Windows 10 – Revised End of Service Date for Windows 10 Version 1809

Summary:

Microsoft extends End of Service date for Windows 10 Version 1809

Comments:

• Microsoft announced on April 14, 2020 that the ‘End-of-Service’ date for Windows 10 1809 has been extended to November 10, 2020 instead of expiring on May 12, 2020
• The extension adds another six(6) months of support for receiving security updates
• The extension applies to the following editions of Windows 10 1809
  • Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations
• Security updates will continue to be available through the same channels
  • Windows Update, Microsoft Catalog and Windows Server Update services
• This End-of-Service revision also places a temporary pausing of Microsoft initiated feature upgrades from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a later Windows 10 Version(e.g. 1903, 1909)

Additional Information:

• Microsoft Articles:
  • Revised end of service date for Windows 10, version 1809: November 10, 2020
  • Windows 10 Lifecycle Fact Sheet
  • Lifecycle changes to end of support and servicing dates

Revisions:

Apr 15 2020:  Initial Draft and Original  Publish Date

Apr 18 2020:  Added 2nd and 3rd items in the Additional Information section.

Windows 10 – Shutdown Problem Caused by Adobe Creative Cloud Update

Summary:

Windows 10 devices are not able to shutdown Windows 10 while logged on to Windows 10

Comments:

• End-users are not able to shutdown Windows 10 devices when logged onto Windows 10
  • The Windows 10 device shutdown problem appears to be associated to a recent February 2020 Adobe CC(Creative Cloud) Update.
    • The presence of the Adobe CC update when attempting to shutdown Windows 10 when logged on to Windows 10 yields an error:
      • "Restart – You don’t have permission to shut down and restart this computer"
• End-Users must first logoff Windows 10 and use the shutdown option provided on the Windows 10 logon screen
  • Optionally end-users who have the Adobe update installed and the inability to shutdown Windows 10 may have to Stop and Disable related Adobe services(Adobe Genuine Monitor, Adobe Genuine Software Integrity, and Adobe Update services) on their Windows 10 devices in Windows 10’s Services
• Editor Note(Mar 15) 2020): Compliments to a BLEEPINGCOMPUTER article for aiding me to track down this issue and  provide a workaround for a Windows 10 Pro SB(small business specializing in Graphic Design using Adobe CC) end-user experiencing this problem.
• Editor Note(Mar 15 2020): Adobe has pulled /rolled-back the update causing the problem and will resolve it with a future update

How To:

• If experience this problem – two workarounds are suggested:
  • Logoff Windows 10 and use the ‘Shutdown Option’ on the Windows 10 logon screen
  • Stop and disable three(3) Adobe services(Genuine Monitor, Adobe Genuine Software Integrity, and Adobe Update) in Windows 10 services
    • Windows key +R > type services.msc > OK > scroll to and ‘Stop’ and ‘Disable each of the above noted Adobe services.

Additional Information:

• BLEEPINGCOMPUTER article
  • Windows 10 Users Affected by New Shutdown Bug, How to Fix

Revisions:

Feb 27 2020: Initial Draft Date

Mar 3 2020: Original Publish Date

Mar 4 2020: Added ‘Editor Notes’ in the Comments; added Additional Information section

Windows 10 – Known Issues for Windows 10 Versions

Summary:

How and where to find Known Issues and their current status for Windows 10 versions

Comments:

• Known Issues and their current status for each Windows 10 version is available from Microsoft
• Known Issues and their current status for each Windows 10 version is included as additional information for Windows 10 Release Information
• Each released Windows 10 version has its own dedicated itemized list of:
  • Known Issues
  • Resolved Issues
• Each released Windows 10 version Known Issues list is broken down by:
  • Known Issues by Originating update, Status, and latest status date in table form
    • Originating Update is the Windows update involved that is causing or related to or reported to and/or validated as the cause and appearance the issue(i.e. wide scope of  actual or possible reasons)
  • Details of the known issue – supplemental information on each issue
  • Issue status by month – chronological history
• Each released Windows 10 version Resolved Issues list is broken down by:
  • Resolved Issue by Originating update, Status, Date resolved
  • Details of the resolved issue – supplemental information on each issue
  • Issue status by month – chronological history
• All the above information is available on Microsoft’s web site
  • https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-information/

 

How To:

1. Open a browser and navigate to the Microsoft web site -  Windows 10 Release Information
2. Look on the left hand side to see a list of all released Windows 10 versions
3. Click on any Windows 10 version(e.g. 1909, 1903, etc.) to expand the version specific additional categories(‘Known issues and notifications’ or ‘Resolved issues'(see below graphic)
4. Click on the ‘Known Issues and notifications’ or ‘Resolved Issues’ categories for additional information viewable on the web page

   5.  Available information and content, as expected, is dynamic and updated when necessary

  

Revisions:

Feb  1 2020: Initial and Final Draft Date

Feb  2 2020: Original Publish Date

Feb 14 2020:  Added Resolved Issues section in Comments, corrected typo(Thanks Erin – HVD!)

Network Computers No Longer Present in File Explorer on Windows 10 Version 1909

Summary:

How to enable/re-enable network computer appearance and access in File Explorer on Windows 10 Version 1909

Comments:

1. This blog article provides the an overview of how to ensure connectivity, functionality, visibility and view-ability across across all networked devices/computers in Windows 10 Version 1909’s File Explorer’s Navigation pane ‘Network’ folder by configuring specific Windows 10 ‘Services when using standard and acceptable network sharing methods in Windows 10. (Editor Note: This article is also applicable to earlier versions of Windows 10 e.g. 1903, 1809, 1803, etc.)
2. Changes made by Microsoft Updates(Feature or Monthly Cumulative or Optional or Out-of-Band) may prevent an end-users ability to view and access shared devices(computers) in File Explorer’s Navigation Pane ‘Network’ folder option.
3. This article assumes that Windows 10 is already configured for standard network sharing. If not, see the section immediately below titled ‘Basic Guidelines for Standard Network Sharing’. If already configured for standard network sharing skip to the ‘How To’ section for configuring Windows 10 Services.

 

Guidelines for Standard Network Sharing:

