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Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
Manage
Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
Clean Install Fixes Long-Standing Win10 Restart Issue
A clean install fixes long-standing Win10 Restart issue and thereby vindicates conventional wisdom that occasional or periodic clean Windows installs serve as a kind of OS maintenance technique or ... Continue Reading
PS Cmdlet Turns Win10 Networks Private
Because GUI access to the control can sometimes be problematic (or MIA), it's a good thing that PS Cmdlet turns Win10 networks Private. That cmdlet is named Set-NetConnectionProfile. Continue Reading
DISM Export-Image Grabs Selected Image Installer
When I observe that a multi-image ISO file results in an installer for Windows 10 Home, I learn that DISM Export-Image grabs selected image installer for Pro instead. This lets me update my ... Continue Reading
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Win10 Migration Survey Reveals 2018 Challenges
Jeremy Moskowitz's recent Win10 migration survey reveals 2018 challenges facing organizations of all kinds, based on 500-plus responses from 30 countries (80% US-based). Continue Reading
Are you prepared to manage PC lifecycles?
IT can face many challenges when it comes to PC management, including faulty hardware and management complications. Find out if you're ready to face them with this quiz. Continue Reading
Productivity Hurdles Emphasize Office PC Setup Benefits
Working on the road for just over a week, I realize that productivity hurdles emphasize office PC setup benefits. With a little thought, ingenuity and money, though, most of these hurdles can be ...Continue Reading
MS Smartens Update Downloads
By downloading updates from smallest to largest in size in that order, and downloading updates in pairs, MS smartens Update downloads. Now, if I could only figure out what determines update ...Continue Reading
How can IT turn off Windows 10 automatic updates?
In some cases, IT pros should disable Windows 10 updates to gain control over the process. They can use methods such as editing group policies and setting a metered connection.Continue Reading
The Occasional Resurgence of Windows.old
When it comes to post-upgrade cleanup in Windows 10, an occasional resurgence of Windows.old seems to pop up from time to time. Here's another one found and fixed!Continue Reading
MS Win7 Cert Exams Expire July 31
When S Win7 Cert Exams expire July 31 they signal that today's reigning Windows version is nearing the end of its lifecycle. With 900-plus million devices still running Win7, lots of change is at hand.Continue Reading
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DISM Cleans Up After Windows Update
Because DISM cleans up after Windows Update adds new items to Win10, it's a good idea to use its AnalyzeComponentStore and CleanupComponentStore directives from time to time. Here's how!Continue Reading
Strange Display Behavior Gets Workarounds
Strange display behavior gets workarounds in Windows 10: right-click the taskbar entry, Alt+Space to restore the original window, or force-change then restore screen resolution. Very interesting!Continue Reading
Take the Windows 10 migration tools pop quiz
Microsoft offers a host of tools IT pros can use to make the move to Windows 10 a little easier. See how well you know your options with this quiz.Continue Reading
WUMT Resolves Update Woes Yet Again
When one of my laptops balks at completing the update check for a current cumulative update, WUMT resolves update woes yet again for Windows 10.Continue Reading
Win10 Hyper-V VMs Benefit from More VRAM
Depending on the workload and applications in use Win10 Hyper-V VMs benefit from more VRAM (virtual RAM), easily allocated using the Hyper-V manager.Continue Reading
UWP Win10 Sticky Notes Backup
Making a UWP Win10 Sticky Notes backup translates into finding and copying the file named plum.sqlite to a safe place. Easy-peasy!Continue Reading
Grab New DriverStore Explorer from GitHub
Whether you're a first-time user or are running an older version, please take the time to grab new DriverStore Explorer from GitHub. It's worth using!Continue Reading
AI Drives Win10 Update Access
AI drives Win10 Update access, and uses telemetry and feedback data to target updates PCs likely to have a positive experience. Over time, MS extends updates to more PCs as the likelihood of ...Continue Reading
Sysprep Audit Mode Alternate Key Sequence
When the default Ctrl+Shift+F3 won't do it, try the Sysprep Audit Mode alternate key sequence instead: Ctrl+Fn+Shift+F3. Works for me!Continue Reading
Discover three key exploit protection features in Windows 10
To defend against memory-based attacks, Microsoft introduced three key features to Windows Defender Exploit Guard, including Address Space Layout Randomization.Continue Reading
Ctrl+Winkey+C Toggles Win10 Display to Grayscale Mode
For some people, learning that Ctrl+Winkey+C toggles Win10 display to grayscale mode comes as an unpleasant surprise. Fortunately, it's easy to reverse.Continue Reading
How well do you know your Windows 10 update options?
Microsoft offers three Windows 10 servicing channels, a host of tools for managing updates and different update types. See if you can sort it all out with this Windows 10 update quiz.Continue Reading
How do the Windows 10 servicing channels work?
