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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Feature
18 May 2023
What does the new Microsoft Intune Suite include?
With all the recent name changes with Microsoft's endpoint management products and add-ons, IT teams need to know what Intune Suite -- Microsoft's latest bundle -- offers. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 May 2023
Improve automation skills with the AD Administrative Center
You might know that you can use PowerShell to handle repetitive Active Directory tasks. But were you aware the Active Directory Administrative Center can help write the code? Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Jul 2018
Win10 Migration Survey Reveals 2018 Challenges
Jeremy Moskowitz's recent Win10 migration survey reveals 2018 challenges facing organizations of all kinds, based on 500-plus responses from 30 countries (80% US-based). Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Jul 2018
Dell Venue Pro 11 7130 Strange Upgrade Issues
When Dell Venue Pro 11 7130 strange upgrade issues manifest for recent Insider Preview builds, my usual troubleshooting ritual sets things right. No clean install this time, as I'd feared might be ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Jul 2018
Productivity Hurdles Emphasize Office PC Setup Benefits
Working on the road for just over a week, I realize that productivity hurdles emphasize office PC setup benefits. With a little thought, ingenuity and money, though, most of these hurdles can be ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Jul 2018
MS Smartens Update Downloads
By downloading updates from smallest to largest in size in that order, and downloading updates in pairs, MS smartens Update downloads. Now, if I could only figure out what determines update ... Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jul 2018
How can IT turn off Windows 10 automatic updates?
In some cases, IT pros should disable Windows 10 updates to gain control over the process. They can use methods such as editing group policies and setting a metered connection. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Jul 2018
The Occasional Resurgence of Windows.old
When it comes to post-upgrade cleanup in Windows 10, an occasional resurgence of Windows.old seems to pop up from time to time. Here's another one found and fixed! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Jul 2018
MS Win7 Cert Exams Expire July 31
When S Win7 Cert Exams expire July 31 they signal that today's reigning Windows version is nearing the end of its lifecycle. With 900-plus million devices still running Win7, lots of change is at hand. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Jul 2018
Why would IT manually upgrade to Windows 10?
There are some instances where IT should manually upgrade to Windows 10, including when the desktop runs older software for which IT does not have the installation media. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Jul 2018
DISM Cleans Up After Windows Update
Because DISM cleans up after Windows Update adds new items to Win10, it's a good idea to use its AnalyzeComponentStore and CleanupComponentStore directives from time to time. Here's how! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Jul 2018
Strange Display Behavior Gets Workarounds
Strange display behavior gets workarounds in Windows 10: right-click the taskbar entry, Alt+Space to restore the original window, or force-change then restore screen resolution. Very interesting! Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2018
How to create a Windows 10 security program
IT can get ahead of Windows 10 security problems by understanding its organizational needs and focusing on a few key areas, including patching and domain password policies. Continue Reading
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Quiz
29 Jun 2018
Take the Windows 10 migration tools pop quiz
Microsoft offers a host of tools IT pros can use to make the move to Windows 10 a little easier. See how well you know your options with this quiz. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2018
New types of authentication take root across the enterprise
At Identiverse 2018, speakers and attendees expect a rise in two-factor authentication, as the single sign-on user password authentication falls out of favor. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Jun 2018
WUMT Resolves Update Woes Yet Again
When one of my laptops balks at completing the update check for a current cumulative update, WUMT resolves update woes yet again for Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Jun 2018
MS Answers Offers 1803 Networking Resolution
MS Answers offers 1803 networking resolution for those seeking to make nodes or network resources visible or available using File Explorer and other tools. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Jun 2018
Win10 Hyper-V VMs Benefit from More VRAM
Depending on the workload and applications in use Win10 Hyper-V VMs benefit from more VRAM (virtual RAM), easily allocated using the Hyper-V manager. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jun 2018
What can you do if a Windows 10 keyboard or mouse is not working?