• All devices should have the exact same/common Windows logon user profiles. As an example if John has two devices(of any type – desktop and tablet or two desktops…) then John should configure each device with exact same Windows logon profile using the exact same username and password(The Windows logon profile can be a Microsoft Account or a Local Account).
  • • • The same commonality would also apply in more than one user per device across those same two or more devices (e.g. John and Mary Windows logon profiles with same username/password on each device)
• Change the Workgroup name on each device from the Windows default name ‘Workgroup’ to a name of your choice(Editor note: This is optional, but since everyone on the planet for at least the last three decades knows the default Windows workgroup name, imo it’s always a good idea to personalize it with your own workgroup name.  Also consider, for ease of use, change/personalize the device’s Computer Name to something that makes sense to you(Many pre-built OEM devices prename the device using an unrecognizable/cryptic name or the purchase order number or model number or an odd unrecognizable alphanumeric name)
• Configure Network Discovery Sharing profiles identically in each and every Windows logon profile on each and every device.
  • • Network Discovery has three separate network sharing profiles(Private, Guest or Public and All network)
      • Private => Network Discovery(On), Automatic Setup(On), File and Printer Sharing(On)
      • Guest or Public => Network Discovery(Off), File and Printer Sharing(Off) – If needed for some specific reason, it can be turned on but for most home networking ‘Off’ is recommended.
      • All Network => Public folder sharing(On), 128 bit encryption(On), Password Protected Sharing(On)
        • • Note: In a home networking situation, if the current network sharing profile is shown as ‘Public’ then file and printer sharing is not possible. Changing the network sharing profile to ‘Private’ can be accomplished via Windows 10 Settings for your type of connection(Ethernet or WIFI; if using both, change both to Private)
            • • • • ==>  Settings/Network & Internet/Status/Change connection Properties
• Create and share a designated folder on each device in each windows profile in addition to the Windows 10 provided ‘Public folders’ for sharing and accessing. Creating and sharing your own designated folder on each device provides a common, unique and additional location for saving and copying files across networked devices.  Other user profiles specific folders that might be considered for sharing(e.g. Documents, Downloads, Pictures). 
• Configure your router to assign the same(Static) IP address to each device on the network
• Create and configure a Windows Credential with each device’s ‘computername’ in each Windows logon profile with the same identical Windows logon profile(username and password)
• Editor Note: Some application software and hardware(e.g. Printers, Scanners, Routers, etc.) may still be using an older and deprecated file sharing protocol called SMBv1. SMBv1 was deprecated for security reasons related to Ransomware malware which spread using vulnerability in the SMBv1 protocol.  Windows 10 provides support for SMBv2 and SMBv3 – the current, secure and safer protocols, but in some cases SMBv1 is still necessary(even though not recommended) for some software/hardware.  Unless absolutely necessary SMBv1 should be disabled in Windows features.
  • • • • Microsoft maintains web page on software and hardware still using SMBv1 and can be found using the following url  => SMB1 Product Clearinghouse

 

How To:

• Configuring Windows Services

The steps to re-enable the ability to view and access shared devices/computers are shown below and requires changing Windows 10 Services settings items called ‘Function Discovery Resource Publication’ ‘Function Discovery Provider Host’, SSDP and UnPnP to Automatic and Starting the service (Note The last two SSDP and UnPnP_are optional but on many devices enabling these two additional Services can be a benefit)

• • Access the Windows 10 Run dialog box via the Start Menu/Windows System/Run option or by pressing the Win + R keys on the keyboard.   Note: One can skip Step 1 and 2 and proceed to Step 3 if accessing the Services settings via search(Click/Tap the Windows Start Menu icon and enter ‘Services’  then click or tap on Services(Desktop app)
  • If using the Run dialog box – enter services.msc in the Run dialog box then press Return to load the Services dialog box window
  • Scroll down in the Services window and select and double click/tap on ‘Function Discovery Resource Publication’ item(aka ‘FDResPub’ the service name assigned by Windows) to access the service’s properties
  • Change the ‘Startup type’ field entry from ‘Manual’ to ‘Automatic’ or ‘Automatic Delayed Start’
  • In the same properties dialog box ‘Service status’ section click on Start (to start the FDResPub service) – see pic below (If the service is already started skip this step).  A picture/graphic is shown below  of  the service being enabled and started.
  • Once the ‘Service status’ indicator shows ‘Running’ Click ‘OK’ to close the Properties dialog box
  • Repeat Step 3 through 6 for the other services – ‘Function Discovery Provider Host’, SSDP and ‘UnPnP’    (See Footnote [A])
  • Close the Services window.  Close all open windows and Restart the device.  

 

Footnote:  [A]

• Other articles on the internet suggest  Removing shared locations(e.g. C:\Users) and re-adding shared locations;  or other more under-the hood measures such as editing the Windows ‘hosts’ file and adding each respective IP addresses for each shared device on the network in the ‘hosts’ file.
  • • Editor Notes:
      • Removing shared locations(folder) and re-adding may help in certain cases
      • Sharing the entire C:\Users folder is not recommended since many subfolders in C:/Users are by design intent classified by Windows as ‘Hidden files and folders’ an solely unique to the Windows 10 logged on user
      • Likewise, adding assigned router ip addresses for each device in the Windows ‘hosts’ file may be another wasted effort. 
        • In general =>  It’s a good idea to avoid tampering with settings and/or files that are not necessary.

 

Revisions:

Jan 10, 2020: Initial Draft

Jan 15 2020: Original Publish Date

 

Windows 10 – How to Add New User Accounts

Summary:

How to add new user accounts for logging on to a device using Windows 10

Comments:

• Adding another Windows 10 logon account(Microsoft account and/or Local Account) is one of questions I am routinely asked about for Windows 10.
  • There a plenty of articles searchable on the internet on this exact same topic. This article was written with the intent to make the process better understood, provide more detailed and additional information and provide pictures with added comments to guide and show exactly what to expect/click/select throughout the entire ‘add account’ process. 
• Applies to Windows 10 devices(desktop pc, laptop, tablet, and combination laptop/tablet)
• Applies to using Windows 10 included options and only for adding ‘Other Users’ and allows them to logon/sign-in to Windows 10 with their own accounts
  • Note: This blog article is not intended for and does not apply to using the Windows 10’s optional method for ‘Adding a Family member(s)’ which is primarily a way for one person to manage and monitor how other members(significant others, parents, children, etc.) use their Microsoft accounts(i.e. Do not use the ‘Family’ option to ‘Add a family member’)
• The terms ‘Adding’ or ‘Creating’ an account are interchangeable terms for the purpose of this article
• In Windows 10 an existing account with Administrative(Admin) privileges is required to add(create) another account.
  • All accounts added  by an existing account with Admin privileges will always be initially created having a Standard User(i.e. non-Admin account) status
    • Note: Only an admin account can change/modify an existing account status from a Standard to Admin or vice versa
• Two types of Windows logon ‘Other Users’ accounts that can be added in Windows 10 are:
  • Microsoft Account
  • Local Account
  • Editor Note: The ‘How To:’ section( below) provides instructions and pictures for adding both ‘Other users’ account types(Microsoft Account and Local Account)

How To:

• To add an account in Windows 10 – note text underlined, highlighted in blue)
  • Select the Start  button, select Settings > Accounts > select Family and other users
  • Scroll down to Other user  (Note: Do not select ‘Add a family member’)
  • Select ‘Add  someone else to this pc‘

• To add a Microsoft Account – enter its email address in the ‘Email or phone’ field
• To add a Local Account – Select ‘I don’t have this person’s sign in information’

• Adding a Microsoft Account 
  • Note: If adding a Local Account scroll down to the section titled ‘Adding a Local Account’
  • After entering an email address in the ‘Email or phone’ field and pressing ‘Next’:
    • If your email address is already a Microsoft account(the Outlook.com email address shown in the picture is only an example) then a ‘Good to go!’ screen with your Microsoft email address will appear. Clicking ‘Finish’ will complete the ‘add Microsoft account’ process  
      •   The account will be added to ‘Other Users’ in Windows 10 and available for use as a Windows 10 logon. Logging on with the new account will complete the account setup, build the user profile and necessary user folder structure.

• If the entered  email address(e.g. Gmail, Yahoo, Charter, Cox, etc.) is not an existing Microsoft account, Windows 10 will provide a different dialog box informing that the entered address is not a Microsoft account and the option/ability to signup for a new Microsoft account with:
  • the entered email address(next two pictures)  or
  • optionally(as seen in the lower half of the second picture below) another choice to sign up for a new Microsoft account with a new email address with a username of your choice using the @Outlook.com or @Hotmail.com domain(third picture, directly below).

