Manage

Manage

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• How to resolve Windows 10 Wi-Fi problems after an upgrade

  A legacy VPN client or driver problem can cause Wi-Fi connectivity issues after a Windows 10 upgrade. Don't let it happen to you. Continue Reading

• How to navigate the Windows 10 file cleanup waters

  After upgrading to Windows 10, an old version of the OS remains, taking up precious disk space. Admins should know how to remove it as well as other wasteful apps and files. Continue Reading

• MS Opens Its Update Catalog to Non-IE Browsers

  Until recently one had to use IE to access its Update Catalog. Now that MS opens its Update Catalog to non-IE browsers, use whatever you like. Continue Reading

• Cleanup 3.99 TB from 500GB Drive!

  After installing Update KB3194798, Cleanmgr.exe offers to cleanup 3.99 TB in Windows Update files. The explanation is interesting, and the cleanup lengthy. Continue Reading

• Sweat the small stuff when it comes to Windows desktop security

  It may seem like hackers use complex methods to bypass Windows desktop security measures, but in reality it's usually simple oversights, such as unpatched software, that let attackers in. Continue Reading

• RegEdit Gets Address Bar

  For tweaking Windows, nothing beats the Registry Editor. In Insider Preview 14942, RegEdit gets address bar for easy access to entire key strings.Continue Reading

• Create a single Windows 10 management console with SCCM and Intune

  SCCM brings inventory management to the table. Intune allows for cloud-based PC and mobile device management. Together they create a Windows 10 management platform.Continue Reading

• How to use WMI and the CIM standard with Windows PowerShell

  WMI, Microsoft's implementation of the CIM standard, lets admins use PowerShell commands to view and modify system data and configuration.Continue Reading

• Repeat Cumulative Updates Need Cleanup

  Microsoft pushed out 3 cumulative updates that hit my PCs in September. They appeared on 9/1, 9/13, and 9/26. After the third one came through at month's end, I found myself thinking: "I wonder if ...Continue Reading

• The easy way to troubleshoot a Windows 10 activation error

  Microsoft added an activation troubleshooting feature to Windows 10 that makes it so easy to fix activation problems, a caveman could do it.Continue Reading

• Setting Windows10's Lockscreen Image

  By default, MS rotates Windows 10 lockscreen images among a pool of its choosing; but setting Windows10's Lockscreen image yourself is easy. Here's how.Continue Reading

• Hardware, app compatibility key concerns when preparing for Windows 10

  When it comes to moving to Windows 10, admins should keep minimum hardware requirements, potential problems with Office and device drivers, and web app compatibility at the front of their minds.Continue Reading

• Three ways to recover Windows 10 disk space

  Windows 10 machines should have some free disk space so the OS can work, and reclaiming the space taken up by old files and drivers is a simple task.Continue Reading

• It's the end of the line for Oracle's Java browser plug-in

  Web browsers are becoming more streamlined and modern. To that end, Oracle will depreciate its Java plug-in.Continue Reading

• Discovering WMIC (WMI command-line)

  Discovering WMIC gives nearly complete access to Windows Management Interface (WMI) capabilities. For admins who write command-line tools it's a treasure.Continue Reading

• (New) RAPR v0.8 on GitHub

  DriverStore Explorer is now RAPR v0.8 on GitHub. This great tool cleans up obsolete Windows drivers with new and cleaner GUI.Continue Reading

• Why does the active window sometimes lose focus?

  There are several things that could cause the active window to lose focus in Windows 10, but check device drivers first.Continue Reading

• Admin Toolbox: SG TCP Optimizer

  The SG TCP Optimizer, a free tool from broadband specialists at SpeedGuide.net, tunes Internet connections to speed them up and smooth them out. Good stuff!Continue Reading

• How do I troubleshoot Windows 10 performance problems?

