Manage
Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
Manage
Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
Will Windows 10 be the last Windows OS?
It's difficult to say whether Windows 10 will be the final version of the Windows OS, but a look at Microsoft's history and approach to OSes may shed some light on the situation. Continue Reading
How to enable and disable 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
11 tips to improve 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
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How does Microsoft 365 extend Windows 7 support?
Microsoft is ending its official support for Windows 7. However, Microsoft 365 customers have the option to extend support via continued Windows security updates. Continue Reading
Windows 10 updates to avoid and how to address them
While Windows administrators can never ignore Microsoft's updates, it may make sense to delay or even avoid Windows updates until they are stable for enterprise users. Continue Reading
How and when to perform a Windows Registry cleanup
Desktop administrators should learn the best methods to edit the Windows registry, and how to avoid manual registry edits due to the damage that registry issues can cause.Continue Reading
How IT can use the Microsoft Assessment and Planning toolkit
Organizations can use the Microsoft Assessment and Planning toolkit to assess a variety of aspects of their desktop environment, including hardware, resource use and more.Continue Reading
What to do when a Windows Insider Program build isn't working
Organizations that test Windows Insider Program builds must be prepared for bugs in the platform, and systems admins need to know what to do when they encounter them.Continue Reading
A complete guide to troubleshooting Windows Hello
Windows Hello has several common issues that administrators may need to troubleshoot. Find out what those issues are here and what to do about them.Continue Reading
3 crucial Linux patch management best practices for IT
While patching desktops has some universal components across all systems, there are certain specific Linux patch management best practices that Linux admins need to be aware of.Continue Reading
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How to enable Hyper-V on Windows 10 for a lab environment
While there are several ways to test new updates on virtual machines, Hyper-V enables desktop administrators to add multiple VMs to a single desktop and run tests.Continue Reading
6 Group Policy best practices for Windows 10 admins
Group policies are a central component of Windows 10 configuration. Here are six best practices that can simplify Group Policy management for Windows 10.Continue Reading
How IT admins can use PowerShell to monitor CPU usage
IT administrators that are familiar with PowerShell can use certain scripts to monitor CPU performance on desktops to determine the root cause of desktop performance issues.Continue Reading
Top 5 enterprise Linux distributions to consider adopting
While Linux distributions all serve a similar purpose in the enterprise, organizations should still familiarize themselves with the different distributions to find the best fit.Continue Reading
What IT can do when Microsoft 365 is not working
IT professionals who manage Microsoft 365 should be aware of common issues that administrators face. They can solve many of these problems with the right policy or PowerShell scripts.Continue Reading
Ensure remote users meet data protection standards
During the pandemic, users may have adopted insecure applications as part of their workflows. IT pros must ensure remote data protection by securing or removing these apps.Continue Reading
How to deploy Office 365 Applications with Microsoft Intune
Organizations that deploy Office 365 applications with Intune can set various configurations, such as what versions of the deployed apps and how the apps receive updates.Continue Reading
End-user productivity becomes a priority for remote work
The initial response to COVID-19 focused on purchasing new technologies and retooling systems to support work from home, but organizations must help maintain end-user productivity.Continue Reading
How to optimize the digital workspace experience
Digital workspaces aim to converge users' resources and IT's management into a single technology, but this massive undertaking can present some administration and UX challenges.Continue Reading
Understand and manage Windows 10 virtual memory
It can be difficult for IT pros to understand the intricacies of Windows 10 virtual memory, but they should develop a basic knowledge of virtual memory to effectively manage desktops.Continue Reading
Discover how Catchpoint helps end-user experience monitoring
The Catchpoint end-user experience monitoring tool supports several notable integrations with enterprise software and monitoring capabilities such as real user monitoring.Continue Reading
How to evaluate on-premises vs. cloud-based MDM, UEM
Organizations should consider whether an on-premises or cloud MDM or UEM platform is best. Determine how to make the decision and, if that decision is cloud, migrate without issues.Continue Reading
How to enable and troubleshoot fast startup in Windows 10
The fast startup feature on Windows desktops can add value, but IT must understand when it should and shouldn't enable this feature and how to troubleshoot common issues.Continue Reading
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
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
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
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