If users encounter problems with a Windows 10 mouse or keyboard, IT pros can follow these steps to troubleshoot the connectivity issue quickly and easily. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Jun 2018
UWP Win10 Sticky Notes Backup
Making a UWP Win10 Sticky Notes backup translates into finding and copying the file named plum.sqlite to a safe place. Easy-peasy! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
18 Jun 2018
Grab New DriverStore Explorer from GitHub
Whether you're a first-time user or are running an older version, please take the time to grab new DriverStore Explorer from GitHub. It's worth using! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Jun 2018
AI Drives Win10 Update Access
AI drives Win10 Update access, and uses telemetry and feedback data to target updates PCs likely to have a positive experience. Over time, MS extends updates to more PCs as the likelihood of ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Jun 2018
Sysprep Audit Mode Alternate Key Sequence
When the default Ctrl+Shift+F3 won't do it, try the Sysprep Audit Mode alternate key sequence instead: Ctrl+Fn+Shift+F3. Works for me! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Jun 2018
Fixing Win10 Restart PC to Finish Installing Drivers Issue
Evidence I compiled helped me with fixing Win10 Restart PC to Finish Installing Drivers issue by leading me to the device involved, and possible fixes. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Jun 2018
Ctrl+Winkey+C Toggles Win10 Display to Grayscale Mode
For some people, learning that Ctrl+Winkey+C toggles Win10 display to grayscale mode comes as an unpleasant surprise. Fortunately, it's easy to reverse. Continue Reading
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Quiz
07 Jun 2018
How well do you know your Windows 10 update options?
Microsoft offers three Windows 10 servicing channels, a host of tools for managing updates and different update types. See if you can sort it all out with this Windows 10 update quiz. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Jun 2018
How do the Windows 10 servicing channels work?
IT can use the servicing channels for Windows 10 to assign different deployment cadences to different devices and defer updates where necessary. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Jun 2018
NirSoft NetBScanner Offers Win10 LAN Insights
After the 1803 upgrade monkey with LAN visibility for some nodes, NirSoft NetBScanner offers Win10 LAN insights to help get things running again. Good stuff! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Jun 2018
Set Win10 RS5 Rollback Retention Interval
I don't normally write much about the Insider Preview builds for this blog post. Practicing Enterprise admins have enough on their hands keeping up with current branch versions of the OS. But when ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Jun 2018
AdDuplex-based Win10 Uptake Projections Mostly Bogus
When I first saw the news, I was stunned. But on further analysis, AdDuplex-based Win10 uptake projections mostly bogus, reflecting an incomplete and off-kilter subset of the user base. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 May 2018
Two Win10 Setup.exes Offer Differing Capabilities
If you build conventional Win10 installation media, you'll find two Win10 Setup.exes offer differing capabilities. One is good to upgrades or repair an existing Win10 install, the other for ... Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2018
Use Windows Analytics to better support Windows 10 desktops
With the help of Windows Analytics, IT can improve its Windows 10 desktop support with tools such as Device Health, which monitors desktop performance and identifies underperforming devices. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 May 2018
HID Woes Cause Overkill Win10 Repair
When HID woes cause overkill Win10 repair, it's because I try a software fix for what turns out to be a purely hardware problem. Sigh. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 May 2018
How can you change Windows 10 update settings?
