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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Tip
25 Sep 2023
Using the Intune management extension for PowerShell scripts
Intune and PowerShell have a lot of unique management actions they can take, but with the help of the Intune management extension, they can communicate and manage more efficiently. Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2023
Intel promotes new computing era with AI PC
Intel says its upcoming Core Ultra will help lead personal computing to the AI PC era by making AI processing a mainstream task on PCs, like office productivity and video editing. 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
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Blog Post
17 Jan 2018
MDT PS Wizard Covers MS Deployment Toolkit Wizards
Damien Van Robaeys excellent MDT PS Wizard covers MS Deployment Toolkit wizards within the pleasing GUI of a single, comprehensive scripted environment. Great stuff! Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2018
Ten Windows 10 Fall Creators Update features to know
Microsoft introduced some significant changes to Windows 10 in the Fall Creators Update. The My People app, for example, lets users pin contacts to their task bars. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Jan 2018
Operator Error Explains 4TB Drive Mystery
When I compared the PSU (brick) I'd been using on my dual drive dock to the one I'd just purchased, I realized that operator error explains 4TB drive mystery. Sheesh! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
12 Jan 2018
Win10 PC Brick-Avoidance Techniques
When updating BIOSes or firmware, or upgrading Windows 10, it's wise to practice Win10 PC brick-avoidance techniques. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
10 Jan 2018
More Details on KB4056892 Wintel Vulnerabilities
More details on KB4056892 Wintel vulnerabilities tell us their names, and reveal that vendor hardware support is needed to fix one of this pair of critical items. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
08 Jan 2018
RegHack Fixes Unwanted Win10 Thumbnail Deletions
A simple RegHack fixes unwanted Win10 thumbnail deletions that make preview images disappear from File Explorer. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Jan 2018
KB4056892 Fixes Critical Win10 Security Bugs
Because KB4056892 fixes critical Win10 security bugs, admins and deployment teams should get this one out to all Win10 PCs ASAP. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Jan 2018
Can you create a dynamically expanding virtual hard disk?
If you build a dynamically expanding VHD it is important to remember to set the size to match the maximum possible storage space it will use. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Dec 2017
How to create a snapshot of your custom Windows 10 image
Once you finish creating your custom Windows 10 image, the time is right to take a snapshot of it so you can deliver it to your users. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Dec 2017
Undoing 7Zip ISO Association
Undoing 7Zip ISO association means right-clicking, choosing "Open with", selecting File Explorer, and checking the "Always use" box. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2017
Top Windows 10 backup and restore utilities
The key to a good backup and restore tool is reliability. Look into third-party utilities such as Reflect or OneKey for Windows 10 restore and backup. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Dec 2017
How to use Sysprep to install a custom Windows 10 image
Walk through the process of adding custom software, apps and assets to your Windows 10 image in audit mode. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2017
Pros and cons of a Windows 10 clean install vs. upgrade
When migrating to Windows 10, IT must decide whether to perform an upgrade install or clean install. The benefits of one are the weaknesses of the other. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Nov 2017
Win10 Full Flash Update
Full Flash Update's FFUTOOL.exe works with DISM to apply Windows images to target drives (and PCs) faster and more reliably than either WIM or VHD. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Nov 2017
Can you use Sysprep to install a custom Windows 10 image?
With the right know-how, IT can create and install a custom Windows 10 image using Microsoft's System Preparation tool. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Oct 2017
Does Windows 10 virtualization-based security defend the OS?
