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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
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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
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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