  Making room on your SSD, checking running processes in Task Manager and using Performance Monitor are all ways you can improve Windows 10 performance.Continue Reading

• How do PowerShell execution policies prevent malicious activity?

  There are four common execution policies IT administrators can choose from to secure PowerShell against malicious attacks. Figure out which one is right for you to secure your OS.Continue Reading

• Win10 Storage Diagnostics (StorDiag.exe)

  The Windows 10 Anniversary Update introduces a new administrative tool: Storage Diagnostics, aka StorDiag.exe.Continue Reading

• How can I improve Windows 10 battery life?

  Windows 10 features such as Cortana and background applications can drain power on laptops, but there are some quick fixes that can improve battery life.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 Fresh Start

  When purchasing a new OEM PC -- be it desktop, notebook, or tablet -- a Windows 10 fresh start may be just the thing!Continue Reading

• What causes desktop login and boot times to spiral out of control?

  If it takes a long time for users to login and boot their desktops they won't be happy and they will let IT know about it. Find out what enterprise tools slow down desktop logins the most.Continue Reading

• How to handle Windows 10 browser compatibility issues

  IT often runs into problems with legacy apps not functioning well on new browser versions. There are a few ways to combat Windows 10 browser compatibility issues in Internet Explorer 11.Continue Reading

• How non-volatile memory express speeds up modern PCs

  Non-volatile memory express outperforms SATA at almost every turn, but IT should remember that NVMe does not always work well with older hardware.Continue Reading

• Hurry-up 11th hour Win8.1 Upgrade

  With free upgrade offer set to expire in 9 days, I perform and report on an 11th hour Win8.1 upgrade to Win10. Overall the results are quite positive.Continue Reading

• How do I boot to Safe Mode in Windows 10?

  Booting to Safe Mode in Windows 10 isn't the same process as it was in older versions of the operating system.Continue Reading

• Internet Explorer support for old versions is over. What now?

  Microsoft stopped supporting Internet Explorer prior to version 11, but the web browser is still present in many organizations. IT must come up with a plan for browser security.Continue Reading

• How do I disable Wi-Fi Sense?

  Wi-Fi Sense is a feature in Windows 10 that lets users share network passwords with their contacts. Disable the feature to stop unauthorized users from accessing the corporate Wi-Fi.Continue Reading

• Building Bootable UEFI Media

  If you use the right tool, building bootable UEFI Media for Windows 10 is fairly easy. Otherwise, it can be a real challenge.Continue Reading

• Navigate a maze of installers with PackageManagement

  PackageManagement -- formerly OneGet -- lets desktop admins use PowerShell cmdlets to work with several different installer technologies.Continue Reading

• How do I configure wireless access on Windows devices?

  Users connect their Windows devices to wireless networks outside the office when they're on the go. This lets them be productive, but it might be something IT administrators want to control.Continue Reading

• Why should I limit the number of desktop audit logs?

  A Windows audit log can get big and cumbersome, which presents a problem if you need to look at it after a security breach. Only audit what is necessary.Continue Reading

• Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack brings back Windows XP updates

  Admins who still have Windows XP systems on their networks can turn to a Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack to reopen the update floodgates.Continue Reading

• Tools: Handling NirLauncher Updates

  Nir Sofer's great Windows utilities gather in a toolset called NirLauncher. Handling NirLauncher updates means switching from old to new versions.Continue Reading

• Slim Down Windows Images for Deployment

  NTLite is a powerful image management tool that can slim down Windows images for deployment, and customize them (and their settings) in many ways.Continue Reading

• Can I control the Windows 10 user interface?