With Windows 10, Microsoft emphasized virtualization-based security, such as Device Guard and Credential Guard, to keep corporate information off users' devices. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Sep 2017
Put your Windows 10 deployments on AutoPilot
Aaron Parker talks cloud management, MDM, and provisioning for Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2017
How to check Windows 10 compatibility for legacy apps
Testing apps is just one way to ensure that legacy apps have Windows 10 compatibility. Find out how to confirm the compatibility of legacy apps with the OS. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Aug 2017
Win10 PowerShell Chkdsk Alternative
For most command-line program's there's a PowerShell alternative. The Win10 PowerShell Chkdsk alternative is named Repair-Volume. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Aug 2017
MS Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DaRT) 10
The Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset, aka DaRT, is an invaluable toolset for admins seeking remedies for Windows 10 boot or startup issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2017
Set up a virtual hard disk and perform a Windows 10 dual boot
Dual booting Windows 10 can come in handy in a variety of ways. The process requires that IT knows how to build a virtual hard disk and install Windows 10 on it. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Aug 2017
How to use a technician machine to create a custom Windows 10 image
IT pros must be able to mold Windows 10 into the OS their organization needs. To do so, they need to first learn to install Windows 10 on a technician machine. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Jul 2017
Add Custom Drivers to WinRE
If your Windows runtime needs drivers added, you'll also want to add Custom Drivers to WinRE so your recovery environment works, too. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Jul 2017
Fsutil Cleans Up Excess Old Transactions
NTFS Fsutil cleans up excess old transactions. You can also use it to show you how much disk space transaction info and logs consume. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jul 2017
12 Windows 10 GPO settings IT must know
Group Policy Objects in Windows 10 are powerful. IT can use them to turn off the Windows Store app, reshape the Start menu, change how users log in and more. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Jul 2017
Microsoft *FINALLY* creates a cloud service provider virtualization license for Windows 10
For many years, we've wanted service provider licensing for Windows desktop OSes. On Monday, Microsoft announced just that. Here's what we know. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jul 2017
How to use the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit for Windows 10
It's important for IT admins to know everything is going to work before they deploy Windows 10 desktops. They can use the tools in the Windows ADK to do just that and more. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Jun 2017
Are third-party firewalls worth the investment?
It might be effective, but Windows Firewall is not the be-all and end-all of security. In some cases, third-party firewalls add the extra layer of protection IT needs. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
21 Jun 2017
DISKPART Script Fixes Default Win10 Disk Layout
In the third and final element of this 3-part series, we show how a DISKPART script fixes default Win10 disk layout issues. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Jun 2017
Exploring Win10 Clean Install Default Disk Layout
Let's go Exploring Win10 clean install default disk layout to understand why it poses upgrade issues, and how to do it right the first time. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Jun 2017
Partition UEFI/GPT HDD Using Diskpart
For some reason Windows Installer puts the WinRE partition at the head of its disk layout. We partition UEFI/GPT HDD using diskpart to put it at the end, where it belongs. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Jun 2017
How can you access Windows 10 advanced repair options?
To resolve Windows 10 boot problems you can access a few repair options by entering the OS through the back door. Here's how to do it. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2017
Windows 10 security tools to have handy
Cyberthreats lurk around every corner, so it's always a good time to fortify Windows 10 defenses. These top security tools can help make that happen. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 May 2017
Manage Win10 Drivers Using DISM
When I confirm that an upgrade indeed installs a whole new slate of device drivers, I decide to manage Win10 Drivers using DISM at the command line. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2017
How to build and use a bootable recovery partition in Windows 10
Understanding how to set up a bootable recovery partition in Windows 10 allows you to restore a damaged OS or troubleshoot a litany of problems. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Apr 2017
Handy Win10 Boot Controls
Rebooting Windows 10 to access UEFI/BIOS or boot media can be tricky, and make handy Win10 Boot controls vital. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Apr 2017
How can you whitelist apps and fight ransomware with Windows 10 AppLocker?
With application whitelisting, admins can create a list of approved apps users can work with. This way, users cannot accidentally open an app containing ransomware. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2017
How to fix Windows 10 update problems with the DISM command tool
With a few tricks in the Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management command utility, admins can solve some of the most common Windows 10 update problems plaguing their users. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Feb 2017
Always Adjust Defaults After Clean Install
After 17 months of installing many Win10 Technical and Insider Previews, you'd think I'd remember to always adjust defaults after clean install, eh? Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Feb 2017
Enable Disable Win10 Administrator Account
Though it's hidden, Windows 10 still includes a built-in admin account . Here's how to enable disable Win10 Administrator account. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Feb 2017
EI.cfg and PID.txt Install Windows License Info
When added to a standard Setup.exe environment for Windows, EI.cfg and PID.txt install Windows license info without requiring user input. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Dec 2016
Panoramic Desktop Themes for Win10
Those with 2 monitors need panoramic themes to take full advantage of available screen real estate. These panoramic desktop themes work for Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2016
Take a close-up look at Windows 10 permissions settings
With all the new updates and features, Windows 10 can appear daunting. To simplify the transition, break down and tailor the permissions in Windows 10 to users' specific needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2016
Take on Windows 10 Wi-Fi problems and address Wi-Fi Sense
Windows 10 Wi-Fi connectivity is not as straightforward as it sounds. Microsoft moved the Wi-Fi settings and added security risks with Wi-Fi Sense. Plus, Wi-Fi often fails after an upgrade. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 Oct 2016
Windows Updates: CAB vs MSU Files
Sometimes, Microsoft releases out-of-band updates outside the Windows Update service through its Update Catalog. That's when understanding CAB vs MSU files helps. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2016
How to solve four common Windows 10 problems
Windows 10 comes with some concerns, including activation issues and device driver failures. Learn how to resolve these problems and more. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Aug 2016
Win10 Storage Diagnostics (StorDiag.exe)
The Windows 10 Anniversary Update introduces a new administrative tool: Storage Diagnostics, aka StorDiag.exe. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Jun 2016
Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack brings back Windows XP updates
Admins who still have Windows XP systems on their networks can turn to a Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack to reopen the update floodgates. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jun 2016
Can I control the Windows 10 user interface?
