Tips

Tips

• See what's new in Desired State Configuration v3

  Avoid unexpected surprises, and learn how to bring consistency to your on-premises infrastructure and cloud resources with the overhauled configuration management tool.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Teams monitoring tips for admins

  Learn how to use PowerShell to set up an automated way to check for suspicious activity in the Microsoft chat service to avoid security and compliance issues.  Continue Reading

• Guide to the advantages of using the Windows Terminal app

  Admins who manage a wide range of resources will want to try this Microsoft app that integrates with Windows machines, cloud services and Linux systems from a single interface.  Continue Reading

• How to evaluate AI for Windows Server environments

  Organizations tasked with assessing AI workloads on Windows Server must weigh all the variables to determine the best approach to adopt this budding technology.  Continue Reading

• What's new in System Center 2025?

  The key management tool for enterprises with a heavy investment in on-premises infrastructure is set for its next major release to coincide with the arrival of Windows Server 2025.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Purview Audit helps IT flush out bad behavior

  The auditing tool gives enterprises a way to find problems by examining logs from Microsoft 365 cloud services, such as Exchange Online, to see what actions were taken and where.  Continue Reading

• Stop phishing with help from updated DMARC policy handling

  Exchange admins got a boost from Microsoft when it improved how it handles DMARC authentication failures to help organizations fight back from email-based attacks on their users.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2025 Hyper-V updates promise speed boost

  Will the new and improved features in the upcoming Hyper-V release come at the perfect time for Microsoft to capitalize on a series of unpopular changes from VMware?  Continue Reading

• Use diskpart to create, delete and modify disk partitions

  Diskpart is one of the oldest disk management tools in Windows, but it remains useful for its advanced capabilities in automation and granular control compared to other utilities.  Continue Reading

• Learn to use Windows registry editor command-line options

  This tutorial explains how to use the regedit tool on the command line and make changes to the Windows registry for advanced administrative jobs.  Continue Reading

• How to avoid Microsoft 365 management pitfalls

  A migration to the cloud collaboration platform requires a command of the multiple admin portals available to admins to help the organization make the most of its subscription.  Continue Reading

• New Active Directory features coming in Windows Server 2025

  The upcoming Windows Server release will bring significant enhancements to Active Directory, including a new functional level and security and performance improvements.  Continue Reading

• What are the pros and cons of Microsoft Universal Print?

  The modernization of many organizations revolves around the cloud and newer user devices, and a Microsoft offering could help bridge the gap with legacy printing infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• See what's coming in Windows Server 2025

  Microsoft plans several changes to the upcoming version of Windows Server that promise more financial flexibility and boosts in security and workload performance.  Continue Reading

• How to secure on-prem apps with Entra Application Proxy

  There's nothing wrong with using a VPN to securely connect to on-premises web apps, but Microsoft Entra Application Proxy is an alternative with a more streamlined approach.  Continue Reading

• How admins can benefit from switching to PowerShell 7.4

  This PowerShell release includes PSReadLine enhancements, better integration with Windows Defender Application Control and new features to ease native command use for all platforms.  Continue Reading

• How to use Microsoft 365 DSC to avoid configuration drift

  This configuration-as-code technology gives admins a way to automate tasks on the Microsoft 365 tenant to keep settings locked in and avoid errors from manual input.  Continue Reading

• How to use a Microsoft Entra ID emergency access account

  A break-glass account in Microsoft's identity and access management platform helps avoid disruptions in a crisis. Follow these best practices to keep these credentials safe.  Continue Reading

• How to manage a migration to Microsoft Entra ID

  Thinking of leaving Active Directory behind? A successful move to Microsoft's cloud-based identity and access management platform hinges on how well you've prepared in advance.  Continue Reading

• What are the Microsoft Entra ID benefits for on-prem admins?

  Active Directory's presence looms large for organizations that rely on Microsoft's venerable directory service for a multitude of tasks tied to identity and access.  Continue Reading

• CLI for Microsoft 365: A guide for administrators

  The options to manage the Microsoft 365 platform are seemingly endless, but the CLI for Microsoft 365 offers distinct advantages for admins in the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Stop errors with these PowerShell ValidatePattern examples

  Using regular expressions to validate input information and generate a tailored error message on a new user script can prevent unnecessary support tickets.  Continue Reading

• What should admins know about Microsoft Entra features?

  Microsoft Entra combines new and existing cloud-based products and packages them under a new name. Learn how this change affects identity access management in your organization.  Continue Reading

• How to work with the new Windows LAPS feature

  Microsoft updated this automated method to manage and back up passwords for local administrator accounts on Windows desktop and server systems. See what's new with Windows LAPS.  Continue Reading

• What's new in Microsoft Graph PowerShell v2?