  You can control the Control Panel, Shared Folders, Start menu and other components in Windows 10 using Group Policy settings.Continue Reading

• Win10 Lockscreen Images Unlocked

  Win10 lockscreen images appear when the OS starts up, or when inactivity turns off the display. Here's how to access and see or use those images elsewhere.Continue Reading

• Use an in-place upgrade to repair Windows 10

  If your Windows 10 installation has gone wonky and needs some attention, one way to fix it is with an in-place upgrade to the same version of Windows you already use.Continue Reading

• Performing an SSD SysBoot Drive Swap

  For Windows 10 , UEFI + GPT means NVRAM data must be rewritten to perform an SSD SysBoot Drive Swap. A $20 Paragon Software tool makes this dead simple.Continue Reading

• Win10 OEM Keyfinder

  On modern PCs, the Windows key often lives in UEFI: a Win10 OEM keyfinder is just the tool you need to retrieve and record it for safekeeping.Continue Reading

• How do I change data's default save location in Windows 10?

  If you don't want to save data in Windows' default locations, there are two ways you can choose new defaults. One is for non-domain joined machines, and the other uses AD.Continue Reading

• How to disable Windows 10 pop-up notifications

  You can disable those annoying pop-ups in Windows 7 and 8 that encourage you to upgrade to Windows 10, and it's actually pretty easy.Continue Reading

• What happens to all of the saved passwords in the Microsoft Edge browser?

  The Microsoft Edge browser can save users' passwords so they don't have to enter them every time they visit a website. Users can turn this feature off if they want.Continue Reading

• Why do I keep getting Windows 10 driver errors?

  If you keep getting driver errors in Windows 10, a video driver could be to blame. Luckily, the problem is easy to troubleshoot.Continue Reading

• What do I do when I can't activate Windows?

  When you can't activate a Windows installation there are two things you should check before you pull out your hair.Continue Reading

• Can I change the Windows Update settings?

  Windows Update can reboot machines at the worst times, but in Windows 10 you can schedule updates.Continue Reading

• How well do you know the Windows 10 update process?

  Put your Windows 10 update process knowledge to the test, including where to find Windows 10 update bands and what editions of the OS support Current Branch for Business.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 authentication options leave passwords behind

  Passwords have long ruled the authentication world, but they're not infallible. Microsoft added authentication options in Windows 10, including more Windows Hello and effective PINs.Continue Reading

• DISM Exports Drivers: Here's How

  Windows built-in DISM exports drivers to a file repository of your choosing, to make restoring those drivers after an upgrade easy and simple.Continue Reading

• Confirm/Deny UEFI Boot-up on Win10

  Certain advanced features in Windows 10 work only from UEFI boot-up. For BYOD machines, admins need a way to check UEFI status: here 'tis.Continue Reading

• How to support Mac OS X and Linux in Windows environments

  Many IT shops don't give a second thought to supporting Mac and Linux OSes because they're concerned with standardization. Windows is the go-to, but alternative OSes deserve some love.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 adoption rate strong out of the gates

  Windows 10 is already second in OS market share, behind only Windows 7. See where other OSes stack up and find out how to make the leap from Windows XP to Windows 10.Continue Reading

• Acceptable use policies, MDM help desktop admins wrangle devices

  Managing an eclectic collection of devices is challenging, but IT administrators just need to establish policies and find a mobile device management tool to help enforce them.Continue Reading

• Modern endpoint management comes with new rules

  Desktop administrators need to know that the rules of endpoint management have changed: It's not all about PCs anymore.Continue Reading

• Office 2016 features new security enhancements IT will appreciate

  With Office 2016, Microsoft introduced a host of new security features ranging from email and file encryption to multifactor authentication for application access.Continue Reading

• See All Disk Cleanup Options in Win10

  Disk Cleanup usually displays options based on what's on a target disk; I show how to see all Disk Cleanup options via the command line.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 data collection is all in the game

  Windows 10 collects a lot of user data but Microsoft says it is all in an effort to deliver the best user experience.Continue Reading

• Tweaking File Explorer in Windows 10

  For those who don't like the default displays in Windows 10 File Explorer, TenForums.com has tutorials on tweaking File Explorer.Continue Reading

• How can I improve Windows 10 security?