• Whichever route is chosen both will require choosing a password of at least 8 characters to complete the finalization of initial account setup.
  • The account will be added to ‘Other users’ in Windows 10 and available for use as a Windows 10 logon.  Logging on with the new account will complete the account setup, build the user profile and folder structure
• Note: If creating a new Microsoft Account account using @Outlook.com or @Hotmail.com and that username choice is already taken, it will be necessary to choose another name or modify the existing name.
• Adding a Local Account
  • Select in the following order: (next two pictures)
    • ‘I don’t have this person’s sign in information’
    • ‘Add a user without a Microsoft account

• The next steps in creating a Local account requires(next picture) the following:
  • Entering a user name for the Local account(‘Who’s going to use this PC?’)
  • Entering a password and  re-entry of the password for validation and confirmation
  • Selecting 3 different ‘Security questions’ each requiring an answer of your choice((while not recommended by this author since less secure, some might use the same answer for all three! )
  • Clicking ‘Next’ to finalize Local Account creation
    • The account will be added to ‘Other users’ in Windows 10 and available for use as a Windows 10 logon.  Logging on with the new account will complete the account setup, build the user profile and folder structure

Revisions:

Jan  2 2020: Initial Draft Date

Jan  5 2020: Final Draft Date

Jan  6 2020: Original Publish Date

Jan 9 2020: Modified formatting; Added/Revised content for better clarification

Windows 10 – Guidelines for Configuring Devices for Networking and Sharing

Summary:

A step by step guide to configuring Windows 10 devices for networking and sharing

Comments:

• This article is intended for end-users(consumers) of Windows 10 devices desiring to network devices and share folder(s)/files across networked devices
• This article is applicable to Windows 10 Pro and Home Editions
  • The same method/guidelines can be applied to Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 editions and devices
• Networking related topics and configuration covered in this article are:
  • Windows logon
  • Workgroup name
  • Computer name
  • Network Discovery (for file and printer sharing)
  • Shared Folders
  • Use of unique router assigned IP address
  • Windows Credentials
  • Security (SMBv1 File Sharing protocol vulnerability)

How To:

Guidelines for Standard Network Sharing:

• All devices should have the exact same/common Windows logon user profiles. As an example if Britney has two devices(of any type – desktop and laptop or two desktops or two laptops etc.) then Britney should configure each device with the(her) exact same Windows logon profile using the exact same username and password(The Windows logon profile can be a Microsoft Account or a Local Account).
  • The same commonality would also apply in more than one user per device across those same two or more devices (e.g. Britney and Prince Windows logon profiles with same username/password on each device)
• Change the Workgroup name on each device from the Windows default name ‘Workgroup’ to a name of your choice(Editor note: This is optional, but since everyone on the planet for at least the last three decades knows the default Windows workgroup name, imo it’s always a good idea to personalize it with your own workgroup name).  Also consider, for ease of use, change/personalize the device’s Computer Name to something that makes sense to you(Many pre-built OEM devices prename the device using an unrecognizable/cryptic name or the purchase order number or model number or an odd unrecognizable alphanumeric name)
• Configure Network Discovery Sharing profiles identically in each and every Windows logon profile on each and every device.
  • Network Discovery has three separate network sharing profiles(Private, Guest or Public and All network)
    • Private => Network Discovery(On), Automatic Setup(On), File and Printer Sharing(On)
    • Guest or Public => Network Discovery(Off), File and Printer Sharing(Off) – If needed for some specific reason, it can be turned on but for most home networking ‘Off’ is recommended.
    • All Network => Public folder sharing(On), 128 bit encryption(On), Password Protected Sharing(On)
      • Note: In a home networking situation, if the current network sharing profile is shown as ‘Public’ then file and printer sharing is not possible. Changing the network sharing profile to ‘Private’ can be accomplished via Windows 10 Settings for your type of connection(Ethernet or WIFI; if using both, change both to Private)
        • ==>  Settings/Network & Internet/Status/Change connection Properties
• Create and share a designated folder on each device in each windows profile in addition to the Windows 10 provided ‘Public folders’ for sharing and accessing. Creating and sharing your own designated folder on each device provides a common, unique and additional location for saving and copying files across networked devices.  Other user profile specific folders that might be considered for sharing(e.g. Documents, Downloads, Pictures). 
• Configure your router to assign the same(Static) IP address to each device on the network
• Create and configure a Windows Credential with each device’s ‘computername’ in each Windows logon profile with the same common, identical Windows logon profile(username and password)

Editor Note: Some application software and hardware(e.g. Printers, Scanners, Routers, etc.) may still be using an older and deprecated file sharing protocol called SMBv1. SMBv1 was deprecated for security reasons related to Ransomware malware which spread using vulnerability in the SMBv1 protocol.  Windows 10 provides support for SMBv2 and SMBv3 – the current, secure and safer protocols, but in some cases SMBv1 is still necessary(even though not recommended) for some software/hardware.  Unless absolutely necessary SMBv1 should be disabled in Windows features.

• Microsoft maintains web page on application software and hardware that is still using SMBv1 and can be found using the following url:
  • ===>>>  SMB1 Product Clearinghouse

Revisions:

Dec 15 2019: Initial Draft Date

Dec 24 2019: Original Publish Date (Merry Christmas)

Feb 22 2020: Added Comments section; Corrected/changed formatting

Windows 10 – Avast AVG Compatibility Issues

Summary:

Compatibility Issues with some earlier versions of Avast and AVG anti-virus editions affecting Windows 10

 Comments:

• Microsoft and Avast have identified problems with using earlier/outdated versions of Avast and AVG anti-virus software on Windows 10 Versions 1909 and 1903
• These compatibility issues prevent upgrading Windows 10 from an earlier version to later Windows 10 versions – 1903(May 2019 Update) and 1909(November 2019 Update)
  • Note: The inability to upgrade impacts upgrading via Windows Update, the Media Creation Tool created media, and the online Upgrade Now methods
• The compatibility issues surfaced in late November 2019
• Avast and AVG versions 19.5 and lower are no longer compatible with Windows 10
• Devices with installed versions of Avast or AVG 19.5 or lower will not be offered or capable to upgrade to Windows 10 1909 or Windows 10 1903
• End users of Avast and AVG products should/need to download and install an updated version of their Avast or AVG application – Editor Note: Preferably the latest available version
• End users of Avast or AVG anti-virus software that install the latest version will no longer have the compatibility issue preventing upgrading Windows 10 from an earlier version to Windows 10 versions 1909 or 1903

Additional Information:

• Microsoft November 2019 Release information documentation
  • https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-information/status-windows-10-1909#november-2019
• Avast support  article
  • https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/253
• AVG Support article
  • https://support.avg.com/SupportArticleView?urlName=AVG-Antivirus-Windows-10-update

 

Revisions:

Nov 23 2019: Initial Draft Date

Nov 26 2019: Final Draft Date

Dec 1 2019: Original Publish Date

Dec 7 2019:  Added ‘Note’ and ‘Editor Note’ in the  ‘Comments’ section

Windows 10 Version 1909 November 2019 Update

Summary:

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Version 1909 November 2019 Update

Comments:

1. Microsoft released the latest major feature update(named November 2019 Update) for Windows 10 Version 1909 Build 18363.418 today(Nov. 12, 2019)
2. Windows 10 Version 1909 is now available to mainstream consumers and business users that wish to manually install the feature update via Windows Update ‘Check for Updates’  (Note: Not all devices may be deemed ready to install Windows 10 1909 – the most common reason would be due to a compatibility issue where a ‘safeguard hold is in place’ by Microsoft to ensure a good update experience for the respective device)
3. Windows 10 Version 1909 is also available via The Windows 10 download site, and via the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.  (Note: Not all devices may be deemed ready – see Note in Comment #2 above). Editor Note:  The Windows 10 Download site’s ”Update Assistant – Update Now’ option for 1909 will be available the week of November 18th)
4. Windows 10 Version 1909 will be deployed/rolled out automatically via Windows Update(not all capable devices will receive the feature update at the same time since the deployment – rollout is staged)
5. Windows 10 Version 1909 will update a Windows 10 device from the installed prior version of Windows 10(e.g. Windows 10 Version 1903, 1809, etc.)