  The company overhauled the new version of its software development kit and updated PowerShell modules that replace legacy methods for managing Microsoft's cloud-based services.  Continue Reading

• How to configure shadow copies on file servers

  When you enable the shadow copies service on your shared folders, you give your end users the flexibility to restore deleted files or revert a file to an earlier version.  Continue Reading

• How to use Reliability Monitor to manage servers

  The utility gives administrators a way to look back over time to see what driver updates, software installations or hardware crashes might be related to the sudden instability.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Online post-migration steps for admins

  A move to the hosted email platform is an opportunity to streamline how users work with other Microsoft 365 services. But it requires IT to stay current with the product roadmap.  Continue Reading

• What's new with Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows Server 2022

  Not every organization can move to the cloud but using Microsoft Office apps on premises might not be an option beyond 2026. Are the days of the RDS role numbered?  Continue Reading

• How to use GitHub Copilot for PowerShell coding projects

  The integration of this code completion tool with VS Code can benefit administrators who want to automate jobs. But there are some limitations with this fledgling technology.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Follow these steps to decommission Exchange Server

  An Exchange Server migration includes a lot of moving parts but it's important to cover the training aspect to make sure your users aren't left behind.  Continue Reading

• Get a grip on your infrastructure with a custom MMC

  Microsoft provides great administration tools, such as PowerShell and Server Manager. But don't neglect the venerable Microsoft Management Console for its flexibility.  Continue Reading

• Tips to avoid a bumpy Exchange 2010 migration to Office 365

  Now that Exchange Server 2010 and Exchange 2013 are legacy products, administrators should make the push to migrate to avoid becoming the next ransomware target.  Continue Reading

• Deploy WebJEA to empower your users with PowerShell

  Give your automation scripts a GUI that makes it easier for end users to get the information they need with a more streamlined approach.  Continue Reading

• Improve IT efficiency with a PowerShell self-service portal

  You can jump over the technical barriers that impede automation efforts in your organization by exploring how to deploy a web-based portal that hosts your scripts.  Continue Reading

• How to prepare for the next version of Exchange Server

  The Exchange Server roadmap charts several twists and turns that shows Microsoft deviating from its typical course with the server-based email platform.  Continue Reading

• How to copy files from source to destination in PowerShell

  Take a closer look at Copy-Item cmdlet coding examples to build advanced PowerShell scripts that copy files with safety measures to ensure the duplicates reach their destinations.  Continue Reading

• Top PowerShell commands you must know, with cheat sheet

  Explore this list of the most-used PowerShell cmdlets and what each one is used for. Then download the handy cheat sheet to keep the information at your fingertips.  Continue Reading

• How to upload and download files with PowerShell FTP script

  By using the .NET WebClient class and PowerShell, Windows admins can upload and download files to FTP. Review the general process and corresponding examples to get started.  Continue Reading

• How to test PowerShell code with Pester

  PowerShell's Pester troubleshooting tool lets users write and run tests. Learn how to install the tool and examine a step-by-step Pester test example.  Continue Reading

• Why you should plan to migrate to Exchange 2019 soon

  An upgrade to the latest Exchange version will bring added functionality for end users and security enhancements. But it will also help ease the transition to Exchange vNext.  Continue Reading

• How to test the PowerShell pending reboot module

  Learn how to check if your machines have pending reboots with a simple PowerShell module to ensure changes to files do not cause stability issues.  Continue Reading

• Understanding Windows PowerShell function parameters

  Parameters in Windows PowerShell can help admins better customize their functions, leading to improved input testing and more extensible commands.  Continue Reading

• 25 basic PowerShell commands for Windows administrators

  Getting started with PowerShell or just need a quick refresher? This tip lists the most common PowerShell commands, with details on when to use them.  Continue Reading

• How to filter Security log events for signs of trouble

  Certain accounts, such as company executives, will draw unwanted attention from hackers. Learn how to catch these targeted attacks by checking Windows event logs.  Continue Reading

• Speed up onboarding with Active Directory user templates

  Active Directory account templates are not difficult to make. But it helps to know how to use certain shortcuts, like variables, to create home directories and roaming profiles.  Continue Reading

• What's new with the EXO v3 module for Exchange admins?