Windows 10 updates can disrupt your workflow and cause frustration. With the right settings, however, you can minimize the risk of an update getting in the way of productivity. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 May 2018
Win10 NetBIOS Names Get Weirder
When I say Win10 NetBIOS names get weirder I mean two things: they are indeed case sensitive, and sometimes the actual defined case-correct name string won't resolve properly. Continue Reading
- 21 May 2018
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Blog Post
21 May 2018
Bring Back PING in Win10 1803
As I troubleshoot an inexplicable inability to remote into one of my office PCs, I figure out how to bring back PING in Win10 1803. In short, my recent spate of networking issues continue! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
18 May 2018
Why Windows Machine Names Are Case-Sensitive in RDP
When the certificate warning shows up, I finally figure out why Windows machine names are case-sensitive in RDP. The machine name isn't case-sensitive, but the certificate name most certainly is! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 May 2018
Win10 1803 Gets New Bluetooth Version
Amidst a raft of other changes, enhancements and additons, Win10 1803 gets new Bluetooth version that leaves some users in the lurch, functionality-wise. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 May 2018
Windows Command Line Reference Observations
By checking which commands work in PowerShell and which have PowerShell aliases, I compile an interesting set of Windows Command Line Reference observations. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 May 2018
Win10 DCOM 10016 Errors Are Mostly Benign
Finally! A Microsoft Support note explicitly confirms what I've long suspected: Win10 DCOM 10016 errors are mostly benign. They occur by deliberate design, in fact. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 May 2018
Bring Back Basic Win10 1803 Networking
The demise of HomeGroup makes it necessary to bring back basic Win10 1803 networking for Workgroup based Windows networks. Here's how! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 May 2018
MS Publishes Big Free Command Line Reference
Last Friday, my partner in crime at Win10.Guru, Kari Finn, sent me a link to a very interesting document. It comes from the Microsoft Download Center and shows up with very little descriptive ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 May 2018
1803 May Drop Spectre Patches on Some PCs
According to some usually reliable observers and experts, Windows 10 Version 1803 may drop Spectre Patches on some PCs. Here's how to check if any of your PCs are affected. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 May 2018
Top Windows 10 April 2018 Update features you need to know
Microsoft's latest update to Windows 10 helps IT pros and users alike. On the user front, Focus Assist can help employees silence notifications while they work. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 May 2018
How can IT convince users of the benefits of Windows 10?
Users may not see the Windows 10 improvements as an upgrade from their current OS. As a result, IT must highlight relevant new features to gain user support. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 May 2018
Win10 1803 Sometimes Creates Phantom Recovery Drive
Thanks to a minor but annoying error, Win10 1803 sometimes creates phantom Recovery Drive during the upgrade process. Here are two easy fixes to make it go away. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 May 2018
Four Windows 10 migration tools to consider
With the right tools -- such as the Windows ADK or MAP -- at their disposal, IT pros can take some of the headaches out of a move to Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Apr 2018
Tune Into PortableApps.com
If you tune into PortableApps.com and use their platform, you'll find a great way to take tools, utilities and applications with you onto any PC. Great stuff! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Apr 2018
Finding Windows Defender Security About Info
It turns out that finding Windows Defender Security About info is a little convoluted, but checking its Settings will point you in the right direction. Continue Reading
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Quiz
26 Apr 2018
Are you prepared for a Windows 10 transition?
When IT executes a transition to Windows 10, it must understand all the potential pitfalls inherent in an OS migration. Quiz yourself to see if you are ready for this challenge. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Apr 2018
Skippy Shows Off Lean Win10 Edition
The Windows Insider Skip Ahead Preview, aka Skippy Shows Off Lean Win10 Edition as a new SKU pops up in Build 17650. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2018
Manage Windows 10 desktops, mobile devices with EMM software
Windows 10 supports crucial functions that enable enterprise mobility management. IT must follow a few important steps to prepare desktops for management through EMM. Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Apr 2018
Microsoft says RDSH is coming to a Server 2019 preview soon. (Update: It's back!)
