What to do with PCs that are Not Windows 11 compatible?
Window 10 is expiring. The hardware you have on those devices may be very good so what options do you have to continue to use the HARDWARE?
Staying with Windows 10 past October 2025
With less than 26 months to the end of life for Windows 10, many organizations are now looking into their plans to upgrade to Windows 11.
Deploy Same Windows Image to Multiple PCs
This blog post is not about deploying the OS using traditional management systems but instead it is about rapidly deploying the same image to many machines. This might be useful in deployments in school scenarios or call centers where every device is configured the same way and there is no user or configuration data to…
Enabling Remote Assist with Intune
As more and more customers move to modern device management and modern provisioning the question becomes how to can organizations support their remote workers. Also many organizations are paying 3rd party companies to provide tools to enable this across the board when you are able to do it with Microsoft native tools! Remote help is…
Restrict Saving Files To Local Drives
A good question popped this week in my email. How do I prevent users from saving files to local drives, while still allow them to save to OneDrive folders? I think a lot of organizations would like ( or are doing it already) to do this, but the answer may have some complexity to it…
Windows 365 Cloud PC
On June 24, 2021 Microsoft announced WIndows 11. Last week during their Partner conference, Ignite, Microsoft announced Windows 365. It will be launched on August 2, 2021. Securely stream your Windows experience—including your personalized apps, content, and settings—from the Microsoft cloud to any device with your Windows 365 Cloud PC. Windows 365 is a cloud…
The Road to the next Windows version
I think it is fair to say that this is very – VERY – different than any other Windows OS launch than in the past. Microsoft has kept a very tight lip on what the announcements contain, and details (or leaks) have not surfaced yet.
BIOS Device Driver Updates with MDM
BIOS and driver updates are a very big challenge facing many organizations today. In fact, so many of them do not patch anything after initial deployment, and only if the device fails, they think of applying patches. This has never been a best practice, but with the introduction of Windows 10 and Windows as a…
Windows Autopilot after Hardware Failure
A couple of questions I often get are: How to get the Windows 10 image on to the device after a hard disk failure Will Windows Autopilot work after replacing the motherboard The those new to modern device management this is a concept that requires a mind-shift as with traditional methodology you reimage the device…
Microsoft Cloud PC coming soon?
Device as a Service (DaaS), PC as a Service (PCaaS), virtual desktop as a service and cloud-based desktops are not new to the industry. Now a potential service in this realm to be provided by Microsoft as part of their Microsoft 365 service offerings.
Windows Insiders: New Channels
Microsoft is transitioning Windows Insider Program from the existing frequency-based RING model to a channel model aligning to the Office release model to focus on quality .
Windows Autopilot is not only for Intune
Windows Autopilot does not imply customer must use Microsoft Intune.
Window Autopilot is independent of the Modern Device Management tool used by the organization.
Windows 10 version 2004 Released
Windows 10 version 2004 was released to the public on May 27, 2020.
Windows 10X: A new Windows Version
There is a new version of Windows 10 brewing in the distance. But are we really talking about a new version of Windows 10?
Script to Remove Bloatware from Windows 10
Following up from my previous post Windows 10 Generic Image / No Bloatware I would like to share a great open source script it was pointed to me which removes all “unnecessary” programs out of Windows 10 fresh install provided by Sycnex called Windows 10 Debloater The script gets updated by the gitHub community, but…
The Next 46 Billion Devices
This week Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella provided a rare glimpse at what they are focusing on as it relates to device management: A Strategy to manage and service 46 billion endpoints (devices including IoT sensors): The way I look at it is Windows is the billion user install base of ours. We continue to add…
WaaS Security / Compliance Risks
Organizations need to stay up-to-date in their Windows 10 OS patching otherwise they introduce a lot of security risk and likely compliance governance issues.
