Manage

Manage

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• 4 negotiation tactics for success in a Microsoft software agreement

  A Microsoft software agreement requires skill and knowledge. Use these four Microsoft negotiation tactics to get the best discounts for a productivity suite. Continue Reading

• COVID-19 sparks software licensing issues with remote users

  Organizations face a range of issues with the spread of COVID-19, including how to support a newly remote workforce. Learn how to address these enterprise licensing concerns. Continue Reading

• Windows 10 system requirements for 2020

  IT pros must understand that their desktops' upgrade method, workload and other factors affect whether the Windows 10 system requirements are sufficient. Continue Reading

• How to ensure that UEM supports rugged device management

  Rugged devices have different needs and requirements than the average device. Organizations should ensure that their UEM platforms support their rugged device management needs. Continue Reading

• 5 up-and-coming Mac management software vendors to know

  Vendors that are dedicated to Mac management software tout their specialization as an advantage over unified endpoint management vendors and other desktop management tools. Continue Reading

• Navigate the micro app builder for Citrix Workspace

  With the Citrix micro app builder, IT can create a connection between business apps as well as custom and legacy systems and the Citrix Workspace to provide consistent UI.Continue Reading

• How to perform a Windows Subsystem for Linux install

  Want to run Linux on a Windows desktop? Take these steps to perform a Windows Subsystem for Linux install, which includes downloading a distribution and providing authentication.Continue Reading

• What IT needs to know about Chrome extension security issues

  Google Chrome extensions can improve user experience, but they could access a lot of user data. Admins should take control over users' extensions for security and privacy reasons.Continue Reading

• Task Manager Startup Tab Shows BIOS Time

  A single line of test in Task Manager Startup Tab shows BIOS Time, which is how long it takes your motherboard to initialize its hardware and firmware, before Windows starts booting.Continue Reading

• Navigating the Registry Editor for Windows 10 desktop admins

  The Windows 10 registry stores some critical desktop settings that IT pros should know how to edit, alter or even delete to provide end users the optimal desktop experience.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 1909 Works Well

  When I say Windows 10 1909 2orks well, I mean that from a Reliability Monitor standpoint 1909 shows little or nothing to complain/worry about. Good!Continue Reading

• Managing Windows Defender Device Guard in Windows desktops

  IT pros must understand how Windows Defender Device Guard uses a locked-down approach to desktop security and how this method could cause compatibility issues and headaches for IT.Continue Reading

• Browser Updates Require Human Intervention

  Right after I learn a new Edge version is out, I realize that browser updates require human intervention. Only users (or admins) can shoulder the awesome responsibility of restarting a browser.Continue Reading

• patch management

  Patch management is an area of systems management that involves acquiring, testing and installing multiple patches, or code changes, to an administered computer system.Continue Reading

• Getting MS Mouse&Keyboard Center Version Info

  Getting MS Mouse&Keyboard Center version info proves a bit more challenging and tricksy than I'd wish. Norton File Insight to the rescue.Continue Reading

• Self-Inflicted Spurious $SysReset Folder

  I call it a self-Inflicted spurious $SysReset folder because if you start and cancel the Windows Reset operation in Windows 10, you'll find that folder on your system drive. It's safe to delete, so ...Continue Reading

• 3 Windows migration questions IT must answer

  Microsoft has stopped mainstream support for Windows 7, so organizations must have a plan to migrate to Windows 10 or extend Windows 7 support. Find out how to shape a Windows migration plan here.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Changes WU Driver Inclusion Rules

  In the way of well-reported issues with updated device drivers for Intel graphics and networking, Realtek audio and Bluetooth, and more in 2019, MS changes its rule for bundling unapproved drivers ...Continue Reading

• Notepad RTL Reading Order Gotcha Has Easy Fix

  When text entry starts running in the opposite direction from usual, I learn that Notepad RTL reading order gotcha has easy fix. A simple right-click menu option inside the application does the trick!Continue Reading

• NirSoft DriveLetterView Shows Assigned Win10 Drive Letters

  NirSoft DriveLetterView shows assigned Win10 drive letters, both for active, mounted drives and removable drives previously installed but not currently present. Very handy!Continue Reading

• 2004 Gets New Network Status

  Windows 10 2004 gets new Network Status look and info, and shows how Settings continues to supplant the Control Panel widgets.Continue Reading