 

Additional Information:

• Windows 10 Download site – Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
  • https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
• Windows 10 Version 1909
  • Windows 10, version 1909 and Windows Server, version 1909 – Windows Release Information Microsoft Docs
    • Hyperlink above includes the following information
      • Release Information
      • Current Status
      • Known Issues (Mitigated and Investigating)
      • Issue Details (Mitigated and Investigating)
  • Windows 10 Release Information
    • Includes Servicing Channel Information for 1909 and earlier versions
  • What’s new for IT Pros Windows in Windows 10 Version 1909
    • New Features, FAQs, Kits/Tools/Resources
  • Windows 10 Version 1909 Delivery Options (For IT Pros)
    • Delivery, What’s new about delivering, How to get, Additional Details(Versioning, Disk Space, Uninstall, Windows Server, 30 months support)
  • Windows Blog – How to get the Windows 10 November 2019 Update
    • General notice, how to obtain, highlights on new features and continued transparency on controlling the management and installation of updates

 

Revisions:

Nov 12 2019: Initial Draft

Nov 13 2019: Original Publish Date

Nov 14 2019: Added Editor Note in Comment #3 (Thank you for the ping, Rangiku[from Tokyo!])

Windows 10 – Edge Chromium Tracking Protection

Summary:

Overview of Edge Chromium Tracking Protection Settings and Features

Comments:

• Edge Chromium provides a more simple user interface to configure privacy concerns on 3rd party tracking
• Edge Chromium is currently in Beta but available for consumer via the Edge Chromium Beta Channel program
• Edge Chromium is Microsoft’s replacement browser for Windows 10’s included Edge(HTML)
• Edge Chromium will be available as a non-beta version in the future(expected in January 2020)

 

Tracking Prevention:

• A more simplified user interface for configuring end-user tracking prevention
  • Edge Chromium provides three different configuration options related to tracking privacy
    • Basic
    • Balanced
    • Strict

• Blocked Trackers
  • Allows one to view the sites that Edge Chromium has blocked based on your configuration setting(Basic, Balanced, Strict)
• Exceptions
  • An option allowing the user to add specific sites that override the tracking prevention setting
• Strict Tracking for InPrivate Browsing
  • An option to always use ‘Strict’ tracing prevention with Edge Chromium during InPrivate browsing usage. When toggled on, it will override(if chosen) the Basic and Balanced option.
• Example of the ‘Blocked trackers’ results after casual surfing(over a 10 minute period) on the web across a variety of sites.  Note: The picture only shows the first seven(7) items in the available list.

Revisions:

Oct 2 2019: Initial Draft Date

Oct 3 2019: Original Publish Date

Removal of Flash in Edge, Edge Chromium and Internet Explorer

Summary:

Timeline for removal of Flash from Microsoft Edge, Edge Chromium and Internet Explorer Browsers

Comments:

• Microsoft will remove Flash support in Edge, Edge Chromium, and Internet Explorer browsers and entirely from Windows in 2020
• Removal will occur in December 2020 and is expected prior to the end of the 2020 Calendar Year
• Adobe(Flash application creator/owner) previously announced in 2017 that Flash would no longer be supported after 2020
• Flash limitation will occur prior to full removal, initially disabling Flash and requiring users to enable Flash on a site-by-site basis.
• After removal of Flash in Microsoft Edge, Edge Chromium, and Internet Explorer across all supported versions of Windows end users will no longer have any ability to enable or run Flash.
• Removal of Flash in Edge Chromium will be consistent with removal of Flash in other ‘Chromium’ based browsers(e.g. Google Chrome, Opera, Brave, etc.) and also consistent timeline-wise with other non-Chromium based browsers(e.g. Firefox where Flash support will be completely removed from consumer versions in December 2020).
• Links for the original and current timeline removal of Flash for Edge, Edge Chromium and Internet Explorer for supported Windows version are provided below in the ‘Additional Information’ section of this article.

Additional Information:

• Flash Removal – Original Timeline
  • The End of an Era – Next Steps for Adobe Flash
• Flash Removal – Current Timeline
  • Update on removing Flash from Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer

Revisions:

Sept 5 2019: Initial Draft

Sept 7 2019: Original Publish Date

Windows 10 – Updates may fail to install – Error 0x80073701

Summary:

• Installation of Windows updates may fail with the message – "Updates Failed’ with ‘Error 0x80073701’

 

Comments:

• This article applies to Windows 10 Version 1903
• This article applies to Windows Update
• The failure to update is suspected to be caused by KB4497935 May 29, 2019 Quality Update(an optional non-security update that included a number of ‘quality’ fixes)
  • Unknown at this time if the issue is related to Windows Update, Window 10 or Windows 10 Component Store/Image
• This issue does not impact all Windows 10 devices having first appeared in isolated cases when attempting to install Windows updates automatically or manually in June through July 2019

Editor Note: This issue is now resolved by installing KB4524570 and applicable to Windows 10 1903(and 1909). If the issue still persists see Recommendation #3 below(or optionally see/reference KB4528159)

Recommendations:

1.  Use the Windows 10 Troubleshooter for Windows Update. The Windows 10 Troubleshooter is located  in ”Settings/Update and Security/Troubleshoot/Windows Update’

2.  Use the DISM’s tool command line interface to Check, Scan, and Restore Windows 10 System Image

3. Use the DISM’s tool command interface for Analyzing and Cleanup of the Windows 10 Component Store

Revisions:

Aug 15 2019: Initial Draft Date

Aug 18 2019: Original Publish Date

Nov 14 2019: Added Editor Note in Comments – Issue resolved by KB4524570

Windows 10 – How to find the current installed version

Summary:

• How to find the Version and Build number of the current installed Windows 10 operating system

How To:

• Three different methods to find Windows 10 current installed Version and Build number
  • Start button/Settings/System/About/Windows Specifications
  • Start Button/Settings/Update and Security/Windows Update, then scroll down and click on
    ‘OS Build info then look for the section ‘Windows Specifications’

The third(below) is my preferred route since it’s usually accomplished faster than navigating(click-tap-swipe using finger/mouse) via ‘Settings’  

• Press and hold the ‘Windows key’ then press ‘R’ to open the Run Dialog box
  • In that dialog box enter =>      winver
    • A new window will open showing the version and build.

 

Revisions:

July 3 2019: Initial and Final Draft

July 4 2019: Original Publish Date

July 7 2019: Corrected typo/grammar [its=>it’s] (Thanks for the email/ping Wendy!)

