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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Answer
16 Nov 2023
How do you back up the Windows 11 registry before editing it?
Without a Windows 11 registry backup, IT risks breaking the OS by making edits. Find out how easy it is to back up the Windows 11 registry. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2023
Microsoft halts 3 zero-days on November Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addresses 67 vulnerabilities, including six critical, and shuts down four bugs in the Exchange Server email platform this month. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Feb 2019
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
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Tip
04 Feb 2019
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
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Blog Post
04 Feb 2019
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
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Blog Post
01 Feb 2019
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
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Answer
01 Feb 2019
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
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Tip
01 Feb 2019
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
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News
31 Jan 2019
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
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Opinion
31 Jan 2019
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
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Quiz
30 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
29 Jan 2019
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
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Answer
28 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
27 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
25 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
24 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
23 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
22 Jan 2019
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
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Tip
22 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
18 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
16 Jan 2019
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
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Opinion
16 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
15 Jan 2019
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
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Blog Post
07 Jan 2019
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
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Answer
03 Jan 2019
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
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Feature
19 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
19 Dec 2018
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
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Tip
19 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
17 Dec 2018
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
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Feature
17 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
14 Dec 2018
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
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Opinion
13 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
12 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
10 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
07 Dec 2018
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
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Quiz
05 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
05 Dec 2018
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
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Blog Post
03 Dec 2018
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
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News
29 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
28 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
26 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
23 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
21 Nov 2018
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
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Tip
20 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
19 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
16 Nov 2018
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
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Tip
16 Nov 2018
Create and enforce a password policy across the enterprise
There are new-fangled approaches to enterprise security, such as biometric authentication, but tried-and-true passwords are still critical to protecting an organization's network. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2018
Microsoft reissues Windows 10 October Update, Server 2019
Windows Server 2019 and the Windows 10 October Update are back in IT admins' hands, six weeks after the company pulled them from the market when some users reported lost data. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
14 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
12 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
09 Nov 2018
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
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Tip
08 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
07 Nov 2018
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
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Answer
06 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
05 Nov 2018
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
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Blog Post
02 Nov 2018
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
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Tip
02 Nov 2018
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
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Guide
29 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
29 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
26 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
24 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
22 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
19 Oct 2018
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
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Feature
18 Oct 2018
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
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Opinion
18 Oct 2018
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
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Answer
17 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
15 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
12 Oct 2018
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
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News
12 Oct 2018
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
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Answer
12 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
10 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
08 Oct 2018
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
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Answer
05 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
05 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
03 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
01 Oct 2018
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
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Blog Post
28 Sep 2018
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
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Blog Post
26 Sep 2018
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
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E-Zine
25 Sep 2018
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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Blog Post
24 Sep 2018
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
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Blog Post
21 Sep 2018
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
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Blog Post
20 Sep 2018
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
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Tip
20 Sep 2018
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
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Blog Post
17 Sep 2018
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
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Blog Post
14 Sep 2018
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
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Answer
14 Sep 2018
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
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Tip
14 Sep 2018
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
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Blog Post
12 Sep 2018
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
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Feature
12 Sep 2018
4 tips for handling the upgrade process to Windows 10
To ensure a smooth upgrade to Windows 10, IT should take advantage of helpful tools such as the Microsoft Management Console to test Windows 10 application compatibility. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
10 Sep 2018
Macrium Patches Skipahead Preview Reflect Win10 Bug
Macrium patches Skipahead Preview Reflect Win10 bug in under 24 hours (on a weekend, no less). This is first-rate customer service that goes way beyond the ordinary call of duty. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 Sep 2018
A Win10 Post-Upgrade Checklist
With a well-crafted Win10 Post-Upgrade checklist, you can streamline the process of cleaning up and tweaking a new Windows 10 desktop once the upgrade is complete. Here's a good start! Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Sep 2018
Seriously, what is multi-user Windows 10 for? (Another possible clue?)
We know it’s coming, but we still have no clue what Microsoft is thinking. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Sep 2018
GPT vs MBR Disks
The distinction between GPT vs MBR disks in Windows 10 can be important for boot-up, and also determine the maximum number of partitions and disk sizes allowed. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Sep 2018
Finding Another Path to Reliability Monitor
When Start10 throws an unexpected launch error at me, I'm off, finding another path to Reliability Monitor. Turns out that "perfmon /rel" does the trick! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Aug 2018
PS Get-HotFix Cmdlet Checks Update Status
For those who want to know if a Windows update or upgrade is present or absent, the PS Get-HotFix Cmdlet checks update status. Here's how to use it. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Aug 2018
Understand Windows Insider Program for Business options
With its business-friendly Insider Program, Microsoft allows IT and users to test Windows 10 preview builds for compatibility and performance issues. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
24 Aug 2018
KB 4093836 Summarizes August 2018 Spectre Microcode Updates
KB 4093836 summarizes August 2018 Spectre Microcode Updates, and points to patches for Windows 10 1803, 1709, 1703, 1607 and the long-term servicing versions. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2018
How to get the Windows 10 upgrade process right
To install Windows 10 correctly, IT pros should alter the disk layout for a fresh installation of the OS to match Microsoft's recommended order rather than its default order. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Aug 2018
Windows Defender Blocks PUAs
Windows Defender offers numerous advanced security capabilities. Among them, Windows Defender Blocks PUAs (potentially unwanted applications). Here's how to put it to work! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Aug 2018
Win10 Version 1809 Makes Official Debut
A quick screen capture of winver.exe from Build 17741 shows that Win10 Version 1809 makes official debut as the upcoming next version name. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Aug 2018
Win10 Registry Includes AllowExperimentation Key
If it comes as a surprise that Win10 Registry includes AllowExperimentation key that's enabled by default, take cheer from an easy fix to disable it explicitly. Continue Reading