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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News
08 Jul 2025
Microsoft targets 130 vulnerabilities on July Patch Tuesday
Admins will want to focus on issuing corrections for the large number of flaws, some of which require no user interaction, in Windows RRAS and Microsoft Office. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2025
Comparing MSI vs. MSIX
While MSI was the preferred method for distributing enterprise applications for decades, the MSIX format promises to improve upon the deployment process. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2025
How to perform an in-place upgrade to Windows 11
While they have some disadvantages, in-place Windows upgrades can deliver a smooth transition between the OSes with minimal IT oversight. There are two main methods IT can use. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jun 2025
How to set up Windows Hello for Business, step by step
Licensing for Windows Hello for Business is a simple process, but the setup involves making several decisions, including how to host the service, authentication types and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2025
How to deploy Windows LAPS for tighter security
Microsoft improved the feature that automates local administrator password management in Windows Server and the client OS. This tutorial explains the updates and how to set it up. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jun 2025
June Patch Tuesday resolves Windows zero-day
Microsoft fixes 66 bugs, including an actively exploited WebDAV remote-code execution flaw, but the BadSuccessor vulnerability remains unpatched. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jun 2025
How to calculate Windows Hello for Business cost
Just how much does Windows Hello for Business cost? It's not exactly a simple answer, but the good news is that there are lots of ways to attain a license. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jun 2025
How to navigate the Windows Hello for Business requirements
While Windows Hello is easy to set up on the user level, Windows Hello for Business needs a bit more back-end legwork to meet the infrastructure and licensing requirements. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2025
What is Microsoft Windows 10?
Windows 10 is a Microsoft operating system (OS) for PCs, tablets and some internet of things devices. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2025
Comparing Windows Hello vs. Windows Hello for Business
Windows Hello allows desktop admins to manage local Windows authentication with new tools, but the difference between the free and business versions is critical for IT to know. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2025
How to create a custom Windows 11 image with Hyper-V
When administrators can deploy Windows systems in many ways, creating a custom VM with Hyper-V enables them to efficiently deploy a copy of one desktop to a whole user base. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2025
Microsoft tackles 5 Windows zero-days on May Patch Tuesday
The company addresses 72 unique CVEs this month, but several AI features bundled in a larger-than-usual update could bog down some networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 May 2025
What is Hyper-V on Windows 11, and what can it do?
Hyper-V is an incredibly flexible tool that can fill many roles for IT administrators, so it is a good idea to learn how this technology works and what exactly it can do. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Apr 2025
End users can code with AI, but IT must be wary
The scale and speed of generative AI coding -- known as vibe coding -- are powerful, but users might be misapplying this technology to create efficiency and security problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2025
10 troubleshooting steps for when Windows Update is frozen
When a Windows desktop is frozen and can't update, there could be many causes. The troubleshooting process can be complicated, but there are some universal steps for IT to follow. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Apr 2025
What is the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility?
The Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility is a command-line interface (CLI) for working with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), a Web-Based Enterprise Management (WBEM) framework for accessing and managing information about Windows computers in enterprise environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2025
Troubleshooting the most common issues with Windows 11
When Windows 11 administrators encounter an issue with a desktop without a clear fix, they should perform general troubleshooting steps in a specific order to minimize risk. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2025
What is Microsoft Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK)?
The Microsoft Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) is a set of tools that IT professionals can combine to prepare, assess and launch image-based Windows deployments. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2025
Microsoft Configuration Manager vs. Intune key comparisons
This evaluation of Configuration Manager and Intune outlines the key features, pros and cons so admins know which tool -- or a combination of both -- is the best management choice. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2025
How to enable and use Windows Update for Business reports
Organizations that use Windows Update for Business to manage Windows OS updates and patches should learn how to make the most of the reporting features it offers. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2025
How to copy files from source to destination in PowerShell
Take a closer look at these Copy-Item coding examples to build advanced PowerShell scripts that copy files with safety measures to ensure the duplicates reach their destinations. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2025
How to use Windows Update for Business with Intune
When organizations deploy Windows OS updates, they can use Windows Update for Business alongside Intune to closely manage all aspects of those updates. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Apr 2025
What is a remote desktop and how does it work?
A remote desktop is a program or an operating system feature that allows a user to connect to a computer in another location, see that computer's desktop and interact with it as if it were local. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2025
Exploited Windows zero-day addressed on April Patch Tuesday
Microsoft delivers fixes for 121 vulnerabilities with 11 rated critical this month. Admins will have extra mitigation work to correct three flaws. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Apr 2025
Comparing virtual desktops vs. remote desktops
Virtual desktops and remote desktops do some of the same things, but they are quite different when it comes to hosting and management. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Apr 2025
What is an executable file (EXE file)?