Windows 10 – Release Information

Summary:

• Release Information for Windows 10  by OS Version, Build, Latest Revision Date, and End of Service/Support Date

 

Comments:

• Microsoft maintains a web site detailing Windows 10 Release Information for each released Version. This web site can be accessed using the link/url below.
  •  https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-information

Additional Information:

• Windows 10 Version(Feature Updates) are/have been released twice(2X) per Year
• The twice per year(Feature Updates) releases are called the Semi-Annual Channel
  • Each Semi-Annual Channel is identified with a new ‘Version’ number
    • Each ‘Version’ is updated/serviced monthly with a new ‘Build’ number
  • Each Semi-Annual Channel is normally serviced/supported for a period of 18 to 30 months depending upon life cycle policy. 
    • Consumers editions(Home and Pro) normally have the 18 month servicing
    • Business and Educational editions(Enterprise, Education) have the longer 30 month servicing

 

Revisions:

June 5 2019: Initial Draft

June 6 2019: Original Publish Date

June 9 2019:  Added time frame to better explain servicing/support for different editions

Windows 10 Version 1903 May Update

Summary:

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Version 1903 May 2019 Update on May 21 2019

Comments:

1. Microsoft released the latest major feature update(named May 2019 Update) for Windows 10 Version 1903 Build 18362.116 today(May 21, 2019)
2. Windows 10 Version 1903 is now available to mainstream consumers and business users that wish to manually install the feature update via Windows Update ‘Check for Updates’
3. Windows 10 Version 1903 is also available via The Windows 10 download site, and via the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.  (Note: Not all devices may be deemed ready to install Windows 10 1903)
4. Windows 10 Version 1903 will be deployed/rolled out automatically via Windows Update(not all devices will receive the feature update at the same time)
5. Windows 10 Version 1903 will update a Windows 10 device from the installed prior version of Windows 10(e.g. Windows 10 Version 1809, 1803, etc.)

 

Additional Information:

• Windows 10 Download site – Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
  • https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
• Windows 10 Version 1903
  • Windows 10, version 1903 and Windows Server, version 1903 – Windows Release Information Microsoft Docs
    • Hyperlink above includes the following information
      • Release Information
      • Current Status
      • Known Issues (Mitigated and Investigating)
      • Issue Details (Mitigated and Investigating)
  • Windows 10 Release Information
    • Includes Servicing Channel Information for 1903 and earlier versions
  • Microsoft kicks off the rollout of the Windows 10 May Update 1903 (Mary Jo Foley zdnet.com)

 

Revisions:

May 15 2019:  Initial Draft Outline

May 21 2019: Final Draft

May 21 2019: Initial Publish Date

Outlook for iOS – Actionable Messaging Feature

Summary: Actionable messaging feature now available for Outlook for iOS mobile app

Comments:

• Microsoft announces support for actionable messaging in the Outlook for iOs mobile app
• Provides the ability to take action on request in an email without leaving your Inbox or switching apps
  • Examples of actions are requests for Group Approval, Feedback Surveys, Approval requests(timesheets)
• Availability of the feature is now being rolled out with completion in the next few months

Additional Information:

• Actionable Messages in Outlook mobile help you act fast on the go – Microsoft Tech Community – 483559
• Designing Outlook Actionable Message cards with the Adaptive Card format

Revisions:

May  7 2019:  Initial Draft and Publish Date

Windows 10 Version 1809 – Intel Microcode Updates

Summary:   Intel Processor(CPU) microcode update for Windows 10 Version 1809 addressing Spectre and Terminal Fault security vulnerabilities

 

Comments:

• This Intel Microcode update for Windows 10 Version 1809 address 3 security vulnerabilities
  • Two Spectre variants(3a and 4) and the L1 Terminal Fault(L1TF)
• Windows 10 Version 1809 Intel microcode updates are stand-alone updates and currently only available in the Microsoft Catalog though in the future it may also be deployed through Windows Update
• This Microcode updates include previous released microcode updates
• Applicable to Windows 10 Version 1809 and noted in the Knowledge Base(KB) article section
• Applicable to specific Intel CPU’s as noted in the Knowledge Base article
  • Note: Install the update for the applicable processor

 

Microsoft Knowledge Base(KB) article:

• Windows 10 1809 October Update KB4465065
  • KB4465065: Intel microcode updates
    •  https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4465065/kb4465065-intel-microcode-updates

 

How to Obtain:

• Microsoft Catalog
  • http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Search.aspx?q=4465065
  • Note: This update is available for Windows 10 Version 1809 different architectures (x64, x86, and Server 2019).  If download, ensure the correct file is chosen.

Additional information::

• Windows 10 Forums article  (Editor Note: Great reference article showing in table form the Intel CPU(Code Name, Product Name and CPUID)
  • KB4465065 Intel Microcode Updates for Windows 10 v1809

Revisions:

Apr  5 2019: Initial Draft Date

Apr  6 2019: Initial Publish Date

Apr  9 2019: Added pic(snapshot/graphic) of KB4465065 in Microsoft Catalog

Apr 10 2019: Added ‘Additional Information’ section

Window 10 Version 1809–Features Removed or Planned Replacement

Summary:

Microsoft announces Windows 10 Version 1809(October Update) features to be removed or replaced

Comments:

• As in the past each major release(typically twice/year) of Windows 10 adds new features, replaces, removes, or deprecates or no longer develops existing features.
• For Windows 10 Version 1809 a total of seven(7) features are removed
• For Windows 10 Version 1809 a t total of three(3) features are deprecated/no longer developed
• The Additional Information section provides details on the 10 items

 

Additional Information:

• Removed
  • Font Smoothing  – Clear Type will be the default alternative
  • Hologram app  – Replaced by Mixed Reality Viewer
  • Phone Companion – removed, use Settings/Phone features instead
  • Trusted Platform Module(TPM) management console – use Device Security in Defender Security Center
  • Business Scanning(aka Distributed Scan Management) – remove, no replacement or alternative
  • Windows Embedded Developer Update – new updates only available in Microsoft Catalog
  • Limpet.exe – available as Open Source
  • Disk Cleanup – replaced with Windows Storage Sense

 

• No longer developed
  • Snipping Tool – replaced by new universal app ‘Snip and Sketch’
  • OneSync – Synchronization now provided via sync engine to the Outlook app
  • Companion Device Framework – No longer developed, alternative is Dynamic Lock Inbox Bluetooth method

 

Additional Information:

• Microsoft releases list of features being removed from Windows 10 October Update

Revisions:

Aug 31 2018: Initial Draft and Publish Date (Editor Note: No longer applicable date;see March 2019 Revision notes)

Sept 1 2018:  Revised Summary line item, added ‘October Update’

Mar 2 2019: Republish Date due to user reports of context-type encoding view-ability concerns

Mar 3 2019 Initial Published article(Aug 2018) deleted

Reactivating Windows 10 After A Hardware Change

Summary:

• Reactivating Windows 10 after a significant hardware change using the Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooter

Comments:

• Reactivating Windows 10 after a significant hardware change using the Activation Troubleshooter requires the device’s digital license to be linked to Microsoft Account(MSA)
• The Microsoft Account must be an administrator account on the device in order to use the Activation Troubleshooter
• The Activation Troubleshooter is only available if Windows 10 is not activated(i.e. If Windows 10 is activated, the Troubleshooter is not available).
• A device can only be linked(or re-linked) to a Microsoft account after Activation.  Activation occurs prior to linking or relinking the device to a Microsoft Account.
• Signing on to a device(before or after a significant hardware change) with an Microsoft Account(admin or standard) does not activate Windows 10.  (Ed. Note – surfing the net or reading news groups may yield contrary, ignorant, misunderstood information on Windows 10 activation erroneously claiming that ‘Activation or Reactivation on Windows 10 occurs with a Microsoft Account(MSA)sign on’ – Don’t waste your time ===> signing on with an MSA in Windows 10 does not activate Windows 10…never does, never has.
• The Microsoft Account is only a conduit for reactivation(and only after a significant hardware change or failure to activate) of a device using the Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooter. The mere presence of linking a digital license to a Microsoft Account does not ensure Windows 10 activation.
• The activated digital license on the device is stored on the Microsoft server’s activation database using a hashed value(i.e. Installation ID) with the product key used to initially activate the Windows 10 installed edition(e.g. Home, Pro…)
• The Activation Troubleshooter provides the option to view existing digital license linked to your Microsoft Account and identify the device. As noted above, linking device’s Windows 10 digital license to a Microsoft Account does not activate Windows, only providing an option to identify a device having a significant hardware change for reactivation)
• Significant hardware change comments
  • • • • Motherboard replacement
        • Transfer license to a different pc(applies to retail versions of Windows 10) – all new hardware.(Note: OEM editions, Home or Professional, of Windows 10 are not transferrable licenses)
        • Microsoft’s Windows 10 Activation servers are quite tolerant and don’t consider hard drive, video card, memory changes as ‘significant changes’

 

How To/More Information:

After a significant hardware change and previously linking a Microsoft Account(required) to an activated Windows 10 digital licensed device one can use the Activation Troubleshooter to ‘help’ reactivate Windows 10.