• Missing Secunia PSI

  As I try one more time to find a reasonable replacement, once again I find myself missing Secunia PSI, the capable and comprehensive PC software scan-and-update utility that's been defunct since 2016.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 2004 Gets View Optional Updates

  With the latest 20H1/2004 release (Build 15636), Windows 10 2004 Gets View Optional Updates. Now users can see, select, and manage pending optional updates explicitly and directly.Continue Reading

• 6 tweaks to increase Windows 10 performance

  With a few minor tweaks, such as maximizing RAM, disabling visual effects and getting rid of unnecessary services, you can increase Windows 10 performance.Continue Reading

• Manage Windows 10 default file type associations with SetUserFTA

  Windows 10 default file type associations dictate which applications open for different file types. Find out how IT can manage these associations with the SetUserFTA tool.Continue Reading

• UUPDump.ml Invaluable Resource

  I call UUPdump.ml invaluable resource because it grabs MS internal download components and uses them to create ISOs for most (if not all) known versions of Windows 10.Continue Reading

• 3 ways to prepare for the Windows 7 deadline

  Organizations holding onto Windows 7 for dear life should reconsider because Microsoft stops supporting the OS in January. Here's how to make the transition to Windows 10 smoother.Continue Reading

• Is WU Slowing Down?

  When I realize how slowly Windows Update responds on some older PCs, I ask: Is WU slowing down? Subsequent research shows the answer is "no." I'm glad!Continue Reading

• MFA Offers Real Security Protection: Use It!

  A recent study for 2019 (Jan-Mar) finds 44 M re-used credential sets among Microsoft and Azure AD account holders. Because MFA offers real security protection, MS recommends its use whenever ...Continue Reading

• Customizing New Win10 Laptop

  After plunking down some hard-earned cash on Black Friday, I find myself customizing new Win10 laptop -- a Lenovo X390 Yoga -- for "the Boss" to replace her 2011/2012 mini-ITX desktop.Continue Reading

• Is macOS Catalina stable enough for enterprise use?

  Apple released macOS Catalina in October 2019, but it has some issues. Here are some factors to consider before deciding to implement the OS in an organization.Continue Reading

• Transferrus Interruptus Resumes in Win10

  When I accidentally trip over (and disconnect) a USB drive during a ginormous file copy session, I learn that Transferrus Interruptus Resumes in Win10 (things picked up where they were interrupted, ...Continue Reading

• 1909 Gets Generic Keys

  1909 gets generic keys for all versions: these are helpful during installation because they allow it to proceed to completion without requiring activation (or a valid Windows 10 key).Continue Reading

• Microsoft Teams Jumps to 20M Active Users

  When MS Teams jumps to 20M active users monthly, that confirms my own personal experience: Teams is easy to learn, fun to use, and truly boosts productivity.Continue Reading

• Post Upgrade Windows 10 Update Assistant Cleanup

  For those who use this tool, a post upgrade Windows 10 Update Assistant cleanup is a good idea. You'll free up 20+ MB of disk space, lose an unneeded root level folder, and be ready for next time.Continue Reading

• Compare Windows 10 OS editions to determine the best fit

  Organizations deploying Windows 10 must choose between multiple Windows 10 OS editions. Delve into the different features that each edition offers to find the best fit.Continue Reading

• Nirsoft Releases Windows Update History Viewer

  Given that Nirsoft releases Windows Update History Viewer (free software), Windows 10 power users and admins alike will want to take this informative tool for a spin.Continue Reading

• Debugging Win10 Explorer Crashes

  While debugging Win10 Explorer crashes on my production PC, I learn it's a mistake to double-click PowerToys. I should be right-clicking inside File Explorer instead. Sigh.Continue Reading

• Build 19018 Kills Disk Cleanup Downloads Item

  Insider Preview Build 19018 kills Disk Cleanup Downloads item, but there are still many ways to scratch that particular itch, if you want to. Me, I periodically sweep older downloads into my ...Continue Reading

• RAW Win10 Disk Report Thankfully Transitory

  When a RAW Win10 Disk reports itself in Explorer and dskchk, I immediately reboot my system. Fortunately, that cures the problem. Otherwise, more serious repairs -- discussed herein -- become ...Continue Reading

