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Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
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
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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
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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