1. Sign on to Windows 10 with an administrator account(e.g. Administrator privileged Microsoft Account)
2. Select in sequence – Start Button, Settings, Update and Security, then Activation
3. Select Troubleshoot (Note: The Activation Troubleshooter is not available if Windows is activated)
4. Select ‘I changed hardware on this device recently’
5. If prompted for a Microsoft Account enter the username and password(if previously signed on as indicated in  Step 1, then step 5 may not be necessary).  If Step 1 was not followed(e.g. signed on with a Local Administrator account, then Step 5 is necessary to proceed)
6. Identity and Select the device(ComputerName of the device that is currently being used) from the list of devices linked to the Microsoft Account
7. Select/Check the box ‘ This is the device I’m using right now’
8. Click on ‘Activate’  (Note, if you do not see your device in the list of devices, ensure you are signed on with the same Microsoft Account linked to the digital license for the device in use)
9. If successful, Windows 10 will be activated/re-activated.  If activation/reactivation fails see Footnote [1]

 

Additional Information:

• Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change
• How to Link a Microsoft Account to digital license for Windows 10 (Cf. Tenforums.com)
• Microsoft tweaks activation rules for the Windows 10 Anniversary Update(Cf. Ed Bott, Zdnet.com)
• How to install, reinstall, upgrade and activate Windows 10 (Cf. Ed Bott, Zdnet.com)

 

Footnotes: 

 [1]  Cf. Microsoft article – Reactivating Windows 10 after a hardware change

“If you’re signed in using the correct Microsoft account, here are some additional reasons why you can’t reactivate Windows:

• The edition of Windows on your device doesn’t match the edition of Windows you linked to your digital license.
• The type of device you’re activating doesn’t match the type of device you linked to your digital license.
• Windows was never activated on your device.
• You reached the limit on the number of times you can reactivate Windows on your device.
• Your device has more than one administrator, and a different administrator already reactivated Windows on your device.
• Your device is managed by your organization and the option to reactivate Windows isn’t available. For help with reactivation, contact your organization’s support person. ”

 

 

Revisions:

Feb 1 2019:  Initial Draft Date

Feb 3 2019:   Original Publish Date

Feb  6  2019:   Added Footnote reference, How To Step 9; Added Footnote quoted print from Microsoft article

Windows 10 – DISM Tool for Analyzing and Cleaning the WinSxS folder (Component Store)

Summary:  How to use the Microsoft DISM Tool to Analyze and Clean the Windows 10 WinSxS folder (Component Store)

Comments:

• DISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management [DISM.exe]) is a command-line tool that can be used to analyze and clean up the Windows 10 Component Store
• The Windows 10 WinSxS folder typically hosts all the Component Store files
• Using the DISM command-line tool for analyzing the Windows 10 Component Store will show the following details of the components present in the WinSxS folder:
  • Actual size of the components in the WinSxS folder and also broken down into three sub-sections
    • How much of the actual size is shared with Windows 10
    • How much of the actual size is dedicated to Backups and Disabled features
    • How much of the actual size is used for Cache and Temporary Data
  • The number of reclaimable packages
  • Component Store Cleanup Recommendation (Yes or No)
• Using the DISM command-line tool for cleaning up Windows 10 Component Store may recover some space of the hard drive(or SSD) and reduce the size of the WinSxS folder recovering a few GB’s of storage capacity.  Editor Note:  Normally Windows 10 will clean the Component Store when necessary thus clean up may not always be required, but if your system indicates otherwise(**After analysis**) follow the cleanup instructions below.

How To:

• Using DISM’s /AnalyzeComponentStore
  • Open an Elevated Command Prompt => Press Windows key + X ] then select the ‘Command Prompt (Admin)’ option
  • At  command line prompt enter
    • · DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore

• The above is an example(snapshot/picture) that shows for a device tested(a recent clean install of Windows 10) that no Reclaimable Packages are present and also Component Store Cleanup is not recommended. (Note: The size of a component store can vary – normally about six(6) to ten(10) GB)
  • The analysis may take a few minutes. Do Not interrupt the process.
  • If your system indicates that Component Store Cleanup **IS** Recommended the DISM tool  /StartComponentCleanup command-line option can be used(instructions below)
• Using DISM’s /StartComponentCleanup
  • Open an Elevated Command Prompt => Press Windows key + X ] then select the ‘Command Prompt (Admin)’ option
  • At  command line prompt enter
    • · DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

• The Component Store cleanup  may take a few minutes. Do Not interrupt the process. Once complete it will report "The operation completed successfully. Once complete, the Command dialog box window can be closed(Click ‘X’ in the upper right).  To finalize the cleanup process => Restart Windows 10

 

Revisions:

Jan  2  2019:  Initial Draft Date

Jan  6  2019: Initial Publish Date

Apr 20, 2019: Added graphics/pictures examples

Windows 10 Quick Start Guides

Summary:  Microsoft’s Quick Start Guides for Windows 10

Comments:

• Microsoft provides a variety of ‘Quick Start’ guides to help learn Windows 10
• Guides are in the form of standard PDF Documents
• Guides are intended to be overviews yet provide sufficient detail to shorten the learning curve
• Links(below) to Quick Start Guides will automatically open the respective guide’s PDF file in a new window in your default PDF viewer or browser

Windows 10 Quick Start Guides:

• Desktop   (8 pages)
  • Start Menu options(Start Button, Accessing Documents and Pictures folder, Settings, Power Options, Grouping programs and apps on the Start Menu);
  • Task Bar features(Start Button, Search, Task View, File Explorer, Microsoft Store, Edge Browser OneDrive, Audio/Volume settings, Network Connection(LAN/Wi-Fi));
  • Action Center(Notification and Actions to settings and common configurable settings)
  • Windows Settings(System, Devices, Personalization, Apps, Accounts, Network and Internet, Privacy, Updates and Security, Ease of Access, Cortana, Gaming, Phone)
  • Cortana(Microsoft’s digital assistant)
  • Task View(feature providing the ability to group app by type or desire in multiple accessible virtual desktop views)
• Windows Defender  (7 pages)
  • Taskbar Icon, Protection Status, Security Center, Settings
    • Editor Note(Dec 10, 2018): Windows Defender User Interface has evolved considerably since the Defender Quick Start guide PDF file thus a more current  reference is the:
      •  Microsoft Security Center App web page document
• Connect to a network printer (8 pages)
  • Adding a network printer
    • Note: Windows 10 will recognize and setup almost all printers when connected to the device or identified when present on a local network connected via LAN or Wi-fi, if not,  the guide can provide useful tips.
• Photos App   (9 pages)
  • Menu, Features, Organization, Editing Photos and Videos
• Movies & TV App   (4 pages)
  • Menu, Types of Content – Movies, TV, Videos; Default Settings configurable options
    • Note: Movies and TV are Microsoft Store and Microsoft Account based; Videos are what you made yourself
• Maps App  (6 pages)
  • Location, Directions, Destination, Traffic, Road view, Aerial view, Street side, Zoom
• Microsoft Store  (5 pages)
  • Accessing the Store, Available Content(Apps, Games, Books, Movies/TV, Themes, etc.), Content from any device