There’s still speculation about multi-user Windows 10, though. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Apr 2018
Build 1803 Equals April Update
Based on the content of the Edge Welcome screen in Build 17134, it seems pretty safe to proclaim that Build 1803 Equals April Update. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2018
Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities show haste makes waste
When the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities came to light, everyone scrambled to find a fix. As a result, the patching process has been anything but smooth. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Apr 2018
God Mode Causes Win10 Office URL Insert Fail
If God Mode Causes Win10 Office URL Insert Fail and pasting URLs causes Word, Excel and so forth to crash, delete the God Mode parent folder to fix this problem. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2018
How to create a custom Windows 10 image for deployment
IT pros can build a Windows 10 image with custom apps, Start menu tools and more that they can easily deliver throughout the organization. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Apr 2018
Windows Server 2019 RDSH is a go
After some confusing messaging about whether Remote Desktop Session Host would be in Windows Server 2019, Microsoft said the role will in fact be coming to the preview and official release. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2018
Four Windows 10 built-in security features to know
IT needs an effective plan to maximize security for Windows 10 and get the most out of its built-in features. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Apr 2018
When USB Hub Gets Weird Win-RAID Provides Fix
When USB hub gets weird Win-RAID provides fix for MIA Asmedia device. It's got modded drivers for Intel, and most other USB hubs and controllers, too. Worth checking out! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Apr 2018
MS Releases Open Source Win3.0 File Manager
In an interesting surprise move, MS Releases Open Source Win3.0 File Manager. Works like a champ on Windows 10, too! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Apr 2018
Intel Excludes Older CPUs from Spectre Updates
Intel excludes older CPUs from Spectre updates. I summarize the charts to identify newly-added microcode updates, and CPUs for which updates will not be available. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Apr 2018
MPP IT Support Track Offers Interesting Insights
For those interested in working in tech support, but also for those into understanding Microsoft, the MPP IT Support Track offers interesting insights. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Apr 2018
Myerson's Farewell Reveals Interesting Win10 Stats
Myerson's farewell reveals interesting Win10 stats -- specifically that the total number of Win10 users is closing in on 700M with 15M members in the Windows Insider program. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Mar 2018
Macrium Reflect Upgrade Cancels Backup Schedules
As I follow my twice-monthly drive cleanup routine, I realize that Macrium Reflect upgrade cancels backup schedules. Can't have that! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Mar 2018
KB4089848 Poses Widely Reported Win10 Problems
With oodles and scads of users reporting issues, KB4089848 poses widely reported Win10 problems that occur often enough and with severity sufficient to make it advisable to block this update outright. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Mar 2018
Windows Server 2019: Session Host is dead! Multi-user Win10 instead?
Imagine if RDSH was based on a client OS instead of a server OS. Fantastic, right? Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Mar 2018
Script Out Your Win10 Build History Using PowerShell
A nifty pair of carefully crafted commands let you script out your Win10 build history using PowerShell for each PC you run it on. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
21 Mar 2018
Reducing Win10 Upgrade Offline Time
MS says a key goal in improving feature upgrades is reducing Win10 upgrade offline time. Personally, I find their current list of upgrade/install steps more informative. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2018
How to transition to Windows 10 without the headaches
IT pros should take a step back and decide if an upgrade to Windows 10 is right for their organizations, or they may encounter problems during the process. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Mar 2018
Understanding NTUser.dat in Windows 10
Understanding NTUser.dat in Windows 10 means knowing that those files capture user profile settings and preferences, and are best left alone and untouched for proper OS operation. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Mar 2018
Check Current Win10 for In-place Upgrade Repair
If you carefully check current Win10 for in-place upgrade repair, you'll be able to choose and download the proper ISO to attempt such repairs every time, without fail. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 Mar 2018
MS Offers New Spectre Updates
As MS offers new Spectre updates through the Microsoft Update Catalog, I realize that it's going to be a long slog to get those vulnerabilities patches on all my PCs. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Mar 2018
Post Build 17115 Driver Fix Routine Still Works
Even post Build 17115 Driver Fix routine still works to fix most common driver issues and difficulties. Try this 3-step sequence and see! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Mar 2018
MS Foils Coin Mining Compelling Telemetry Case
Through clever and effective use of telemetry data, AI and machine learning, MS foils coin mining in a big way in Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Mar 2018
Day 1: Global Microsoft MVP Summit
During Day 1: Global Microsoft MVP Summit I learn that proper feedback is the real reason why Microsoft operates the Insider program, and provide tips on how to provide quality feedback on Windows. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Mar 2018
MS Offers Spectre Meltdown Updates Via Catalog