IT can use the servicing channels for Windows 10 to assign different deployment cadences to different devices and defer updates where necessary.Continue Reading
NirSoft NetBScanner Offers Win10 LAN Insights
After the 1803 upgrade monkey with LAN visibility for some nodes, NirSoft NetBScanner offers Win10 LAN insights to help get things running again. Good stuff!Continue Reading
How to create an effective PC lifecycle policy
For IT to master enterprise PC management, it must weigh the productivity needs of its organization and employees against the costs of purchasing new PCs.Continue Reading
Set Win10 RS5 Rollback Retention Interval
I don't normally write much about the Insider Preview builds for this blog post. Practicing Enterprise admins have enough on their hands keeping up with current branch versions of the OS. But when ...Continue Reading
Two Win10 Setup.exes Offer Differing Capabilities
If you build conventional Win10 installation media, you'll find two Win10 Setup.exes offer differing capabilities. One is good to upgrades or repair an existing Win10 install, the other for ...Continue Reading
Tread carefully with modern Windows application management
With the Windows winds changing, IT pros must consider whether it's time to transition from SCCM to modern management via the cloud.Continue Reading
Use Windows Analytics to better support Windows 10 desktops
With the help of Windows Analytics, IT can improve its Windows 10 desktop support with tools such as Device Health, which monitors desktop performance and identifies underperforming devices.Continue Reading
Win10 NetBIOS Names Get Weirder
When I say Win10 NetBIOS names get weirder I mean two things: they are indeed case sensitive, and sometimes the actual defined case-correct name string won't resolve properly.Continue Reading
Win10 1803 Gets New Bluetooth Version
Amidst a raft of other changes, enhancements and additons, Win10 1803 gets new Bluetooth version that leaves some users in the lurch, functionality-wise.Continue Reading
Win10 DCOM 10016 Errors Are Mostly Benign
Finally! A Microsoft Support note explicitly confirms what I've long suspected: Win10 DCOM 10016 errors are mostly benign. They occur by deliberate design, in fact.Continue Reading
Bring Back Basic Win10 1803 Networking
The demise of HomeGroup makes it necessary to bring back basic Win10 1803 networking for Workgroup based Windows networks. Here's how!Continue Reading
MS Publishes Big Free Command Line Reference
Last Friday, my partner in crime at Win10.Guru, Kari Finn, sent me a link to a very interesting document. It comes from the Microsoft Download Center and shows up with very little descriptive ...Continue Reading
Win10 1803 Sometimes Creates Phantom Recovery Drive
Thanks to a minor but annoying error, Win10 1803 sometimes creates phantom Recovery Drive during the upgrade process. Here are two easy fixes to make it go away.Continue Reading
Tune Into PortableApps.com
If you tune into PortableApps.com and use their platform, you'll find a great way to take tools, utilities and applications with you onto any PC. Great stuff!Continue Reading
Conquer the end-user productivity balancing act
Keeping users productive is one of the most critical jobs IT pros have. But there are some hurdles to jump, including understanding the risks with collaboration tools.Continue Reading
Finding Windows Defender Security About Info
It turns out that finding Windows Defender Security About info is a little convoluted, but checking its Settings will point you in the right direction.Continue Reading
Are you prepared for a Windows 10 transition?
When IT executes a transition to Windows 10, it must understand all the potential pitfalls inherent in an OS migration. Quiz yourself to see if you are ready for this challenge.Continue Reading
Four Windows 10 built-in security features to know
IT needs an effective plan to maximize security for Windows 10 and get the most out of its built-in features.Continue Reading
Maximize PC lifespans with effective PC lifecycle management
Effectively managing PC lifecycles can lead to significant cost savings via prudent distribution of high-performance hardware and purchasing new devices only when it is critical.Continue Reading
Intel Excludes Older CPUs from Spectre Updates
Intel excludes older CPUs from Spectre updates. I summarize the charts to identify newly-added microcode updates, and CPUs for which updates will not be available.Continue Reading
Support for Macs in the enterprise: Three factors to consider
There's no way around it: Many users just love Apple products. IT pros that want to support Macs in the workplace must take into account several considerations.Continue Reading
KB4089848 Poses Widely Reported Win10 Problems
With oodles and scads of users reporting issues, KB4089848 poses widely reported Win10 problems that occur often enough and with severity sufficient to make it advisable to block this update outright.Continue Reading
Script Out Your Win10 Build History Using PowerShell
A nifty pair of carefully crafted commands let you script out your Win10 build history using PowerShell for each PC you run it on.Continue Reading
Reducing Win10 Upgrade Offline Time
MS says a key goal in improving feature upgrades is reducing Win10 upgrade offline time. Personally, I find their current list of upgrade/install steps more informative.Continue Reading
Understanding NTUser.dat in Windows 10
Understanding NTUser.dat in Windows 10 means knowing that those files capture user profile settings and preferences, and are best left alone and untouched for proper OS operation.Continue Reading
How does Microsoft Near Share for browser file sharing work?