Revisions:

Dec  3 2018: Initial Draft Date

Dec  8 2018: Initial Publish Date

Dec 10 2018:  Added Editor Note and additional Notes for clarification

Windows 10 Update History–Version 1809 (October 2018 Update)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates for Windows 10 Version 1809 October 2018 Update

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1809(October 2018 Update) Build 17763 updates
  • Windows 10 1809 Update History
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build number.Subversion number
  • e.g. 17763.1 = Build number 17763 Subversion number 1  (Initial Release, October 2, 2018)
    • Subsequent updates will be deployed via Windows Update and only modify the ‘Subversion number’
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Improvements and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

 

Additional Information:

• Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10)
  • Windows 10 update history
• Windows as a service – Overview
• Windows 10 release information (blog article with link to historical Windows 10 release info)
• Windows Update: FAQ

 

Revisions:

Nov  2 2018: Initial Draft

Nov 15 2018: Initial Publish Date

Windows 10 Version 1809 – October 2018 Update

Summary:

Microsoft released Windows 10 Version 1809 October 2018 Update on October 2, 2018

Comments:

1. Microsoft released the latest major feature update(named October 2018 Update) for Windows 10 Version 1809 Build 17763.1 today(October 2, 2018)
2. Windows 10 1809 update is available at this time via Windows Update, The Windows 10 download site, and via the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.  (Note: Not all devices may be deemed ready to install Windows 10 1809)
3. Windows 10 1809 Update will be deployed/rolled out automatically via Windows Update(not all devices will receive the feature update at the same time)
4. Windows 10 1809 Update will update a Windows 10 device from the installed prior version of Windows 10(e.g. Windows 10 Version 1803, 1709,  etc.)
5. Windows 10 1809 includes new privacy controls that enhance the privacy choice and controls available to users for managing their own privacy.  Additionally each new account on a device can personally tailor the main privacy settings, instead of only the initial user who sets up the device. 

How To:

• To obtain Windows 10 Version 1809 Build 17763.1
  • Access Windows Update on Windows 10 and manually check for updates
  • Visit the Microsoft Windows 10 Software Download site and choose the ‘Update Now’ option
  • Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool(MCT) executable(*.exe) file from the Microsoft Windows 10 Software Download web site then run the MCT exe file to create USB or DVD media or optionally create and save an ISO file which can be used for mounting or creating media

Additional Information:

• Microsoft released articles
  • Windows 10 Software Download web site (Update Now or Media Creation Tool)
  • How to get the Windows 10 October 2018 Update
  • What’s new in the Windows 10 October 2018 Update (Technical article intended for ITPros)

 

 

Revisions:

Oct 2 2018: Initial Draft and Publish Date

Oct 3 2018: Corrected typo – Comments section Item #5

Windows 10 Microcode Updates – Intel CPUs

Summary: 

Intel Processor(CPU) microcode updates for Windows 10 addressing Spectre security vulnerabilities

Comments:

• Windows 10 Intel microcode updates are stand-alone updates available in the Microsoft Catalog
• Windows 10 versions will also receive the microcode update via Windows Update
• Microcode updates include previous released microcode updates
• Applicable to Windows 10 versions listed below in the Knowledge Base(KB) article section
• Each KB article provides the Intel supported CPU and listed in table form by Code Name, Product Collection, Product Name, CPUID, and Intel microcode update revision

Microsoft KB article:

• Windows 10 1803 April Update KB4346084
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4346084/kb4346084-intel-microcode-updates
• Windows 10 1709 Fall Creators Update KB4346085
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4346085/kb4346085-intel-microcode-updates
• Windows 10 1703 Creators Update KB4346086
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4346086/kb4346086-intel-microcode-updates
• Windows 10 1607 Anniversary Update KB4346087
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4346087/kb4346087-intel-microcode-updates
• Windows 10 1507 RTM KB4346088
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4346088/kb4346088-intel-microcode-updates

Additional Information:

• Intel – Microcode Revision Guidance (PDF file)
  • https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/sa00115-microcode-update-guidance.pdf
• Summary of Intel Microcode Updates
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4093836/summary-of-intel-microcode-updates
    • Editor Note: Nov. 29, 2018 – The above summary article has updated revised information and latest KB article for applicable Windows 10 supported versions
• Spectre Security Vulnerability (Wiki)
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectre_(security_vulnerability)

 

 

Revisions:

Sept 1 2018:  Initial Draft Date

Sept 8 2018: Initial Publish Date

Nov 28 2018: Updated – added comment – Microcode deployment/availability via Windows Update

Nov 29, 2018: Updated – added  information – Summary of Intel Microcode Updates; Editor Note

Installing Windows Live Mail 2012 On Windows 10

Summary:  How to Install Windows Live Mail 2012 on Windows 10

Comments:

• Installation on Windows 10 requires the Windows Essentials 2012 Full Version Installer
  • The web based installer version can not be used since the install will attempt to download files from a no longer existent server and the installation will fail in a few seconds.
  • If not having previously archived the Windows Essentials 2012 full version installer your only options are to obtain the full version installer from an alternate source(friend, neighbor, colleague, 3rd party site on the internet that may be hosting the full version installer)
  • The full version installer:   (English version)
    • Filename is wlsetup-all.exe
    • File version is 16.4.3528.331
    • File Size is 134, 112 KB(130MB)
    • Digital signature date‎  is Monday, ‎April ‎7, ‎2014 12:09:33 PM
• Requires .NET 2.0
• If installing the English version in a country different than the United States see the precautionary ‘Special Instructions:’ Note(in red) below.

Procedure:

1. Obtain the full version installer
2. Install .NET 2.0 by enabling .NET 3.5 in Windows 10 Program and Features/’Turn Widows features on or off ‘ then Check the box adjacent to .NET Framework 3.5(includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0).  Click OK.  Close Programs and Features. This step is mandatory — .NET 2.0 must be installed prior to running the installer program executable.
3. Run the full version installer in Administrator mode(Rt. Click and choose ‘Run as Administrator’
4. When prompted – Select the option titled – ‘Choose the programs you want to install’
5. Select ‘Mail’
6. Click ‘Install.   Do not interrupt the installation. 
7. Once the installation is complete, the program will/may run and prompt to setup an email account. Set up your email account or cancel and setup later.  When setting up an email account it would be prudent to do it manually by choosing the ‘Manually configure server settings’ option.   Important -  if setting up an Outlook.com type email account(Outlook/Live/Hotmail/MSn.com) ensure setup is done manually and only choose the IMAP or POP protocol. Do not choose/use the ‘Windows Live Hotmail’ option since that choice will attempt to use the Http(DeltaSync) protocol which is no longer supported by the backend Office 365 Platform server.