An executable file (EXE file) is a computer file that contains an encoded sequence of instructions the system executes when the user clicks the file icon. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Apr 2025
What is Microsoft Windows System Image Manager (SIM)?
Microsoft Windows System Image Manager (SIM) is a tool in the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit that IT professionals can use to create and manage unattended setup answer files for Windows before installing the operating system. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Apr 2025
How ESET is using AI PCs to boost endpoint security
While AI PCs show legitimate promise, the rock-solid use cases haven't been as prominent. However, security vendor ESET is showing more concrete applications of this technology. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Mar 2025
Security could be the use case AI PCs need
AI PCs have struggled to find a perfect use case, but the need for stronger security systems on local desktops, along with agentic AI might end that struggle. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2025
Follow Patch Tuesday best practices for optimal results
Microsoft releases most security updates on Patch Tuesday, a day that brings anxiety to many sys admins. Learn how to develop a strategy to test and deploy these fixes. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2025
How to optimize Windows Update for Business policies
Not all Windows updates are the same, so IT needs to make the most of Windows Update for Business to deliver the ideal updates to the desired endpoints on time. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2025
How to disable the Windows Hello feature with Intune
While Windows Hello for Business can be a helpful feature, sometimes IT will need to disable it. Learn two approaches to disabling this authentication service and when to do each. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2025
The Microsoft patch management guide for admins
Microsoft recently added WSUS to its deprecation list. Now that the battle-tested patch management tool's days are numbered, what are the alternatives from the company? Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2025
March Patch Tuesday fixes 6 Windows zero-day exploits
All the vulnerabilities that had been actively exploited in the wild will get resolved quickly by deploying the Windows cumulative update for this month. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Mar 2025
Does Windows kernel use Rust and what does it mean for IT?
Desktop administrators need to learn how Windows OSes function to work most effectively, and the kernel at the center of the OS is a great place to start. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2025
How to perform a factory reset on a Windows 11 desktop
A factory reset may be necessary when a device has performance issues or is set to go to a new user. IT can execute this process in Windows 11 while avoiding unwanted data loss. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Mar 2025
What is BitLocker?
BitLocker Drive Encryption, or BitLocker, is a Microsoft Windows security and encryption feature included with certain Windows versions. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2025
Comparing the Linux kernel vs. the Windows kernel
There are many factors that will help desktop administrators select the right OS for a given situation, and one of them is the underlying architecture and kernel of each OS. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2025
Understanding Windows kernel structure and why it matters
The kernel is key to Windows desktops, and when something goes wrong with it, the whole OS can break. Learn how the kernel functions to inform the ways to fix any issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2025
How to troubleshoot Intune enrollment with Autopilot
Most devices go through Intune Autopilot enrollment without any issues, but when problems arise, IT needs to be ready to act. Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2025
Microsoft plugs two zero-days for February Patch Tuesday
The company corrects active exploits in vulnerable Windows systems, one of which could give the attacker complete control if successful. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2025
How to troubleshoot issues with the Intune Company Portal app
The Company Portal app controls access to critical business resources, so IT administrators should try to fix any issues with this app quickly and effectively. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2025
How to access and interact with the RDP Task Manager
The Task Manager allows IT administrators to perform some limited management tasks, regardless of whether the session is a local Windows OS or a remote desktop. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2025
What is DOS (Disk Operating System)?
A DOS, or disk operating system, is an operating system (OS) that runs from a disk drive. The term can also refer to a particular family of disk operating systems, most commonly MS-DOS (Microsoft DOS). Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2025
January Patch Tuesday resolves 3 Hyper-V zero-days
The number of vulnerabilities corrected for January Patch Tuesday is one of the highest in recent memory and includes three Hyper-V vulnerabilities exploited in the wild. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2025
12 best patch management software and tools for 2025
These 12 tools approach patching from different perspectives. Understanding their various approaches can help you find the right product for your needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jan 2025
What are the hardware requirements for Windows 10 IoT?
Windows 10 IoT can power simple digital displays and advanced medical devices. Start planning for IoT-enabled devices with a guide to the preferred requirements for Windows 10 IoT. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Dec 2024
My 2 months switching from Mac to Windows
As a longtime Mac user, I thought it would be worthwhile to try out an extended trial period with Windows. These are my takeaways after two months. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Dec 2024
What is File Allocation Table (FAT)?