Microsoft Edge, Windows 10's default browser, includes a file-sharing tool called Near Share, which is helpful, if not truly groundbreaking.Continue Reading
Check Current Win10 for In-place Upgrade Repair
If you carefully check current Win10 for in-place upgrade repair, you'll be able to choose and download the proper ISO to attempt such repairs every time, without fail.Continue Reading
MS Offers New Spectre Updates
As MS offers new Spectre updates through the Microsoft Update Catalog, I realize that it's going to be a long slog to get those vulnerabilities patches on all my PCs.Continue Reading
MS Foils Coin Mining Compelling Telemetry Case
Through clever and effective use of telemetry data, AI and machine learning, MS foils coin mining in a big way in Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.Continue Reading
How to take advantage of SCCM and Intune co-management
IT can combine Microsoft Intune and System Center Configuration Manager to manage users' mobile devices, as well as any legacy systems in its network.Continue Reading
Day 1: Global Microsoft MVP Summit
During Day 1: Global Microsoft MVP Summit I learn that proper feedback is the real reason why Microsoft operates the Insider program, and provide tips on how to provide quality feedback on Windows.Continue Reading
MS Offers Spectre Meltdown Updates Via Catalog
Is is because OEM are taking too long to pony up that MS offers Spectre Meltdown updates via catalog downloads? I don't know, but I'm glad somebody's doing something!Continue Reading
Firmware Update Proceeds at Glacial Pace
Given that the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities created such a furor, one can only observe that the attendant firmware update Proceeds at glacial pace.Continue Reading
Win7 Still Activates Win10 2/27/18
After skipping key entry on a clean Windows 10 install, I learn that Win7 Still Validates Win10 for activation. Woo hoo: my sister's HP Pavilion Dv6 is back in action.Continue Reading
How to establish Windows 10 security baselines
IT should consider following Microsoft's Windows 10 security recommendations in the Security Compliance Toolkit to better protect the operating system.Continue Reading
Can IT make the transition to Windows 10 smooth for users?
IT can take a few steps to make the move to Windows 10 easier on users, including considering an in-place upgrade and holding off on any other major changes.Continue Reading
Three PC lifecycle management options IT should consider
IT pros can use PCs and laptops until they stop working, or they can set up a lifecycle management plan that retires them after a certain period of time.Continue Reading
Skip Product Key When Sysprepping Win10
To skip Product Key when Sysprepping Win10, you must supply a generic product key instead. Here's a list of same to use.Continue Reading
Intel Now Advises Against Installing Spectre Patches!
Because of widely-reported issues with reboots and system stability, Intel now advises against installing Spectre patches!Continue Reading
OneDrive File Attributes Uncovered
A careful look at help information leads to new OneDrive File attributes uncovered, and a better understanding of how OnDemand files work.Continue Reading
MDT PS Wizard Covers MS Deployment Toolkit Wizards
Damien Van Robaeys excellent MDT PS Wizard covers MS Deployment Toolkit wizards within the pleasing GUI of a single, comprehensive scripted environment. Great stuff!Continue Reading
Win10 PC Brick-Avoidance Techniques
When updating BIOSes or firmware, or upgrading Windows 10, it's wise to practice Win10 PC brick-avoidance techniques.Continue Reading
Undoing 7Zip ISO Association
Undoing 7Zip ISO association means right-clicking, choosing "Open with", selecting File Explorer, and checking the "Always use" box.Continue Reading
Win10 Settings System Storage Sense File Clean-up
The Win10 Settings System Storage Sense file clean-up provides a UWP method for reclaiming potentially unneeded disk space. Check it out!Continue Reading
Net User Command Controls User Access Hours
Properly used, the Net User command controls user access hours for Windows users with surprising flexibility and reach.Continue Reading
CapsLock Indicator Shows Key States
Jonas Kohl's excellent, compact utility CapsLock Indicator shows key states for Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock keys onscreen in the taskbar.Continue Reading
When Updating Drivers Check Vendor Support
When updating drivers check vendor support is a truism that provides insight (and driver files) for all kinds of Windows devices and components.Continue Reading
Adguard Offers Win10 ISO Alternative
Adguard offers Win10 ISO alternative source for downloads, and includes evaluations and MS Office ISOs as well.Continue Reading
More MEI Weirdness
When I install what I think is a fix for a recent Management Engine (MEI) vulnerability, I encounter more MEI weirdness.Continue Reading
How to use Sysprep to install a custom Windows 10 image
Walk through the process of adding custom software, apps and assets to your Windows 10 image in audit mode.Continue Reading
Default Switch Makes Hyper-V Networking Dead Simple
The predefined Default Switch makes Hyper-V networking dead simple in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update aka Version 1709.Continue Reading
Another Intel ME Security Flaw Discovered