• Recycle Bin Explorer Use

  With a little bit of special knowledge and understanding, Recycle Bin Explorer use is dead simple and pretty informative. Check it out!Continue Reading

• Autopilot Gets Oct 22 False Alarm Update

  MS Autopilot gets Oct 22 false alarm Update as it shows up on some Windows 10 Home and Enterprise PCs where Autopilot is not in play. The update fails with no negative side effects, thank goodness.Continue Reading

• Weird DedicatedDumpFile Side Effect

  I discover a weird DedicatedDumpFile side effect, when I enable an alternate drive/location for a complete Windows memory dump. Happens even when I only want 256 MB mini-dumps. Weird!Continue Reading

• How to create an Windows 10 unattended installation

  A Windows 10 unattended installation can help IT immensely. One of the key steps along the way is creating an answer file, which includes understanding the Windows Setup workflow.Continue Reading

• RDP Cannot Do Everything

  While it's handy for working on remote PCs, RDP cannot do everything -- particularly where devices, drivers, peripherals and some applications are concerned.Continue Reading

• RDP Plus Sandbox Sometimes Equals Screen Confusion

  RDP plus Sandbox sometimes equals screen confusion, until I realize I can just barely access the restore control at the right of the overlaying RDP control bar. Sigh.Continue Reading

• MS Explains Machine Learning Role in Windows 10 Update Experience

  In a recent Microsoft blog post, MS explains Machine Learning role in Windows 10 Update experience, particularly how safeguards (update holds) are identified and eventually, cleared.Continue Reading

• AI sharpens unified endpoint management tools and apps

  Endpoint management is never simple, but AI can help. In this handbook, learn how AI in UEM tools can significantly improve device security and management.Continue Reading

• AI drives unified endpoint management benefits beyond limits

  With a big boost from artificial intelligence, UEM tools sharpen applications in security, identity management, app monitoring, dynamic profiles, onboarding and self-help.Continue Reading

• Smarter Web-based Intel Driver Update Tool

  The new, smarter web-based Intel Driver Update Tool (Intel Driver & Support Assistant) recognizes OEM-supplied drivers, and won't update them with newer generic versions. That's good!Continue Reading

• 20H1 Gains Cloud Reset Capability

  Recent Insider Previews have it, and so will the next Feature Upgrade: 20H1 gains cloud reset capability as part of Windows 10's reworked "Reset this PC" facility.Continue Reading

• Mystery Device Equals Moto Z Android Phone

  In figuring out that a mystery device equals Moto Z Android phone, I learn that powering the device on lets it show properly in Windows 10. Otherwise, the mystery endures.Continue Reading

• Latest Insider Preview Gets View Optional Updates Feature

  In Build 18980, Win10 Insider Preview Gets View Optional Updates Feature. So far, it presents a bunch of drivers. More capability is no doubt coming.Continue Reading

• 4 New 1903 Known Issues 9/13/2019

  With 4 New 1903 Known Issues 9/13/2019 MS continues to do a bang-up job of keeping up with reports and issues "in the wild." Thanks very much!Continue Reading

• Pondering System Refresh Planning System Retirements

  An aging (and mostly old) collection of Win10 PCs has me pondering System Refresh planning System Retirements. Now I have to figure out how to pay for all this!Continue Reading

• When Disk Cleanup Fails Use Search

  When Disk Cleanup fails use search online to determine which files and folders are safe to delete. Here's a list I've started compiling.Continue Reading

• Technology Advances Require Basic IP Address Understanding

  In replacing my old failing Wi-Fi Access Point with a new device, I'm reminded that technology advances require basic IP address understanding.Continue Reading

• 1903 KB4512941 Garnering Numerous Issues

  When I say 1903 KB4512941 Garnering Numerous Issues, I'm talking about three or more actual gotchas, one of which stymies successful installation. Be wary!Continue Reading

• Explore new approaches to macOS management

  The macOS management landscape is changing, due to improvements from Apple. Find out why incorporating Mac devices is becoming easier, and which management approach to take.Continue Reading

• Hello Face Yes Hello Face No

  Comparing a new Lenovo X1 Extreme to the X380 Yoga, I notice Hello Face Yes Hello Face No. The X1 has a Hello Face compatible camera, and the X380 does not.Continue Reading

• MS Store Now Includes Notepad

  The MS Store now includes Notepad in app form. The old .exe version may not be with us too much longer, so download and play with this one. It's 99.99% identical.Continue Reading