  Everyone should observe the minimum Windows 10 security settings, but there are steps you can take to make devices even more secure.Continue Reading

• What to look for in endpoint management tools

  Many endpoint management tools share common features, but there are more advanced functions IT can employ, too.Continue Reading

• Console, data access most important in endpoint management tools

  Every IT shop has different needs when it comes to endpoint management tools. Although feature and console requirements may differ, all tools must provide users with the access they need.Continue Reading

• Windows PE Tools for Windows 10

  Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) lets admins can build their own Windows PE tools, or work with numerous third-party options.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 PC Switchover Complete

  In making a PC switchover from an old production desktop to a new one, I encounter and overcome hardware snags and issues with licensed software.Continue Reading

• Windows Startup Cleanup Worth Doing

  Over time Windows OSes can accumulate considerable cruft, including startup items. That's why the occasional startup cleanup is a good idea.Continue Reading

• What is Wi-Fi Sense and should workers use it?

  Wi-Fi Sense is a new feature in Windows 10 that allows users to share hotspots, but that means workers could potentially connect to unsecure networks.Continue Reading

• Network Printing Switch Positive

  Network printing offers advantages, including faster, more direct access and no need to for a running Windows client for print access.Continue Reading

• How does Windows 10 virtualization-based security work?

  The Isolated User Mode in Windows 10 is a virtualization-based security technology that helps power Credential Guard and Device Guard.Continue Reading

• How can I clean up the notifications area on the Windows 10 taskbar?

  If your Windows 10 taskbar is overcrowded with notifications, you can disable them on an app-by-app basis.Continue Reading

• DISM FeatureName Enables OS Features

  The DISM command lets admins enable OS features from a Windows image file by identifying a DISM featurename. Here's how to exercise that capability.Continue Reading

• Can I alter the information on the Microsoft Windows 10 Start menu?

  The Microsoft Windows Start menu can easily become inundated with ads. Fortunately a few settings tweaks can end the deluge.Continue Reading

• Five simple tricks to solve Wi-Fi problems, Windows issues and more

  Desktop admins encounter a lot of complex problems. It's important to solve the basic ones -- such as a faulty Wi-Fi connection -- to keep the cogs in the machine running smoothly.Continue Reading

• Four ways to put Sysinternals Process Explorer to work

  IT admins can use Process Explorer in Sysinternals to find suspicious software, inspect process and object privileges, and more.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Office Trust Center settings that help stop malware

  The Trust Center in Microsoft's Office suite has some important and useful settings to prevent users from opening files infected with malware and viruses, but admins need to know about and enable them.Continue Reading

• Demystify the Windows 10 update process

  It would be simple if there was one update ring to rule them all in Windows 10. Instead there are two rings and four update branches to sort through.Continue Reading

• Big Benefit of WaaS: One Update to Clean Install, and Done!

  While some users may object to Microsoft's new rapid cadence for updates, regular cumulative updates following the Windows-as-a-Service (WaaS) model do make it easier and faster to perform clean ...Continue Reading

• Windows 10 migration ahead? Don't forget Windows 7 security

  When planning a Windows 10 migration, it can be easy to get lost in all the planning and newness that come with a fresh OS. But while you're planning that upgrade, Windows 7 security should still be a concern.Continue Reading

• Settings Reset in Windows 10 Reinforces Desktop.ini Trick

  If you tell File Explorer to show hidden files, that means desktop.ini appears on your desktop. This simple tip explains how to hide such files only in the desktop view.Continue Reading

• Mac OS X security flaws IT should know about

  If you support Macs in your company it's important to remember that OS X has security flaws just like the Windows operating system.Continue Reading

• Uncover PII security risks with free tools

  Personally identifiable information can live outside the databases on corporate networks, and it needs to be locked down so attackers can't get it. Luckily, there are free tools IT can use to improve PII security.Continue Reading

• Don't blow your Windows XP to Windows 10 migration

  Moving from Windows XP to Windows 10? Microsoft doesn't support in-place or leapfrog upgrades, so you likely have hardware inventory, application compatibility testing and a clean install in your future.Continue Reading

• REAgentC.exe Lets You Examine and Manage WinRE Partitions

  The Windows REAgentC command lets users look for and examine their recovery (WinRE) partitions, and then manage what they find. Especially useful for those seeking to manage recovery on PCs ...Continue Reading

• How do I pinpoint the cause of wireless Internet connection problems?