Script to get OS version
I am surprised by the number of organizations still managing their many devices without a system management tool. It may not be the most efficient way, but over the years they have developed processes and procedures to manually (or semi-manually) keep up the environment running. With the introduction of Windows 10 these manual processes have…
Windows 7 Beyond The Deadline
With less than 35 working days to the end of support for Windows 7, which means that no more updates or fixes, including security fixes after that date. Many organizations are realizing they will not be able to fully migrate to Windows 10 before January 14, 2020. Perhaps you are one of them, so now…
Windows 10 v1909 Released
Windows 10 v1909 was released November 12, 2019. This released carries an 18 month lifecycle for Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations editions and a 30 month support lifecycle for for Enterprise and Education editions. Accordingly, Microsoft has update their Windows lifecycle fact sheet page to show the new version end-of service dates…
Keeping up with Windows 10
As of this writing, there has been 9 versions of Windows 10 since its release in 2015 and many of them are no longer supported and therefore not receiving patches and updates. It is extremely important to keep Windows 10 up to date. It is a matter of security, risk management and compliance. Background &…
Windows Autopilot Deployment Workflows
Two posters that clearly describe the Windows Autopilot process based on New Device and Existing Device scenarios. Full versions can be found at: Window Autopilot Process (New Devices) Windows Autopilot Process ( Exsiting devices with SCCM) I am very happy to see these published by Microsoft! .,]]Thank you Autopilot team! They were much needed.
Temporary Local Admin Rights
How to grant users temporary Local Admin Rights to their devices in an environment where they do not have it.
Window 10 v1803 Ending
Most versions of Windows 10 v1803 will end-of-life on November 12, 2019. Microsoft plans to update automatically those computers to v1903.
Windows Activation Evolution
As organizations deploy Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Enterprise with Modern Device Management the processes for activating Windows 10 are changing, and new options are available. Most of us are familiar with the traditional product key registration for Windows devices. For businesses (large and small) the common activation scenarios for activation have included: OEM…
Gathering Existing Devices Windows Autopilot Device IDs
Update 8/1/2020: Microsoft has updated their official blog post a number of times since this post to include automated ways from Intune and ConfigManager. We have published a number of posts about what Windows Autopilot is and how to setup and test. Now that so many organizations have taken note of Modern Device Management advantages…
Windows 10 Refreshing the OS – Operational Processes
Refreshing a device between users is much easier with Windows 10 but which is the best way?
MDM in Windows 10 (circa Nov 2015)
This is a Microsoft slide which goes back to November 2015 I think it should be revived, as it really speaks about all elements of Modern Device Management and Modern PC Lifecycle Management
Microsoft tools manage 175M endpoints
Microsoft has an massive platform where it collect information, analyzes it and learns from it resulting in the bases for improvement of security and management which is one of the core benefits from modern device management.
Windows 10 is 4 years Old
Windows 10 was released (general availability) on June 29, 2015, four years ago!
Updating Windows 10 Edition with Autopilot / Intune
As opposed to previous versions of the Microsoft Operating System, where each edition came as a separate ISO, there is only one package for the latest Windows 10 OS that can be “unlocked” when activated to have the edition you need. (there are some restrictions/requirements based on licensing) One of the most common…
Windows Autopilot White Glove Details Announced..
What is Windows Autopilot white glove? The new Windows Autopilot white glove process, which lets IT technicians, partners, and even OEMs pre-provision devices before they are delivered to the user. Using this process, all device configuration tasks, including apps (machine-targeted or user-targeted), certificates, and policies, can be completed in advance, making it so that when…
Windows 7 ESU Explained April 2019 Update
Today is April 8, 2019, and with 280 calendar days ( less than 195 working days) away from the Windows 7 End of Support deadline, many organizations are realizing that they need a strategy in place for those devices that, for whatever the reason is, are not going to make the cut to Windows 10.