• Defender PowerShell Hash Mismatches Fix Coming

  Recently, SFC /scannow has been mis-reporting Defender PowerShell scripts as potentially corrupt. MS faults a new OOB signing mechanism, and says Defender PowerShell Hash mismatches fix coming soon.Continue Reading

• Too Many Different Win10 Temperatures

  As I start looking for the best temperature monitoring tool for Windows 10 PCs, I find myself beset with too many different Win10 temperatures. I choose HWiNFO as my touchstone.Continue Reading

• Clean-up Cools Down T520 Laptop

  When my wife observes that a PC is running hot, a good, serious clean-up cools down T520 laptop by enabling built-in ventilation to do its job.Continue Reading

• 7 questions to ensure UEM supports a Windows 10 migration

  The right UEM platform will go a long way in streamlining a Windows 10 migration. Ask these questions to ensure your organization's product can support the process.Continue Reading

• What IT should know about Tamper Protection in Windows 10

  Tamper Protection in Windows 10 can protect against malware and third-party applications from changing Windows security settings. Learn how to use the new security feature.Continue Reading

• Old Trick Still Kills Persistent Windows.old

  As I poke around on my production PC, I remember that an old trick still kills persistent Windows.old at the command line. It kills other root-level folders, too.Continue Reading

• All roads and flight paths lead to unified endpoint management

  Mobile device management, enterprise mobility management and now unified endpoint management -- how can IT keep track? Delve into the details with this handbook.Continue Reading

• KB4505903 Fixes DPC Latency Issue

  When Microsoft release Version 1903 of Win10 some users reported audio issues. MS Engineer Pete Brown tweets that KB4505903 fixes DPC Latency Issue. May users confirm this fix.Continue Reading

• Identify Win10 Backup Version

  When looking into backup files, details information from ntoskrnl.exe can identify Win10 backup version. Here's where to find that file, and what to look for.Continue Reading

• 1809 MiniITX PC Gets 1903 Update Offer

  As an experiment, I left my wife's 2012 vintage PC at 1809 to see when it might get an upgrade offer. Today (July 24) her 1809 MiniITX PC gets 1903 update offer, and that upgrade succeeds!Continue Reading

• Recent Win10 Updates Bollix Defender Module Hashes

  Recent Win10 Updates bollix Defender module hashes. This makes SFC /SCANNOW report "corrupt files," but there's an easy fix (described in this post).Continue Reading

• Is Windows 10 19H2 Now Called Version Next?

  The label applied for the latest Slow Ring Insider Preview has me asking: Is Windows 10 19H2 Now Called Version Next? Only time will tell . . .Continue Reading

• Resuming Work Underscores Routine Windows Admin Workload

  After returning from 10 days of vacation, resuming work underscores routine Windows Admin workload is noticeable and time-consuming, if also knocked off with relative ease.Continue Reading

• How to take advantage of 3 features in Windows 1903 update

  Windows Autopilot, reserved storage and SetupDiag are three new features in Windows 10. Here's how IT admins can use them for improved desktop management.Continue Reading

• 5 Windows 10 shortcuts for desktop administrators

  Admins who manage Windows 10 desktops are often overwhelmed with tedium. Here are five keyboard shortcuts for Windows 10 that can make a desktop admin's job easier.Continue Reading

• What IT pros should know about Windows 10 reserved storage

  With the release of Windows 10 version 1903 comes a new feature called reserved storage. Here's what IT pros should know about navigating and managing this new component.Continue Reading

• Accommodating WU Download and Install Now (KB4501375)

  To my surprise, accommodating WU Download and Install Now for KB4501375 involves changes in my own update behaviors, and comes as a bit of a shock. Consider yourself warned.Continue Reading

• Station Drivers Provides Latest Realtek UAD Drivers ... and More

  When I read about a newly-minted audio driver, I quickly discover that Station Drivers provides latest Realtek UAD drivers, quickly and easily.Continue Reading

• IT takes the good with the bad in Windows 10 1903 update

  Windows 10 updates have never been easy, but Microsoft is finally listening to its customers' woes. Here's what IT pros like and dislike about Microsoft's latest Windows 10 update.Continue Reading