As details surrounding another Intel ME security flaw discovered emerge, it's time to grab a detection tool. If you're affected a BIOS fix is needed.Continue Reading
Win10 Full Flash Update
Full Flash Update's FFUTOOL.exe works with DISM to apply Windows images to target drives (and PCs) faster and more reliably than either WIM or VHD.Continue Reading
New Win10 Means New MCT
Because a new Win10 means new MCT too, the safest way to use the Media Creation Tool is always to download a fresh copy.Continue Reading
Get to know the latest Windows 10 security updates
The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update brings new features to the OS, including in the realm of security. Windows Hello includes user-proximity signals now, for example.Continue Reading
How modern application delivery affects IT infrastructure
When it comes to application deployment, IT must rethink its back-end infrastructure decisions in the face of modern apps.Continue Reading
Bogus Win10 Printer Update Alerts
Those using deployment tools that automate Windows Update checks may see bogus Win10 Printer update alerts for PDF and XPS printer drivers.Continue Reading
Turn Off IE Edge Ad
For Creators Update versions of Win10 you can turn off IE Edge ad with a simple group policy edit tweak.Continue Reading
Five Windows 10 security tips to know
It is vital that IT understand the top Windows 10 security tips to protect corporate data and users from lurking cyber threats.Continue Reading
Win10 ISO Mount Trick
When double-clicking an ISO file in Windows Explorer fails to mount it as a virtual disk drive, a Win10 ISO mount trick is necessary (and described herein).Continue Reading
Follow the definitive Windows 10 migration checklist
Making the move to Windows 10 can be complicated unless IT follows some critical steps, including verifying application compatibility and training its users in the new OS.Continue Reading
Rolling Build 1709 Out
When it comes to rolling Build 1709 out, admins and power users will find lots of options available to upgrade Win10 PCs. The phased rollout is rolling faster, too.Continue Reading
Win10 Build 1709 Unleashed
With the Win10 Build 1709 unleashed on 10/17/17, there's no reason for IT pros not to grab and install a copy so they can kick the tires and start thinking about migration.Continue Reading
Fall Creators Update Gets Simultaneous ADK
For Windows 10, the Fall Creators Update Gets Simultaneous ADK (Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit) access when the new release goes live on October 17.Continue Reading
Build 1709 Gains Easier Update Log Access
The next upcoming Win10 release Build 1709 gains easier Update log access, thanks to automatic symbol resolution for event trace log files.Continue Reading
Will IT ever untie from legacy systems?
Digital transformation shouldn't just mean loosening ties with old systems. IT departments and businesses themselves must get out of their comfort zones, invest in cloud services and focus on user ...Continue Reading
New Reflect Needs New Rescue Media
With a new major version out, Macrium's new Reflect needs new Rescue Media. Don't forget to update existing such media, or to create fresh new media.Continue Reading
Device Cleanup Tool Works
Uwe Sieber's excellent Device Cleanup Tool works like a charm to display and remove unwanted or missing Windows device drivers.Continue Reading
Driver Store Explorer Shows Driver File Names
Because Driver Store Explorer shows driver file names you can use it to target updates explicitly when Device Manager can't find them by itself.Continue Reading
Chocolatey Windows Package Manager
The Chocolatey Windows Package Manager works with PowerShell to provide hands-off installation of over 5,000 applications.Continue Reading
Virtualization Means CPU Microcode Matters
Virtualization means CPU microcode matters; it also means that if BIOS updates don't address microcode issues, manual updates may be needed.Continue Reading
Businesses Should Wait On Fall Creators Update
With the next release scheduled for October 17 or thereabouts, businesses should wait on Fall Creators Update for deployment.Continue Reading
Add Precision Touchpad Drivers Anywhere
With the right technique, you can add Precision Touchpad drivers anywhere on any device with a Synaptics or Elan touchpad.Continue Reading
PowerShell Illuminates System Components
Among it myriad of capabilities, PowerShell illuminates system components in scripts and in its command-line interface.Continue Reading
Build Install ISO for Current Win10 Image
To build Install ISO for current Win10 image requires careful, crafty use of readily available Windows tools and media.Continue Reading
Configure surefire Windows 10 security settings
It is possible for IT administrators to create a close-to-perfect Windows 10 security setup, as long as they know where to look and what tools to use.Continue Reading
LockHunter Reports Locked Windows Files
The freeware utility LockHunter reports locked Windows files, and provides various ways to unlock or delete them. Exercise care when using the tool to avoid self-inflicted harm.Continue Reading
MS Stops Insider Preview Issues Lists
With the Fall Creators Update weeks away from public release, MS stops Insider Preview issues lists in its release notes. I hope this is only temporary.Continue Reading