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Windows 8 and 81

• What's the best way to reformat a hard drive remotely?

  Whether you need to remotely reformat a hard drive for security or prepare new network-attached machines, a few utilities can make the job easier. Continue Reading

• Microsoft news dominates top 10 desktop developments of 2014

  Thanks to Windows and Office developments, Microsoft news was among our most popular coverage of the past year. See which articles came out on top. Continue Reading

• 13 top tips on Windows support from 2014

  The past year marked the transition between versions of Microsoft software. Look back at our menu of 2014 Office and Windows support tips. Continue Reading

• Top 10 Windows troubleshooting and security articles of 2014

  In 2014, Microsoft improved OS security with Windows 8.1 and set a deadline for Windows 7 support. See our most popular Windows troubleshooting articles. Continue Reading

• Registry tweaks can speed up Windows 8 performance

  Our latest article on using the Windows registry to improve Windows 8 performance looks at disk access and shutting down Windows Store apps Continue Reading

• Alter Group Policy caching for faster Windows 8.1 startup

  Synchronous Group Policy processing can slow Windows 8.1 startup for devices on the network, so enable caching in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2.Continue Reading

• Alternative OS and productivity suites gain steam

  Admins considering open source alternatives to Microsoft desktops should know what an alternative OS, office suite or graphics editor can do.Continue Reading

• Use the Windows 8 registry to reduce CPU cycle waste

  The Windows 8 registry is a key component of the OS that admins can use to disable background checks and other activities to make systems run faster.Continue Reading

• Using Windows 8 settings for performance improvement

  Windows 8 settings and built-in optimization tools such as Windows 8 Fast Startup can make life easier for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 admins and users.Continue Reading

• Windows 8 disk cleanup is part of routine maintenance

  Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 include built-in utilities for improving and maintaining performance. Start with simple Windows 8 disk cleanup practices.Continue Reading

• How do I avoid Windows 8.1 shutdown when closing a laptop?

  It's all too easy to close a laptop or notebook when stepping away, but there are steps to take if you don't want an automatic Windows 8.1 shutdown.Continue Reading

• Bypass Microsoft SA with the Windows 8.1 volume license

  Windows 8.1 Enterprise doesn't require Microsoft Software Assurance, which could save organizations money, but watch Windows 8.1 volume license terms.Continue Reading

• Four utilities can verify Group Policy object settings

  Client-side extensions could cause a Group Policy object to fail. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to track down Windows GPO settings.Continue Reading

• Four third-party Windows 8 tools empower PC users

  Useful Windows 8 tools include third-party products for launching and uninstalling apps, grabbing screens, and editing PDFs.Continue Reading

• Control Windows 8 apps with more registry tweaks

  You may have good reasons to want to control user access to Windows 8 apps. Here's how to disable Windows Store apps with Group Policy Objects.Continue Reading