  Microsoft made several significant improvements in the Exchange Online PowerShell v3 module for added reliability and performance when managing the hosted email platform.  Continue Reading

• EDR tools for Windows Server compared

  Windows Server 2022 comes with native security technologies to protect the enterprise. But endpoint detection and response tools can be worth the price of admission.  Continue Reading

• How to use Microsoft Sentinel with Office 365 to find risks

  The security product attempts to ferret out threats that originate from apps and services then assists the enterprise with an automatic response to head off trouble.  Continue Reading

• How to fix Active Directory account lockouts with PowerShell

  With more apps and credentials to juggle, users can get blocked from their accounts after too many login attempts. Learn to use PowerShell to find and fix these issues.  Continue Reading

• Compare these PowerShell front-end GUI tools

  These offerings provide portals to avoid security issues and other stumbling blocks that hamper organizations from providing more wide-ranging use of PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Follow these steps to remove the last Exchange Server

  Organizations that were unable to uninstall their last Exchange Server from the on-premises environment can now do so if they fulfill the requirements.  Continue Reading

• Kusto Query Language primer for IT administrators

  Administrators who use Microsoft cloud services, such as Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft 365, can learn how to pull information from those products with KQL queries.  Continue Reading

• How to build a Windows Server 2022 home lab and why

  It's possible to get to learn about the features in the latest Microsoft server OS in a cloud environment, but there are a few reasons to stay grounded with this approach.  Continue Reading

• How to perform an AD group membership backup and restore

  You can fix some problems with Active Directory with a few clicks, but things get difficult when they involve many layers of group membership. Here's a few ways to avoid trouble.  Continue Reading

• How to avoid common GPO backup and restore problems

  Group Policy Objects help admins maintain control of the enterprise environment, but it takes some planning to understand how to properly protect and recover GPOs to avoid trouble.  Continue Reading

• How to decide on what Office 365 add-on licenses to use

  Missing certain functionality and want to supplement your subscription to Office 365 or Microsoft 365? Find out what extras make sense for your organization.  Continue Reading

• Consider Azure AD group-based licensing for Office 365 users

  Administrators who manage many users can go one step further toward streamlining license assignments by taking advantage of a new feature from Microsoft.  Continue Reading

• Learn to work with Microsoft's New Commerce Experience

  With some extra effort in the planning stages, it's possible to control costs in Office 365 and Microsoft 365 with the new seat-based licensing model.  Continue Reading

• Explore print server alternatives to avoid IT headaches

  Increased difficulties related to printing have many organizations exploring their options. See what these third-party print management alternatives have to offer.  Continue Reading

• Do you meet all the modern authentication requirements?

  Microsoft's push to a more secure method for user authentication and authorization could catch some enterprises flat-footed if IT hasn't done its homework.  Continue Reading

• How to set up automated log collection with PowerShell

  Gathering logs from on-premises Windows Server systems or Office 365 cloud services is a necessary but tedious job. Try a PowerShell script to ease the pain.  Continue Reading

• Learn to work with the Office 365 unified audit log

  Administrators who need to check on suspicious activities in the Office 365 platform can perform a unified audit log search to help with their investigation.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft modern authentication deadline looms over Exchange

  Support for basic authentication will end this year, giving administrators who haven't switched to a newer authentication method little time to prepare for a smooth transition.  Continue Reading

• Guide to Windows Server Hybrid Administrator certification

  The new accreditation takes a more focused approach with exams that require knowledge of deploying traditional infrastructure components and their Microsoft Azure equivalent.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2022 security hardening guide for admins

  Emerging threats continue to target the Windows ecosystem, but there are multiple methods to make it tougher to be the victim of a malicious hack attempt.  Continue Reading

• Use these PowerShell add-ons to supercharge your experience

  These PowerShell new features and modules introduce several customization and functionality features to the popular automation tool to ease coding tasks for administrators.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft cloud certifications Windows admins should pursue

  The surge in remote work means admins with skills with Microsoft's cloud technologies are in demand. You can prove your proficiency by acquiring these Microsoft certifications.  Continue Reading

• Deploy an information barrier policy for Microsoft Teams

  Mistakes happen, but can be costly when they involve compliance. Office 365 information barriers can prevent inadvertent sharing to protect the organization's sensitive data.  Continue Reading

• How to work with an SCCM technical preview lab

  System Center Configuration Manager technical previews give Microsoft customers a way to test and provide feedback to the company for its device management product.  Continue Reading

• Paid and free Office 365 administration tools to consider

  Newcomers to Microsoft's cloud services can use the admin portal for most tasks, but you should investigate these options to reduce the work involved with tenant management.  Continue Reading

• Network security gets a boost in Windows Server 2022

  Secured-core server is a major new security feature in Windows Server 2022, but Microsoft also introduced multiple ways to keep network connections protected in its new server OS.  Continue Reading

• Compare the features in the Windows Server 2022 editions

  Microsoft unveiled a Datacenter Azure edition to go with the traditional Standard and Datacenter editions. See what else is new with this server OS release in this breakdown.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2022 storage features address security, speed

  Microsoft's release of Windows Server 2022 brings several notable updates to its storage and file services functionality to give new life to on-premises server systems.  Continue Reading