  Even established technologies such as Wi-Fi have service interruptions. Fix them quickly by first discerning if the issue is widespread or not.Continue Reading

• Comprehensive guide to desktop monitoring tools

  IT admins can identify the source of device and app problems using monitoring tools such as Windows Sysinternals and other offerings.Continue Reading

• Top Windows command-line commands

  Examine some of the best command-line commands for Windows, including tools to shut down a user's computer or force updates.Continue Reading

• Why is there a Windows 10 Control Panel and a Settings window?

  Windows 10's multiple settings menus are a vestige of Windows 8, but users can access almost all the settings configurations they may need from the Settings windows.Continue Reading

• Considerations for your Windows 7 to Windows 10 migration

  It's not very hard to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 -- it just takes some planning and testing to make sure things go smoothly.Continue Reading

• Windows 8 GPO settings to configure search, indexing options

  Windows 8 and 8.1 GPOs can help with many tasks, including creating Start screen layouts that adhere to corporate policies, as well as configuring search and indexing settings.Continue Reading

• Control app updates with Windows 8 and 8.1 GPO settings

  Some Windows 8 and 8.1 GPO settings that you might not know about can make dealing with automatic updates from Windows Store applications a lot easier.Continue Reading

• Master Mac management in the enterprise

  Windows is the dominant desktop OS, but it's not the only game in town. Admins must know how to manage Apple's Mac OS and should be familiar with common problems that can arise.Continue Reading

• Are there any reasons to avoid a Windows 10 upgrade?

  Application and hardware compatibility issues and undiscovered bugs are important factors to consider when facing a Windows 10 upgrade.Continue Reading

• Can Windows 10 run native Android and iOS apps?

  Native Android and iOS apps aren't a reality in Windows 10, but two SDKs make it easier for developers to port existing app codes to Windows.Continue Reading

• Why you should remove local administrator rights once and for all

  Some companies shy away from removing local admin rights just to make users happy, but taking back users' admin privileges can prevent many problems and improve security.Continue Reading

• What to expect from Macs in the enterprise

  For enterprise IT, Apple's Mac OS can pose a few problems, including compatibility, applications, support, networking and other issues. But if you know what could be coming your way, you can get the training and tools to manage Macs.Continue Reading

• The desktop administrator's guide to mobile OSes

  Microsoft's Windows operating system is still dominant on enterprise desktops, but the rise of mobile and cloud technologies has challenged workers' allegiance. Mobile operating systems, such as Apple iOS and Google Android, are very different from ...Continue Reading

• Strong BYOD strategy balances IT, user needs

  The BYOD movement marked a major transition in the enterprise. Instead of managing a fixed number of in-office desktops, IT now has to control an unending stream of endpoints while delivering the performance its mobile workforce demands.Continue Reading

• How do I build Apportals in Windows 8.1?

  Windows Apportals let you put the applications certain user groups need right in front of them, but you need some development knowledge and a Windows Developer License if you want to build them yourself.Continue Reading

• How much memory do my Windows 8 desktops really need?

  It can be tough to know how much memory Windows 8 and 8.1 desktops need before they're actually in use, but the Windows Task Manager can help you see memory usage.Continue Reading

• What options exist for customizing the Windows 8.1 taskbar?

  If you made changes or personalizations to your taskbar in Windows 7, you'll be happy to learn that many of the same customization options are available for the Windows 8.1 taskbar.Continue Reading