Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• What are the Microsoft 365 password requirements?

  When IT administrators manage passwords for Microsoft 365 accounts in Azure AD, they can deploy and remove critical policies that can improve overall security posture.  Continue Reading

• Exploring Edge Chromium requirements for system admins

  Edge Chromium adapts many of Chrome's greatest strengths to create a compelling browser alternative for system admins.  Continue Reading

• What Microsoft Defender Antivirus features are on Windows?

  While there are plenty of viable enterprise-grade third-party desktop security platforms, Microsoft has built out a strong array of native features that IT admins can utilize.  Continue Reading

• Windows 10 disk management terms and tasks IT should know

  Windows 10 disk management is a crucial function that system admins should perform. To manage Windows disks, IT must know the difference between volumes and partitions.  Continue Reading

• Does Office 365 include Teams with enterprise licenses?

  There are numerous issues that come with licensing for Microsoft Teams, including this key question: Does Office 365 include Teams with the different Office 365 licenses?  Continue Reading

• How to change UEFI and BIOS password on Windows 10

  Admins may need to open the BIOS or UEFI interface to change BIOS passwords on Windows 10. This process isn't too complex, but IT pros should follow these steps to accomplish this.  Continue Reading

• Why isn't Adobe Reader working on Windows 10?

  When Adobe Reader isn't working with Windows 10, admins can take a few troubleshooting steps to rectify the issue. Begin with Adobe's AcroMonitor tool.  Continue Reading

• Which Chrome browser management settings should IT deploy?

  Organizations that allow the use of Google Chrome should ensure that their IT departments understand the different settings that shape Chrome browser management practices.  Continue Reading

• How can IT enable Windows Defender Device Guard?

  IT professionals should learn how they can enable Windows Defender Device Guard to take advantage of the numerous security features it offers for Windows 10 desktops.  Continue Reading

• Is macOS Catalina stable enough for enterprise use?

  Apple released macOS Catalina in October 2019, but it has some issues. Here are some factors to consider before deciding to implement the OS in an organization.  Continue Reading

• What Windows 10 migration tools are available to IT?

  A Windows 10 migration is a long, tedious journey, but there are tools to help. Discover three unified endpoint management tools that can streamline the process.  Continue Reading

• What are the reasons to stay on Windows 7?

  Most organizations should perform a migration to Windows 10. Some applications aren't compatible with the new OS, however. Learn what to do in these rare circumstances.  Continue Reading

• Which options does IT have for Windows 10 bloatware removal?

  Bloatware isn't just annoying -- it can negatively affect OS security, for example. Find out ways to get rid of Windows 10 bloatware once and for all with these tips.  Continue Reading

• How can IT use Windows Autopilot to manage Windows 10 PCs?

  Deploying Windows 10 devices can be a pain, especially when pre-installed PCs don't have the right applications or policies. Learn how Windows Autopilot can solve those issues.  Continue Reading

• How can IT assign PCs to Windows 10 servicing channels?

  Microsoft offers different tools to assign Windows 10 PCs to servicing channels. Learn how to assign desktops to servicing channels using a multi-tiered strategy.  Continue Reading

• How does IT sideload apps in Windows 10?

  There are certain cases that make sense for IT to sideload LOB apps to prevent them from reaching the Microsoft Store. Here's how to successfully perform the process.  Continue Reading

• How can IT keep pace with the Windows update process?

  Staying current with the latest Windows updates is a difficult task, but IT can accomplish this without harming the UX with Group Policy, disk capacity planning and more.  Continue Reading

• How can you improve Google Chrome management?

  IT professionals should deploy Group Policies to their browsers to improve the user experience. Check out this step-by-step guide on applying Group Policies to Google Chrome.  Continue Reading

• How can you perform a full Windows Update reset?

  When Windows Update malfunctions, IT must follow this four-step process to fix the problems. Be sure to have admin privileges before getting started.  Continue Reading

• How can you pause Windows Update with Group Policy?

  Mistimed updates in Windows 10 can drive users crazy and cost organizations in terms of productivity. There are steps you can take to pause these updates, however.  Continue Reading

• What's new in the Microsoft Windows 10 October 2018 Update?

  The Windows 10 October 2018 Update might be best known for some of the problems it caused, but it also added some features that can help business users and IT pros.  Continue Reading

• What does a Windows 10 digital certificate do?

  IT pros can build trust into Windows 10 by adding certificates that form trusted connections by confirming the identity of any individuals or entities communicating with the OS.  Continue Reading

• How can IT put Windows 10 containers to use?