• How to use Windows Server 2022 secured-core server features

  Microsoft's latest server operating system attempts to prevent attacks in the data center by locking down access to traditionally vulnerable areas, such as the system firmware.  Continue Reading

• Why you should plan to upgrade to Azure AD Connect v2 soon

  Administrators who rely on an Azure AD Connect v1 version for hybrid identity with Office 365 should prepare for the impending retirement of several technologies in the utility.  Continue Reading

• Start managing with these Microsoft Graph API features

  Microsoft Graph offers several administrative advantages when handling jobs on Microsoft 365 and Azure AD, but be aware of some potential trouble spots when employing this technology.  Continue Reading

• Why you should consider an upgrade from PowerShell 5.1 to 7

  A switch to PowerShell 7 will bring performance benefits along with expanded functionality to help administrators keep pace with changing needs in the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• These Posh-SSH examples pave the way to Linux management

  Need to work with remote Linux systems? A PowerShell module with file-handling functionality can help Windows shops looking for a reliable management platform.  Continue Reading

• Control restricted content with Office 365 sensitivity labels

  Learn to work within the compliance portal or use PowerShell to create and publish the labels your organization needs to maintain control over restricted content.  Continue Reading

• These Office 365 migration tools cover more than just email

  Vendors have adapted their migration products to handle more than just email as an increasing number of enterprises see the value in shifting more data away from the data center.  Continue Reading

• Get to know the new Exchange admin center features

  After a lengthy development process, Microsoft unveiled its new admin portal for Exchange Online for a more consistent look with other management areas in Office 365.  Continue Reading

• Fine-tune Exchange Online security for your organization

  After a move to Microsoft's hosted email service, Exchange admins must learn how to tailor the integrated and supplemental security features to cover several threat scenarios.  Continue Reading

• Boost security with Office 365 privileged access management

  Understand how to thwart cyber attacks on privileged user accounts on Microsoft's collaboration platform to avoid becoming that next security breach statistic.  Continue Reading

• Reduce your risk with Exchange Server security best practices

  The unique nature of your on-premises Exchange Server makes it an attractive target for threat actors. Take these recommended steps to avoid being the next breach victim.  Continue Reading

• What admins need to know about CMG client authentication

  A System Center cloud management gateway keeps your organization's devices in compliance and running as they should, but which authentication option would work best for you?  Continue Reading

• Get a grasp on using group managed service accounts

  When you create a group managed service account, it relieves some administrative duties and bolsters the security related to passwords for services in a Windows environment.  Continue Reading

• Explore the benefits behind SCCM tenant attach

  When you plug your System Center Configuration Manager into the Microsoft cloud with this feature, you add more flexibility to your device management capabilities.  Continue Reading

• SCCM driver management strategies for the modern world

  Now that more users work remotely, administrators should evolve with the times and understand the range of options to deploy device drivers more efficiently.  Continue Reading

• SCCM peer caching matters more now than ever

  The three peer-to-peer technologies in System Center Configuration Manager smooth out traffic over the network, but one might be a better fit for your organization than the others.  Continue Reading

• SCCM vs. Intune: A closer look at the capabilities of each

  Microsoft Endpoint Manager packages the two well-known administration tools, which have grown closer in functionality but still have some unique capabilities.  Continue Reading

• How to choose between Azure Files vs. an on-prem file server

  Many organizations still need a file server, but some of the advantages of Microsoft's cloud storage option might persuade companies to make the switch.  Continue Reading

• Azure MFA NPS extension boosts authentication capabilities

  With help from the Network Policy Server extension, organizations can expand their on-premises authentication features by tapping into Microsoft's cloud.  Continue Reading

• Azure File Sync service puts pep in hybrid storage setups

  Microsoft's Azure Files offering alleviates traditional support efforts and hardware costs. Using this additional service can improve performance and keep end users happy.  Continue Reading

• Stay in control with Azure AD Privileged Identity Management

  Rampant use of elevated privileges can prove hazardous to enterprises. Rein in access and manage resource access with help from this Azure Active Directory feature.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Cloud App Security aims to expand your defenses

  Data center security tools have little control over the plethora of SaaS apps used in the enterprise. A Microsoft offering attempts to bridge that gap to ward off threats.  Continue Reading

• Optimize Windows Server 2019 with file server best practices

  A file server deployment must satisfy the needs of both the end user and the IT staff. Tune up Windows Server for a secure and performant repository for your critical data.  Continue Reading

• Azure Information Protection P1 vs. P2: What's the difference?

  Azure Information Protection adds security to files such as sensitive emails and files copied to flash drives. See which features Microsoft offers in its two licensing levels.  Continue Reading

• WUfB vs. WSUS: Which handles Windows updates better?

  Trying to get a handle on Windows updates can frustrate even the most seasoned administrators. Which of these two patch management tools fit best in your environment?  Continue Reading