File Allocation Table (FAT) is a file system that was developed by Microsoft to support small disks and simple folder structures. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Dec 2024
What it's like to use a Dell Qualcomm AI PC for 2 months
As a longtime Mac user, the transition to any sort of Windows device would present a challenge. But the move to an AI PC presents even more growing pains and opportunities. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Dec 2024
How to connect Windows 10 desktops to a print server
There are many ways to manage Windows 10 and 11 printers, but a print server can be the best approach -- especially for enterprise organizations -- due to its centralization. Continue Reading
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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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Tip
11 Dec 2024
7 steps to fix a black screen in Windows 11
A black screen can be a symptom of several issues with a Windows 11 desktop. Knowing where to look for the source of the problem can simplify the troubleshooting process. Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2024
December Patch Tuesday shuts down Windows zero-day
Microsoft addresses 72 vulnerabilities, including 17 rated critical. Administrators should focus on patching the Windows OS to stop a flaw that has been exploited in the wild. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2024
6 steps to fix a black screen on a Windows 11 remote desktop
Remote desktops are a common technology to provide access to Windows systems, but these types of desktops are susceptible to errors such a full black screen. Learn how to fix this. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2024
How to choose between Windows 10 IoT and Linux
Choosing between Windows IoT and Linux for IoT device management might seem like an obvious choice, but six core factors could sway IT leaders to make an unexpected decision. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 Nov 2024
How to get the right Hyper-V window size in Windows 11
When users work from a Hyper-V VM session in Windows 11, they need to ensure a properly sized window to avoid UX and functionality issues with the session and business apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Nov 2024
How to enable and manage Windows 11 Hyper-V
Administrators can use Hyper-V virtual machines for numerous reasons. Windows administrators should follow these steps to create new VMs no matter what their intended use is. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Nov 2024
How to create a custom Windows 11 ISO file
With a custom Windows 11 ISO file, IT departments can streamline deployment and apply new version of Windows to repair OS instances. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2024
Guide to the advantages of using the Windows Terminal app
Admins who manage a wide range of resources will want to try this Microsoft app that integrates with Windows machines, cloud services and Linux systems from a single interface. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2024
Microsoft halts 2 zero-days on November Patch Tuesday
The company addressed 88 vulnerabilities, including an Exchange Server spoofing flaw and a significant number of SQL Server bugs, this month. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Nov 2024
How to make the most of Windows Autopatch with Intune
IT administrators can use Intune to manage numerous settings related to Windows OSes and business apps. The Windows Autopatch feature can automate and improve those processes. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
08 Nov 2024
Microsoft Ignite 2024 conference coverage
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly to see all the news and analysis related to the latest innovations launching at this year's Microsoft Ignite show. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
05 Nov 2024
How to perform a Windows 11 ISO file install
The days of IT departments manually provisioning Windows OSes and company settings onto each PC are long gone, but IT staff still should know how to deploy OSes via ISO file. Continue Reading
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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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Definition
25 Oct 2024
What is remote desktop protocol (RDP)?
Remote desktop protocol (RDP) is a secure network communications protocol developed by Microsoft. 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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Tip
03 Oct 2024
How to enroll Windows IoT devices in Microsoft Intune
Managing Windows IoT devices starts with the proper enrollment, and administrators can take advantage of Microsoft Intune's capabilities to unify endpoint management. Continue Reading
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News
10 Sep 2024
Four zero-days fixed for September Patch Tuesday
Most corrections this month focus on the Windows OS, but enterprises that rely on SQL Server or SharePoint should prioritize deploying the security updates for those platforms. Continue Reading
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News
04 Sep 2024
Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel silicon show AI PC trends
The tech giant introduced computers with chips from Intel and AMD. The new machines come amid a refresh cycle for organizations and employees and open prospects for local AI apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Aug 2024
How to repair Windows 11 with an ISO file
While wiping and reinstalling via a clean install is the simplest way to fix a broken Windows 11 desktop, an ISO file repair can help save some of the desktop's settings and files. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2024
Understanding how the Copilot+ PC program uses AI
Organizations looking to boost productivity for key Windows users should learn what Copilot+ PCs can offer and what workflows the features can help with. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2024
User mode vs. kernel mode: OSes explained
Kernel mode exists to keep user applications from disrupting critical system functions. Learn how each state works and what can happen when an error occurs in kernel mode. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2024
Microsoft corrects six zero-days for August Patch Tuesday
Admins can address most of the zero-days with a cumulative update. But of more concern is the lack of patches for two vulnerabilities demonstrated at the Black Hat conference. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Aug 2024
How to fix Windows 11 desktops after CrowdStrike outage
IT administrators had to jump into action after the CrowdStrike outage to recover faulty desktops. Learn how to use the Microsoft Recovery Tool to fix Windows 11 issues. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Aug 2024
What is a device driver?