You can control the Control Panel, Shared Folders, Start menu and other components in Windows 10 using Group Policy settings. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2016
Use an in-place upgrade to repair Windows 10
If your Windows 10 installation has gone wonky and needs some attention, one way to fix it is with an in-place upgrade to the same version of Windows you already use. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
03 Jun 2016
Admin toolbox item: Uncleaner
Although it doesn't replace cleanup tools like cleanmgr.exe or CCleaner, admin toolbox item: Uncleaner is best at removing temp and log files for Windows. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 May 2016
Why do I keep getting Windows 10 driver errors?
If you keep getting driver errors in Windows 10, a video driver could be to blame. Luckily, the problem is easy to troubleshoot. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2016
What do I do when I can't activate Windows?
When you can't activate a Windows installation there are two things you should check before you pull out your hair. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 May 2016
DISM Exports Drivers: Here's How
Windows built-in DISM exports drivers to a file repository of your choosing, to make restoring those drivers after an upgrade easy and simple. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Apr 2016
Download Ready-to-Run Windows 10 VMs
For those interested in learning more about the new OS, downloading and using Ready-to-Run Windows 10 VMs may be just the ticket. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Apr 2016
Tweaking File Explorer in Windows 10
For those who don't like the default displays in Windows 10 File Explorer, TenForums.com has tutorials on tweaking File Explorer. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Mar 2016
Windows 10 Image Repair on Boot Fail
When Windows won't boot, Windows 10 image repair replaces corrupt OS files to restore things to normal. It's worth a try, though it is no panacea. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
18 Mar 2016
Windows PE Tools for Windows 10
Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) lets admins can build their own Windows PE tools, or work with numerous third-party options. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Mar 2016
GPT Disk Layout Matters for NVMe
When it comes to optimizing boot speed for an NVMe SSD, GPT disk layout for Windows 10 is essential. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Mar 2016
Emergency Restart Windows 10
Careful use of keyboard sequences and the on-screen power button lead to a little-known Emergency Restart screen in Windows 10 (and 8 versions). Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2016
Four ways to put Sysinternals Process Explorer to work
IT admins can use Process Explorer in Sysinternals to find suspicious software, inspect process and object privileges, and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jan 2016
Demystify the Windows 10 update process
It would be simple if there was one update ring to rule them all in Windows 10. Instead there are two rings and four update branches to sort through. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Dec 2015
What are Microsoft Windows 10 update rings?
Microsoft's Insider Program lets members choose from two different update rings -- a fast and a slow speed -- to get OS updates on their Windows 10 machines. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Nov 2015
How do I create a standard Windows 10 Start menu for all users?
Users can customize the Windows 10 Start menu, but you might not want them to for business reasons. Luckily, there's a way you can make it so all workers use the same Start menu configuration. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Nov 2015
Why is there a Windows 10 Control Panel and a Settings window?
Windows 10's multiple settings menus are a vestige of Windows 8, but users can access almost all the settings configurations they may need from the Settings windows. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Sep 2015
Can I change the info in the Windows 10 Action Center?