  Using Docker containers in Windows 10, IT can isolate apps and processes from users' devices, which can help in several ways, including preventing conflicts with other apps.  Continue Reading

• What to do if Windows Defender updates don't work

  Without the latest Windows Defender updates, your users' desktops won't be completely protected. When update problems occur, there are several actions you can take to solve them.  Continue Reading

• How can IT fix Windows Update issues?

  Microsoft offers some built-in troubleshooting methods to resolve Windows Update problems. There are also some third-party options IT should be aware of.  Continue Reading

• How to stop Windows 10 updates temporarily

  A poorly timed Windows 10 update can cause a major headache for an end user. Fortunately, users can pause updates or IT can take steps to halt updates using Group Policy.  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

• Why would IT manually upgrade to Windows 10?

  There are some instances where IT should manually upgrade to Windows 10, including when the desktop runs older software for which IT does not have the installation media.  Continue Reading

• What can you do if a Windows 10 keyboard or mouse is not working?

  If users encounter problems with a Windows 10 mouse or keyboard, IT pros can follow these steps to troubleshoot the connectivity issue quickly and easily.  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

• How can you change Windows 10 update settings?

  Windows 10 updates can disrupt your workflow and cause frustration. With the right settings, however, you can minimize the risk of an update getting in the way of productivity.  Continue Reading

• How can IT convince users of the benefits of Windows 10?

  Users may not see the Windows 10 improvements as an upgrade from their current OS. As a result, IT must highlight relevant new features to gain user support.  Continue Reading

• What Microsoft Outlook alternatives can IT choose from?

  When IT pros are seeking an alternative to Outlook, they should consider the features their users need the most and select an email client that best matches those needs.  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

• 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

• Can IT save user settings, files in the move to Windows 10?

  IT can help users maintain their personal settings and files when moving to Windows 10 through an in-place upgrade or through manual or automated processes during a clean upgrade.  Continue Reading

• Can you create a dynamically expanding virtual hard disk?

  If you build a dynamically expanding VHD it is important to remember to set the size to match the maximum possible storage space it will use.  Continue Reading

• Can you use Sysprep to install a custom Windows 10 image?

  With the right know-how, IT can create and install a custom Windows 10 image using Microsoft's System Preparation tool.  Continue Reading

• Does Windows 10 virtualization-based security defend the OS?

  With Windows 10, Microsoft emphasized virtualization-based security, such as Device Guard and Credential Guard, to keep corporate information off users' devices.  Continue Reading

• How to use a technician machine to create a custom Windows 10 image

  IT pros must be able to mold Windows 10 into the OS their organization needs. To do so, they need to first learn to install Windows 10 on a technician machine.  Continue Reading

• How to navigate the Windows ADK download process

  The Windows ADK can help ensure Windows 10 compatibility for apps, software and hardware. There are six key steps to the installation process.  Continue Reading

• Are third-party firewalls worth the investment?

  It might be effective, but Windows Firewall is not the be-all and end-all of security. In some cases, third-party firewalls add the extra layer of protection IT needs.  Continue Reading

• How can you access Windows 10 advanced repair options?

  To resolve Windows 10 boot problems you can access a few repair options by entering the OS through the back door. Here's how to do it.  Continue Reading

• How can you whitelist apps and fight ransomware with Windows 10 AppLocker?

  With application whitelisting, admins can create a list of approved apps users can work with. This way, users cannot accidentally open an app containing ransomware.  Continue Reading

• How does Windows AppLocker work?

  Windows AppLocker lets you use rules to whitelist or block applications based on attributes such as publisher or path, but it's not a comprehensive application control tool.  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

• 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

• 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 do I fix a frozen or locked application?

  Apps can freeze or lock up for a variety of reasons, including bad memory, operating system issues, update problems and more.  Continue Reading

• What are Microsoft Windows 10 update rings?

  Microsoft's Insider Program lets members choose from two different update rings -- a fast and a slow speed -- to get OS updates on their Windows 10 machines.  Continue Reading

• How do I create a standard Windows 10 Start menu for all users?

  Users can customize the Windows 10 Start menu, but you might not want them to for business reasons. Luckily, there's a way you can make it so all workers use the same Start menu configuration.  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

• Can I change the info in the Windows 10 Action Center?

  Users can change what types of notifications they receive in the Windows 10 Action Center by accessing their system settings  Continue Reading

• Can I customize the Windows 10 Start menu?

  In Windows 10 there are four options you can use to turn off different features of the Start menu and customize it to your liking.  Continue Reading

• What is the best way to transition from Windows XP to Windows 10?