A device driver, or driver, is a special kind of software program that controls a specific hardware device attached to a computer. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2024
Learn to use Windows registry editor command-line options
This tutorial explains how to use the regedit tool on the command line and make changes to the Windows registry for advanced administrative jobs. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jul 2024
Researcher: CrowdStrike blunder could benefit open source
Enterprises with the IT talent might turn to open-source software as a backup for commercial products to mitigate damage from a CrowdStrike-like IT outage, researcher said. Continue Reading
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Video
29 Jul 2024
An explanation of the CrowdStrike outage
A botched CrowdStrike update triggered a massive outage, affecting airlines, healthcare, banking and transit. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2024
Understanding the use cases of Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot is a powerful generative AI technology with lots of integrations with Microsoft technology. But the usefulness of this tool will be driven by enterprise use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2024
How to plan a Windows 11 upgrade project
The process of an upgrade to Windows 11 -- or any new desktop OS -- is a massive undertaking. IT professionals must plan out each phase carefully and test the system thoroughly. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2024
Comparing Copilot Pro vs. Copilot for Microsoft 365
Microsoft Copilot takes many forms, but the main offerings for end users in an enterprise setting are Copilot Pro and Copilot for Microsoft 365. Learn how these offerings compare. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2024
Understanding how GPOs and Intune interact
Group Policy and Microsoft Intune are both mature device management technologies with enterprise use cases. IT should know how to pick between these tools or when to use both. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jul 2024
How to install MSIX and msixbundle
IT admins should know that one of the simplest ways to deploy Windows applications across a fleet of managed desktops is with an msixbundle and MSIX files. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2024
How to create a custom ISO for Windows 10
A custom ISO for Windows 10 can make desktop deployment and installation much simpler. IT allows admins to including applications and themes pre-installed on business desktops. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jun 2024
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is a Windows server role that can plan, manage and deploy updates, service packs, patches and hotfixes for Windows servers, client operating systems (OSes) and other Microsoft software. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2024
software patch
A software patch or fix is a quick-repair job for a piece of programming designed to resolve functionality issues, improve security or add new features. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Jun 2024
Can a virtual machine get a virus like a desktop can?
There is a perception that virtual machines are completely secure and immune to all malware, but the reality of virtual machine security is much more complicated. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jun 2024
Group Policy
Group Policy is a management feature in Microsoft's Active Directory (AD) that enables network and system administrators to configure and assign user and computer settings in an AD environment. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Jun 2024
Is it worthwhile to upgrade to Windows 11 right now?
As Microsoft prods its customers toward Windows 11, organizations should be asking what their approach to the new OS will be and when is best for them to migrate. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2024
When is Windows 10 end of life? How to extend support
Windows 10 end of support is a critical date for administrators to know about. While the simplest option is to move to Windows 11, organizations can extend support for Windows 10. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2024
Microsoft delivers 51 fixes for June Patch Tuesday
A critical remote-code execution flaw in Windows and a DoS vulnerability affecting DNS in Windows Server top the list of patching priorities for admins. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jun 2024
How to edit a Domain Group Policy for a Windows desktop
When IT administrators need to edit a Group Policy at the domain level, they can download the RSAT management tool and change policies from the local Windows desktop. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2024
AMD, Intel and Nvidia's latest moves in the AI PC chip race
Major chip makers used Computex 2024 to launch their aggressive AI chip strategies and stake a claim in the burgeoning AI PC market. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2024
When does AD domain-joined Group Policy override local?
There are several types of Group Policies that could exist for a particular desktop, so IT must carefully manage these different GPOs to ensure the correct policies are in place. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 May 2024
Microsoft Copilot+ AI PCs turn up the heat on Apple
Microsoft, with the help of Qualcomm, might have finally delivered a device that will cause users to reconsider their Apple endpoint device purchase next time around. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2024
8 WSUS alternatives for patch management
Compare the features of eight prominent patch management tools for Microsoft OSes and third-party applications to find the right option for your organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2024
What is patch management? Lifecycle, benefits and best practices
Patch management is the subset of systems management that involves identifying, acquiring, testing and installing patches, or code changes, that are intended to fix bugs, close security holes or add features. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2024
Microsoft handles 2 Windows zero-days on May Patch Tuesday
In addition to the Windows vulnerabilities exploited in the wild, admins should focus on patching multiple flaws in web browsers from Google, Microsoft and Mozilla. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 May 2024
The risks of failed patch management
Some risks -- like security vulnerabilities and system downtime -- are obvious, others not so much. Good patch management also requires weighing the possible risks of patching. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 May 2024
Reviewing the features of Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot and Microsoft 365 is a promising partnership. But the license price tag may cause second thoughts, so it's important to learn Copilot's features and use cases. Continue Reading