Semi-Annual Channel(SAC) Targeted release will be retired
Yep – you heard correctly! No more Semi-Annual Channel Targeted (aka CB) or Semi-Annual Channel Broad (aka CBB) releases! Although this is not a new topic (John Wilcox gave us a heads up back in May 2018) the Semi-Annual Channel(SAC) Targeted release (formerly known as CB or Current Branch) will be fully retired after…
Window 10 Pro vs Enterprise
One of the most common questions I am asked during Small-Medium Business (SMB) customer calls is why should I move from Windows 10 Pro to Enterprise. The simple (but not complete) answer is: The primary reason is because of the security features included in Enterprise. Baseline functionality for both versions include:
Windows 10 LTSC Pros / Cons
UPDATE February 2021: Microsoft announced that the next version of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC will be released in the second half of this calendar year (2H21) and will carry a 5-year support lifecycle, instead of the 10-year lifecycle supported with previous version. Full Microsoft announcement post here. Now that Windows 7 is less than a year…
How to Try Windows Autopilot
As I go around customers talking about Modern Provisioning, a common questions during the session is: What do I need to give Windows Autopilot a try? How do I test it? What are the requirements? How do I get started? You can take Windows Autopilot for a test drive with little effort and no need…
Managing Windows 10 Updates
Many businesses (especially large ones) have been using Windows Server Update Service (WSUS) with Software Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) or similar system to manage Windows updates to the end-point devices for a very long time. However many do not have a formalized process to update the O/S on their devices. For the past 3 years…
Launching a New Blog: ModernEUC.com
In my work I have a lot of conversations and do a lot presentations om the topic of Workspace Transformation, Modern Provisioning and Modern Device management. There is so much change in this field right now, that it is challenging for most enterprises. I have written a lot of articles on the impact…
Windows 10 v1809 re-released
After a long wait, Microsoft has started once again to roll out Windows 10 v1809 (October 2018 Update) starting November 13. Originally released on Oct 2, 2018, Microsoft paused the roll out after issues were reported and confirmed a week later (October 9) Software is available via the Software Download Center (via Update Assistant or the…
Windows 10 Migration: It’s All About the Apps
Great article by my colleague at Dell EMC, Colin Sainsbury on Application Testing and Management in a Windows 10 world. Preparing applications for migration is a multi-faceted challenge and with the introduction of Windows as a Service, it needs to be revisited for each Windows 10 version upgrade. The stages required to complete one…
Microsoft Managed Desktop Service
Today Microsoft officially announced a new service: Microsoft Managed Desktop or MMD. Although it was known Microsoft was working on this, no official word or announcement has been published until now. We believe that MMD will be an option that allows organizations to fundamentally shift how they think about and manage their IT. Through MMD,…
Windows 7 Extended Support Update Packages Pricing
Just a few of days ago (Sep 6, 2018) Microsoft announced Windows 7 Extended Support Upgrade (ESU) where businesses can now pay to extend Windows 7 Security Updates Beyond January 14, 2020. (See summary of announcement here ) Although pricing was not revealed, the blog post announcement, authored by Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President for…
Microsoft announcement: WaaS and Windows 7
There was a very significant announcement that was made public today. Summary of announcement: Longer Windows 10 servicing for enterprises and educational institutions moving from 18 month cycle to a 30 month cycle. (per version) Windows 7 Extended Security Updates: Microsoft will offer paid Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) through January 2023. Not sure…
Microsoft announcement: WaaS and Windows 7
Update: Windows 7 Extended Support Update Packages Pricing There was a very significant announcement that was made public today. Summary of announcement:
Microsoft 365 Version Comparison
What is the pricing and the differences between the different versions of Microsoft 365.