Users can change what types of notifications they receive in the Windows 10 Action Center by accessing their system settings Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2015
Windows 8 GPO settings to configure search, indexing options
Windows 8 and 8.1 GPOs can help with many tasks, including creating Start screen layouts that adhere to corporate policies, as well as configuring search and indexing settings. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Sep 2015
Can I customize the Windows 10 Start menu?
In Windows 10 there are four options you can use to turn off different features of the Start menu and customize it to your liking. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Sep 2015
What is the best way to transition from Windows XP to Windows 10?
If you're still on Windows XP, there's really only one Microsoft-supported way you can move from XP to Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Jul 2015
What is Cortana and how does it benefit my users?
Microsoft integrated Cortana in its Windows 10 operating system. It's capable of carrying out complex search requests and it can help enterprise users navigate their desktops. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Jul 2015
What is the multiple desktop feature in Windows 10?
The Windows 10 multiple desktop features gives workers the feel of using multiple monitors on the same screen, which can increase productivity for users that keep many windows open at once. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Jul 2015
Is Windows 10 really the last version of Windows?
Microsoft has said that Windows 10 is the last version of Windows, and that's sort of true. Rather than releasing Windows 11 in years to come, the company will deploy perpetual updates to Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Jul 2015
Driver Difficulties Return in Win10 Build 20140
For the last three builds of Windows 10 (10159, 10162, and 10166) the OS was remarkably well-behaved in installing drivers for my newest PC (a less-than-one-year-old Dell Venue 11 Pro 7139 with an ... Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2015
How do I build Apportals in Windows 8.1?
Windows Apportals let you put the applications certain user groups need right in front of them, but you need some development knowledge and a Windows Developer License if you want to build them yourself. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2015
How much memory do my Windows 8 desktops really need?
It can be tough to know how much memory Windows 8 and 8.1 desktops need before they're actually in use, but the Windows Task Manager can help you see memory usage. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Apr 2015
What are my options for configuring Windows 8 startup?
The System Configuration tool features four tabs of options you can use to configure Windows 8 startup. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Feb 2015
What are some alternatives to Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is useful for Windows 8 security, but it can't keep up with malicious software alone. Several third-party products can help. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Feb 2015
How does Windows 8.1 support affect Active Directory?
Windows 8.1 support for endpoint security includes Open MDM and biometrics, but removing Remote Server Administration Tools can affect Active Directory. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Feb 2015
Win10 Gets Smart About Paging Files
In working on a Windows 10 story for SearchEnterpriseDesktop this week, I came to an interesting realization. In Windows 10, MS has finally broken with tradition when it comes to sizing the paging ... Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Feb 2015
Untangling the Gordian knot of the Windows boot process
An infinite reboot loop is a common issue with the Windows boot process. Start up in Windows Safe Mode to diagnose device driver or hardware problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2015
Tighten Windows 8.1 security in five simple steps
Microsoft has improved Windows 8.1 security, but no OS is free of vulnerabilities. Some basic settings can further protect Windows 8.x systems. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jan 2015
What's the best way to reformat a hard drive remotely?
Whether you need to remotely reformat a hard drive for security or prepare new network-attached machines, a few utilities can make the job easier. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jan 2015
Microsoft Windows history: A 30-year timeline
Microsoft celebrates 30 years of the Windows operating system when it ships Windows 10 this fall. Here's a look at Windows history -- bumps and all. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jan 2015
What are the concerns around the Windows 7 end of life?
As the Windows 7 end of life arrives, IT admins must find extended support for the OS. Microsoft provides some help, but it won't always be free. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Jan 2015
How do I remove admin restrictions from Windows 7 laptops?
To relax the usual restrictions on Windows 7 laptops, use the Windows administrator account, but remember to record your password. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Dec 2014
Registry tweaks can speed up Windows 8 performance
Our latest article on using the Windows registry to improve Windows 8 performance looks at disk access and shutting down Windows Store apps Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2014
Four utilities can verify Group Policy object settings
Client-side extensions could cause a Group Policy object to fail. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to track down Windows GPO settings. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2014
How to enable Windows 8.1 kiosk mode for Modern apps
It's possible to control user application access on startup with Assigned Access, but note that Windows 8.1 kiosk mode works only for Modern apps. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Sep 2014
Windows kiosk mode locks down PCs, but note workarounds
Switching from the Windows Explorer shell to a particular app can be useful for single-purpose devices, but users can still foil Windows kiosk mode. Continue Reading