Is is because OEM are taking too long to pony up that MS offers Spectre Meltdown updates via catalog downloads? I don't know, but I'm glad somebody's doing something! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Mar 2018
Firmware Update Proceeds at Glacial Pace
Given that the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities created such a furor, one can only observe that the attendant firmware update Proceeds at glacial pace. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2018
Get to know your Windows 10 update options
Windows as a service changes the way updates work in Windows 10 from past versions of the OS. Each of the three servicing channels handles updates in its own way. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2018
Top six Windows 10 migration problems and how to avoid them
Users and IT professionals sometimes have issues after a Windows 10 migration. Careful planning can mitigate these issues before IT undertakes a full-scale migration. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Feb 2018
Fixing Missing Mouse or Keyboard
When it comes to fixing missing mouse or keyboard in Win10 you can either try different hardware, or boot from a different Windows, to effect repairs. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Feb 2018
Win7 Still Activates Win10 2/27/18
After skipping key entry on a clean Windows 10 install, I learn that Win7 Still Validates Win10 for activation. Woo hoo: my sister's HP Pavilion Dv6 is back in action. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Feb 2018
Win10 Upgrade Repair Install Tips
When it comes to fixing misbehaving or flaky Windows PCs, here are some hopefully useful Win10 upgrade repair install tips. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Feb 2018
A closer look at ARM and what it means for Windows 10 laptops
With new details on the limitations, as well as hardware due soon, Rachel Berry looks at the risks, benefits, and incentives of combining the two. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
21 Feb 2018
Win10 Safe Mode Breakout Technique
If you get stuck in a boot loop while in safe mode, you'll need a Win10 Safe Mode breakout technique. Here's one that works from the command line. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2018
How to establish Windows 10 security baselines
IT should consider following Microsoft's Windows 10 security recommendations in the Security Compliance Toolkit to better protect the operating system. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Feb 2018
Bootrec Fixes Win10 Boot Problems
When boot-up goes wonky, remember this: Bootrec fixes Win10 boot problems! Here, you'll learn how to launch and run this boot repair tool, and what it can do to help. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Feb 2018
Do Try Microsoft Teams
Having now used the platform for a couple of month, I enthusiastically exhort you: Do try Microsoft Teams! You may be in for a pleasant and productivity-enhancing surprise. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Feb 2018
Can IT make the transition to Windows 10 smooth for users?
IT can take a few steps to make the move to Windows 10 easier on users, including considering an in-place upgrade and holding off on any other major changes. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 Feb 2018
Update 7-ZIP to 18.01 NOW
Because of some recently-discovered and somewhat nasty vulnerabilities, you really, really want to update 7-ZIP to 18.01 NOW!! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
12 Feb 2018
No Win10 Means No Office 2019
MS has laid down the law: no Win10 means no Office 2019. If you don't get on the Win10 bandwagon, you can't stay on the Office 365 one, either. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Feb 2018
KB4058258 Install Fail Fix
Those who try, and fail, to install KB4058258 should try this simple recipe for a KB4058258 install fail fix. It takes a little while but works pretty well. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 Feb 2018
Windows 10 Gets S Modes
In a surprising twist, Microsoft does away with standalone Windows 10 S. Instead, Windows 10 gets S Modes for most consumer (and Education) versions. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Feb 2018
Windows 10 Count Finally Exceeds Windows 7
According to several sources now, the Windows 10 count finally exceeds Windows 7 from both USA and global perspectives. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2018
Microsoft Office 2019 release will force IT to migrate to Windows 10
If you're not yet on Windows 10, news about the upcoming Microsoft Office 2019 release may force your hand. Plus, the company could go all in on Office 365. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Jan 2018
MS Issues Spectre Reversal Update (Catalog Only)
Because Intel is taking its sweet time fixing microcode, and reboot and stability problems continue, MS issues Spectre reversal update (Catalog Only). Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Jan 2018
Skip Product Key When Sysprepping Win10
To skip Product Key when Sysprepping Win10, you must supply a generic product key instead. Here's a list of same to use. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jan 2018
Can IT save user settings, files in the move to Windows 10?
IT can help users maintain their personal settings and files when moving to Windows 10 through an in-place upgrade or through manual or automated processes during a clean upgrade. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
24 Jan 2018
Intel Now Advises Against Installing Spectre Patches!
Because of widely-reported issues with reboots and system stability, Intel now advises against installing Spectre patches! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Jan 2018
OneDrive File Attributes Uncovered
A careful look at help information leads to new OneDrive File attributes uncovered, and a better understanding of how OnDemand files work. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Jan 2018
17074.1002 Introduces Involuntary Upgrade Repair Install
The latest Win10 Insider Preview build 17074.1002 introduces involuntary upgrade repair install. What looks like an update is a major version upgrade! Continue Reading