InfoBits – Windows 10 News You Can use Aug 2018
onth – or so, I try to find a short list on Windows 10 related topics which would be of interest to you and specially your customers. Please feel free to share below items with your peers and customers! Windows 10 represent a great opportunity to change the way customers deploy and manage devices, however…
Microsoft Platform: Workspace Transformation
Workspace transformation is gaining lot of momentum at the moment. At its core, it is about letting users access data and applications securely anywhere anytime. Enabling users to quickly provision their devices is only part of the story. Request applications so they can quickly securely access the data without the large bureaucracy associated with IT…
Microsoft Platform: Workspace Transformation
Workspace transformation is gaining lot of momentum at the moment. At its core, it is about letting users access data and applications securely anywhere anytime. Enabling users to quickly provision their devices is only part of the story. Request applications so they can quickly securely access the data without the large bureaucracy associated with IT…
Windows 10 and Application Modernization: MSIX Format
Lots of change in the EUC space these days! — The reason for this blog is a specific question I received : Customer is looking for application modernization services. They would like their .exe apps converted to be able to work in the Windows Store for Business as a part of their AutoPilot/Intune project. Short…
Windows 10 and Application Modernization: MSIX Format
Lots of change in the EUC space these days! — The reason for this blog is a specific question I received : Customer is looking for application modernization services. They would like their .exe apps converted to be able to work in the Windows Store for Business as a part of their AutoPilot/Intune project. Short…
Getting to Windows 10: Take the Blue Pill or the Red Pill
I always start my Windows 10 conversations with the statement: There are two parts to any Windows 10 project: Getting to Windows 10. Maintaining Windows 10 This article is all about “Getting to Windows 10”. All of us have been to customers that have not yet officially started their Windows 10 projects or they are…
InfoBits: Windows 10 News You can Use June 2018
Windows 7 End of Extended Support date: January 14, 2020 : Days Remaining to migrate your PC fleet: Total Calendar Days: 569 / Business Days: <395 Call to Action: Ask your customers: How are you doing with your Windows 10 adoption ? Will you be fully migrated by the end of 2019? Effectively it is less than 18…
InfoBits – Windows 10 News You Can Use May 2018
h – or so, I try to find a short list on Windows 10 related topics which would be of interest to you and specially your customers. Please feel free to share below items with your peers and customers! Windows 10 represent a great opportunity to change the way customers deploy and manage devices, however…
Windows 10 Generic Image / No Bloatware
With the popularity of Modern Device Provisioning using Windows Autopilot or AirWatch, using a “Generic Image” (Microsoft OS without OEM added-value software added) as the baseline OS is a very common practice. I have been asked multiple times if a generic image (ISO from Microsoft) contains any bloatware. – The short answer is NO. It…
Windows Autopilot – Basics
Many people ping me on a weekly basis wanting to know what Microsoft’s Windows Autopilot is and understand what it means or if they can use it right away.. Microsoft and other vendors are marketing as the new zero-touch deployment experience. This is what I tell them: Windows Autopilot is a process not a technology….
InfoBits – Win10 News you can use Nov 2017
Every month, I try to find a short list on Windows 10 related topics which would be of interest to you and specially your customers. Please feel free to share below items with your peers and customers! Windows 10 represent a great opportunity to change the way customers deploy and manage devices, however it also…
Windows 10 InfoBits for October 2017
Below you will find a short summary list on Windows 10 related topics which I have found interesting. I do share these with my peers and customers.. Enjoy! Windows 10 represent a great opportunity to change the way customers deploy and manage devices, however it also represents a big challenge for many customer. As…
Windows 10 InfoBits for September 2017
Below you will find a short summary list on Windows 10 related topics which I have found interesting. I do share these with my peers and customers.. Enjoy! As we visit customers, there are still a lot of them deploying Windows 10 without understanding of its capabilities or new Windows as a Service (WaaS)…
Windows 10 Short Videos
Windows 10 is about just about 2 years old ( 1507 Threadstone 1 was released on July 29, 2015) , and even though it was short of the 1 billion devices originally targeted by this time, the ~500 million or so is a tremendous achievement. It has been the fastest Microsoft OS adoption in history. …
Deploying Windows 10 within your Business Video Series
Windows 10 is about just about 2 years old ( 1507 Threadstone 1 was released on July 29, 2015) , and even though it was short of the 1 billion devices originally targeted by this time, the ~500 million or so is a tremendous achievement. It has been the fastest Microsoft OS adoption in history….
Deploying Windows 10 within your Business Video Series
Windows 10 is about just about 2 years old ( 1507 Threadstone 1 was released on July 29, 2015) , and even though it was short of the 1 billion devices originally targeted by this time, the ~500 million or so is a tremendous achievement. It has been the fastest Microsoft OS adoption in history….
