what they are with this workspace quiz. Continue Reading

Learn about the device-as-a-service model and its use cases

Device-as-a-service offerings can help IT pros provide their users with support and high-functioning devices, but they must consider the ramifications of choosing such a program. Continue Reading

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

How can you improve Google Chrome management?

IT professionals should deploy Group Policies to their browsers to improve the user experience. Check out this step-by-step guide on applying Group Policies to Google Chrome. Continue Reading

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

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

How does Parallels Mac Management for Microsoft SCCM work?

With Mac Management from Parallels, IT professionals can manage Windows and Apple macOS desktops side by side with System Center Configuration Manager's native features. Continue Reading

How to use PowerShell to troubleshoot Windows desktops

When IT uses remote access to troubleshoot a user's desktop, it prevents the user from working. PowerShell, however, allows IT to fix a problem without disturbing the user. Continue Reading

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

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

Test your phishing security knowledge with this quiz

Email phishing can cause major security breaches if users aren't careful. IT must train users on email security best practices to defend against these attacks. Continue Reading

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

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

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

Boost end-user productivity in 2019 with these insights

There are many approaches to end-user management that can improve productivity. Read three experts' opinions on these trends for 2019. Continue Reading

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

Modern desktop transformation focuses on workspace technology

As workspaces trend toward mobility and device flexibility, IT departments must evolve to fit users' needs by moving away from a desktop-centric approach. Continue Reading

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

What we learned about the new Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub and the latest in Mobile Flows

We spent a day of deep dives on all things apps! Continue Reading

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

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

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

How to address endpoint security issues caused by users

Certain behaviors, such as ignoring patches, create security issues on the endpoints users work with. IT should enforce policies that prevent users from taking these damaging actions. Continue Reading

Web browser quiz: Do you know Chrome, Firefox, Edge and IE?

Users work with web browsers constantly. As a result, it's important for IT to know how to manage the top options, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Continue Reading

Get to know digital workspace software

VMware and Citrix workspace suites allow IT professionals to centralize end-user management while delivering a single access point for all of users' productivity resources. Continue Reading

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

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

How to set up a Windows Autopilot deployment

IT can set profiles for its devices running Windows 10 and enroll them in Active Directory with the Windows Autopilot tool, but Autopilot does not cover many settings. Continue Reading

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

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

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

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

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

How Windows desktop storage evolved to meet today's demands

Storage for Windows desktops has changed significantly as end-user demands and technologies have changed. Cloud-based storage is a top option today. Continue Reading

How Windows desktop storage evolved to meet today's demands

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Recapping end-user computing strategy evolutions of 2018

It's time to take a look back and consider how end-user computing has evolved over the past year. AI made an obvious mark, but what about hosted desktops and new management approaches? Continue Reading

Recapping end-user computing strategy evolutions of 2018

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Advantages of hyper-converged infrastructure for virtual desktops

Advantages of hyper-converged infrastructure compared with a traditional data center setup include improved scalability and availability, simpler management and better integration. And when it comes to virtual desktops and applications, those benefits lead to better performance. This month's cover story explores the advantages of hyper-converged infrastructure powering VDI and virtualized apps.

Also in this issue, a columnist explains the evolution of desktop storage and how the cloud continues to be the next big things in this area. Expert Jack Madden takes a deep dive into Microsoft's new desktop as a service offering, which is set to shake up the DaaS industry. Plus, this month's App Spotlight shines on Evernote, a compelling option for business organizing and note-taking. And to wrap up another year of the Access e-zine, the editor's note takes a look back at the biggest end-user computing trends and lessons from 2018.

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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

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

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

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

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

Citrix acquisition of Sapho has legroom for integration

Citrix customers will get new capabilities around simplifying common business workflows with the company's latest acquisition, which could bear fruit in a number of areas. Continue Reading

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