  If you're still on Windows XP, there's really only one Microsoft-supported way you can move from XP to Windows 10.  Continue Reading

• What is Cortana and how does it benefit my users?

  Microsoft integrated Cortana in its Windows 10 operating system. It's capable of carrying out complex search requests and it can help enterprise users navigate their desktops.  Continue Reading

• What is the multiple desktop feature in Windows 10?

  The Windows 10 multiple desktop features gives workers the feel of using multiple monitors on the same screen, which can increase productivity for users that keep many windows open at once.  Continue Reading

• Is Windows 10 really the last version of Windows?

  Microsoft has said that Windows 10 is the last version of Windows, and that's sort of true. Rather than releasing Windows 11 in years to come, the company will deploy perpetual updates to Windows 10.  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

• Can you provision desktop apps with Windows To Go?

  It's OK to install desktops applications on a Windows To Go image, as long as they're small enough to fit on the USB drive and can run locally.  Continue Reading

• What are my options for configuring Windows 8 startup?

  The System Configuration tool features four tabs of options you can use to configure Windows 8 startup.  Continue Reading

• What are some common Office 2013 problems?

  Office 2013 problems can stem from an incomplete install, or your particular version or settings. Luckily, there are simple fixes for most issues.  Continue Reading

• How do I open an .xpx file in Office 2002 SP3?

  An .xpx file can cause problems for Office 2002 SP3 users, but Microsoft does provide help in Windows 7 and with a free XPS viewer.  Continue Reading

• Why doesn't closing a file return me to Microsoft Windows Explorer?

  If you open a Windows document in Windows Explorer rather than in the Microsoft Word interface, closing it launches File Explorer. The file hasn't moved.  Continue Reading

• What are some alternatives to Windows Defender?

  Windows Defender is useful for Windows 8 security, but it can't keep up with malicious software alone. Several third-party products can help.  Continue Reading

• How does Windows 8.1 support affect Active Directory?

  Windows 8.1 support for endpoint security includes Open MDM and biometrics, but removing Remote Server Administration Tools can affect Active Directory.  Continue Reading

• What Web application monitoring tools exist for desktops?

  Microsoft Intune and other mobile device management tools are also useful for desktop management from the cloud and Web application monitoring.  Continue Reading

• Untangling the Gordian knot of the Windows boot process

  An infinite reboot loop is a common issue with the Windows boot process. Start up in Windows Safe Mode to diagnose device driver or hardware problems.  Continue Reading

• 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

• What are the concerns around the Windows 7 end of life?

  As the Windows 7 end of life arrives, IT admins must find extended support for the OS. Microsoft provides some help, but it won't always be free.  Continue Reading

• How do I remove admin restrictions from Windows 7 laptops?

  To relax the usual restrictions on Windows 7 laptops, use the Windows administrator account, but remember to record your password.  Continue Reading

• How to allow multiple users to share an Excel workbook

  Public folders allow users to share an Excel workbook, but OneDrive and Windows 8.1 HomeGroups might be better.  Continue Reading

• Before you clone HDD to SSD, know the benefits and danger to data

  Which type of drive is better: hard disk drive or solid-state drive? HDD to SSD cloning can ease data access, but SSDs aren't without risks to data.  Continue Reading

• Can I plug a USB drive into a phone with a micro-USB connector?

  This week, our expert answers a question on how to connect a phone or tablet to a USB drive with a micro-USB connector.  Continue Reading

• Ways to detect and delete duplicate files in Windows systems

  Our enterprise desktop expert answers a question about some third-party tools for eliminating duplicate files in Windows desktops.  Continue Reading

• Can I delete certificates from the CA?

  Learn how you can manage Microsoft security certificates and improve Internet Information Services (IIS) security.  Continue Reading

• How to use GPOs to deny folder permissions

  You can use a Group Policy Object (GPO) to deny folder permissions in Windows. Find out how to manage folder permissions with GPOs with this advice from Kevin Beaver.  Continue Reading

• Prevent copying files from shared folders to remote computers

  It's a tricky issue -- how to stop users from copying files from shared folders. Learn how to manage a user's file and folder copying rights with this advice from Windows security expert Kevin Beaver.  Continue Reading

• Restricting user permissions in folders

  If you have a question about managing the permissions of a folder in your domain, this advice from Jonathan Hassell tells you how to set those permissions and prevent users from deleting that folder.  Continue Reading

• Making a Windows folder read-only

  Windows hardening expert Jonathan Hassell explains how to make a Windows folder that multiple users share read-only.  Continue Reading

• How can I set up a BIOS password on my PC?

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