Windows 10 v1507 – End of Life
Now it becomes real! When Discussing the continuous update model of Windows as a Service, one of the first questions that comes out is: What would be the impact of not keeping up with Windows-as-a-Services updates? Although it has been stated by Microsoft a number of time, we now have a clear written statement from…
Windows 10 v1507 – End of Life
Now it becomes real! When Discussing the continuous update model of Windows as a Service, one of the first questions that comes out is: What would be the impact of not keeping up with Windows-as-a-Services updates? Although it has been stated by Microsoft a number of time, we now have a clear written statement from…
Tech Summit 2017: Windows 10 Deployment Whats New Video
If you have not seen the latest Microsoft Tech Summit video from Michael Niehaus you are missing a lot ! Enhance Windows 10 deployment: What’s new with Windows 10 deployment? It is a wealth of information on current releases but also lots of insights as well! Aside from answering audience calls, he talked about a…
Windows Autopilot Basics
Many people ping me on a weekly basis wanting to know what Microsoft’s Windows AutoPilot is and understand what it means or if they can use it right away.. Microsoft and other vendors are marketing as the new zero-touch deployment experience. This is what I tell them:
Application Compatibility Testing with Windows 10 and Windows-as-a-Service
Summary: Microsoft’s Windows 10 new delivery and update cycles will drive significant change in the current enterprise application compatibility testing and verification operational processes. These processes will need to be done on an ongoing basis as opposed to being done prior to large OS migration projects. Enterprises will need to quickly adjust to this new…
Windows 10 Telemetry Talk…
I am constantly asked by customers about the Microsoft Telemetry and what it collects – Privacy is a big topic everywhere, and data-driven design (think Tesla!) can be difficult to explain… This short segment video interview with Ed Bott explains the 4 types / layers of Telemetry: Video: Telemetry explained: Interview with Ed Bott Additional…
In-Place UEFI Conversion coming Window 10
Looks like the next version of Windows 10, dubbed Creator Update – will include a Legacy BIOS to UEIF in-place migration tool. This is very good news for enterprises out there, as it was a difficult hurdle to overcome. The Creators Update will also include a feature to help organizations that are replacing Windows…
Microsoft Ignite 2016 – Win10 / EMS Sessions
I have extracted a list of the Windows 10 / EMS and related sessions with links to the respective videos online. Once again – THANK YOU Microsoft for publishing these to the folks that could not make t it the Microsoft Ignite 2016 (Atlanta) conference. If you have one that I may have missed, please…
The Value Proposition of a Platform: Microsoft Win10/Office365/EM+S
[ Update 20161004: I encourage you to watch Brad Anderson’s keynote session at Microsoft Ignite 2016 – Simply IMPRESSIVE! ] As I have written before, technology management has made an incredible shift over the past few years (maybe the last 3-5 years). Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service are now the common conversations in most…
Resetting Windows 10
Tonight, I decided to “Reset Windows 10” I have been using Windows 10 for a long time now… I am part of the Windows 10 Insiders Build, but only on my “test-everyday use” device… For my Win7 to Win10 upgrade, I had chosen to go through the”normal” update process for all of my production…
Windows 10 Patch Information is Back
It is good to see that after listening to the feedback coming back from their enterprise customers, Microsoft is reconsidering the publishing of what is included in each of the patches. In and early report Microsoft said that it would not provide detailed information about most Windows 10 patches. That plan did not sit well with IT managers…
Windows 10 Hickups 1
For the most part I love Windows 10… However, I have noticed that it not always behaves “as expected”… One notable example that annoys the heck out of me right now, is that when I enable the “Hey Cortana” voice feature on my desktop, I loose the capability of clicking Start, and start typing what…
Windows 10 Timelines..
AS a follow-up to my Windows 7 End of Mainstream Support posting, several questions came in regarding the Windows 10 availability dates… ( This is based on multiple publicly available news stories and sources.. ) Regarding Windows 10 availability: September 2014 — Windows Technical Preview (WTP) for laptops and desktops Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program opened…