• Safeguard Hold Blocks 1903 Upgrade For Some PCs

  If you're running Version 1809 or older and Windows Update isn't offering the upgrade, it's nearly certain that a safeguard hold blocks 1903 Upgrade on the target PC. Here is more info.Continue Reading

• Older Win10 Versions Facing Forced Updates

  By fiat Microsoft has older Win10 versions facing forced updates to the 1903 version (aka Windows 10 May 2019 Update). Here's what up, with a possible coping strategy.Continue Reading

• Understanding Win10 WU Download and install now option

  In the past month, Windows 10 versions from 1803 forward have gotten a new update option. In fact, understanding Win10 WU Download and install now option should ease many admins' and users' update ...Continue Reading

• May 2019 Update General Availability Still Leaves PCs Out

  Despite a May 6 claim of more-or-less general availability, so-called May 2019 Update general availability still leaves PCs out of the automatic upgrade proffer that clicking "Check for updates" is ...Continue Reading

• Intel Driver Support Assistant Proves Helpful

  When Reliability Monitor reports an error for Intel-related storage stuff, the Intel Driver Support Assistant proves helpful and quickly gets me to a new (and working) storage driver.Continue Reading

• Get to know Linux desktop security best practices

  IT pros managing Linux desktops must take the time to keep their users' workstations secure while packaging them with the appropriate apps. Watch out for these security challenges.Continue Reading

• Production PC Gets 1903 Upgrade

  After waiting 10 days in vain for WU to offer, Production PC gets 1903 upgrade when I manually resort to the Update Assistant instead. Spoiler alert: the upgrade has a happy ending!Continue Reading

• PowerShell Clears Stale Printer Objects

  Because PowerShell clears stale Printer objects quickly and easily, checks and cleanups are worth integrating into routine system maintenance activities.Continue Reading

• Rescue Old Windows 10 Applications from Oblivion

  For those contemplating the possible disappearance of familiar and sometimes beloved built-ins, I explain how to Rescue old Windows 10 applications from oblivion.Continue Reading

• Perfect Win10 Relimon Score 10 Days Straight

  Current builds for Windows 10 1809 seem uncommonly stable. In fact, I see a perfect Win10 Relimon score 10 days straight through today, and for 21 of the past 30 days.Continue Reading

• PowerShell Handles Windows 10 Restore Points

  As I learn that PowerShell handles Windows 10 Restore Points nicely, I also observe that related cmdlets present their data in more friendly, readable form than does the VSSADMIN command. Good stuff!Continue Reading

• Install KB4494441 CU Twice

  Possibly because a new servicing stack update (SSU) is required to make it work, users must invariably install KB4494441 CU twice to get to Build 17768.503. Very interesting!Continue Reading

• Examining Windows 10 ETL files

  When examining Windows 10 ETL files, you'll see a lot of them sometimes. If they take up a lot of (or too much) disk space, it's OK to whack them. Here's how . . .Continue Reading

• Nvidia Driver Update Frequency Musings

  Checking up on the number released so far in 2019, I find myself musing that Nvidia driver update frequency is too high for those who don't need bleeding/leading-edge game tweaks.Continue Reading

• PowerShell Command Line Zip Handling

  Once you learn the syntax and parameters involved, PowerShell command ine Zip handling is simple and easy, both for bundling files into archives, and unpacking archives' contents.Continue Reading

• How to add MDT applications with Chocolatey package manager

  The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit allows administrators to install applications during deployment. Here's how IT can simplify the process with Chocolatey's command-line input.Continue Reading

• Web-based vs Offline DotNET 4.8 Installers

  The tradeoff in using web-based vs offline DotNET 4.8 installers is time. Web-based installers are quicker to download but take longer to work through installation. Vice-versa for offline installers.Continue Reading

• Comet Offers Interesting Disk Cleanup Alternative

  A free, open source program named Comet offers interesting Disk Cleanup alternative for Windows 10. If MS should now decide to retire the original (which they may do), looks like we've got a usable ...Continue Reading

• MFTRCRD64 Shows More NTFS Timestamps

  MFTRCRD64 Shows More NTFS TimestampsContinue Reading

• Upcoming Insider Preview Changes 2020 Release Access Methods

  For the next little while, upcoming Insider Preview changes 2020 release access methods: to check the Release Preview and prep for the next 19H2 Fast Ring, go "Slow;" to get the 20H1 bits, pick ...Continue Reading