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
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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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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Blog Post
16 Apr 2018
Fixing Recovery Drive Creation Problems
Fixing recovery drive creation problems in Win10 turns out to involve running the utility twice: once with system files out, again with system files in. 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
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
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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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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