 

Special Instructions:

• Note:  Using the English language full installer version in a country different than the United States
  • If installing the English language version in a location(different country) than the U.S. additional steps  must be taken for a successful installation
  • Disconnect from the Internet
  • Navigate in Windows 10 to Settings/Time and Language/Region and change to U.S.
  • Post installation return you Region to your location
  • Reconnect to the Internet

 

 

Revisions:

August 6 2018: Initial Draft Date

August 9 2018: Initial Publish Date

Windows 10 Update History–Version 1803 (April 2018 Update)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates for Windows 10 Version 1803 April 2018 Update

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1803(April 2018 Update) Build 17134 updates
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4099479
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build number.Subversion number
  • e.g. 17134.1 = Build number 17134 Subversion number 1  (Initial Release, April 30, 2018)
    • Subsequent updates will be deployed via Windows Update and only modify the ‘Subversion number’
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Improvements and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

 

Additional Information:

• • Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10)
    • Windows 10 update history
  • Windows as a service – Overview
  • Windows 10 release information (blog article with link to historical Windows 10 release info)
  • Windows Update: FAQ
  • Progressing Windows as a service ((Note: Technical article intended for IT Pros)

 

Revisions:

April 30 2018: Initial Draft

May 01 2018: Initial Publish Date

Network Computers No Longer Present in File Explorer on Windows 10 1803

Summary:

How to enable network computer appearance and access in File Explorer on Windows 10 Version 1803

Comments:

1. This blog article provides the work-around details(How To) to return the functionality of viewing networked devices/computers in Windows 10 Version 1803 File Explorer’s Navigation pane ‘Network’ folder option (Editor Note: Windows Insider Build 17133[released Mar 27, 2018] is listed as ‘Feature update for Windows 10, version 1803’, thus article also applicable to installed Insider Builds 17133 and later)
2. Changes made by Microsoft may prevent an end-users ability to view shared devices(computers) in File Explorer’s Navigation Pane ‘Network’ folder option.
3. The inability to view networked devices/computers in File Explorers Navigation Pane ‘Network’ option appears to be related to deprecation of the HomeGroup feature. While not all end-users have or had previously used the Homegroup preferring standard network sharing methods, the end result of HomeGroup removal and/or under-the-hood feature and/or security changes may still be one of the underlying causes.

How To:

The steps to re-enable the ability to view and access shared devices/computers are shown below and requires changing a Windows 10 1803 Services settings item called ‘Function Discovery Resource Publication’

1. Access the Windows 10 Run dialog box via the Start Menu/Windows System/Run option or by pressing the Win + R keys on the keyboard.   Note: One can skip Step 1 and 2 and proceed to Step 3 if accessing the Services settings via search(Cllick/Tap the Windows Start Menu icon and enter ‘Services’  then click or tap on Services(Dekstop app)
2. If using the Run dialog box – enter services.msc in the Run dialog box then press Return to load the Services dialog box window
3. Scroll down in the Services window and select and double click/tap on ‘Function Discovery Resource Publication’ item(aka FDResPub) to access the service’s properties
4. Change the ‘Startup type’ field entry from ‘Manual’ to ‘Automatic’
5. In the same properties dialog box ‘Service status’ section click on Start (to start the FDResPub service)
6. Once the status indicator shows ‘Running’ Click ‘OK’ to close the Properties dialog box, then close the Services window.

Revisions:

Mar 2, 2018: Initial Draft – Titled and written initially for Windows Insider Build 17112

Mar 8, 2018: Note added in ‘How To’ section Step 1, re-saved as 2nd Draft version

Mar 27, 2018:  Initial Publish Date; Added graphic in How To section

Mar 30, 2018: Retitled/Republished for Windows 10 Version 1803; Added Editor Note – Comments

How To Access the Windows Defender Classic User Interface

Summary:

How to access the Windows Defender Classic User Interface on Windows 10

Comments:

1. The Windows Defender Classic UI(UI) can still be accessed using a variety of different methods in Windows 10.
2. The same command line text content can be used for to access the Defender Classic UI via a Shortcut or Search or Run dialog box. 
3. Microsoft replaced the Windows Defender Classic UI in Windows 10 with a new Windows Universal App(UWA) version – Windows Defender Security Center.  The new UI first appeared in Windows 10 Creators Update(Version 1703, April 2017) and continues in the Fall Creators Update(Version 1709,November 2017)
4. The UWP app is the recommended method to access Windows 10 Defender and all the features(Threats, Definition Updates, Device Performance, and Health) included in the Windows Defender Security Center. For more information on each feature in the new UI please reference the Microsoft KB4013263 article => Protect my device with Windows Defender Security Center
5. Accessing the Windows Defender Classic UI may provide the desired familiarity(traditional style – Home, Update, and History tabs) for end-users upgrading to Windows 10(from Windows 7/8.1 and earlier versions of Windows 10) as they transition into use and comfort with the newer Windows 10 Defender Security Center UWA.

How To:

• Command line text for the Windows Defender Classic UI
  • C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
• Accessing via a Shortcut,  Search, or  Run options
  • Shortcut
    • Create a new shortcut in the location of your choice then copy the above text(shown in bold, blue above) and paste the text as the command line for the shortcut, then when prompted name the shortcut(e.g. Windows Defender Classic UI). The shortcut can be pinned to the Start Menu, Task Bar or if enabled the Quick Launch Toolbar
    • Search
      • Click the  Search icon or Seach dialog on the Task Bar then copy the above text and paste into the search field. Press Return
    • Run
      • Copy the above text and paste into the Run dialog box entry field. Note:The Run command is located o  the Start Menu under the Windows System sub menu category.

Revisions:

May 21, 2017: Initial Draft and Publish Date

Oct 31, 2017: Added links and content to Windows Defender Security Center KB article

Feb. 02, 2017: Rewritten and Re-Publish Date(revised content for clarity based on feedback requests and comments from blog follower/readers). Editor Note: Thank you Sasha, Brian, & Elise!

Windows Insider Preview Builds – Calendar Year 2018 Releases

Summary:

Calendar Year 2018 Chronological History of Windows 10 Insider Preview Builds for PC Devices

Comments:

1. This blog article provides direct links for the 2018 Calendar Year Windows 10 Insider Preview Builds release notices(Announcements) on the Microsoft ‘Windows Blog’
2. Direct links are for the Windows 10 Insider Builds specifically for PC devices in the Fast Ring
3. Direct links are in reverse chronological order(newest first)
4. Links(when clicked) are configured to open in a new browser window
5. The purpose of this article is to make it easier to find the content information(e.g. What’s New; Improvements for Settings, Windows Shell, Input, Navigation, Apps etc; Fixes and Known Issues) about each released 2018 Windows 10 Insider Preview Build by helping to eliminate the need to navigate forward and/or back through the multiple pages(and other articles) hosted on the Windows Blog site

  ==>  Editor Note: Effective today, Feb. 27, 2018 all future applicable updates to this blog article’s topic can now be found on my ‘Windows Unplugged – Field Book’ blog article and accessible using the following link.

• https://windowsunplugged.blog/2018/01/11/windows-insider-preview-builds-calendar-year-2018-releases/

 

More Information:

• Feb 27 2018 Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17110
• Feb 23 2018 Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17107
• Feb 14 2018 Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17101
• Feb  7 2018  Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17093
• Jan 24 2018 Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17083
• Jan 11 2018 Windows10  Insider Preview Build 17074

 

Revisions:

Jan 11 2018: Initial Draft and Publish Date

Feb 27 2018:  Added Editor Note in Comment section regarding future update to this article

OOBE Updates for Windows 10 1703 and 1607

Summary:

Microsoft Windows 10 December 2017 OOBE updates for Windows 10 Version 1703 and 1607 providing an option to upgrade to Windows 10 Version 1709

Comments:

1. What is OOBE -  Out-of-box experience (OOBE pronounced oo-bee) is the experience a consumer (or user) has when preparing to first use a new product. In relation to computing, this includes the setup process of installing and/or performing initial configuration of a piece of hardware or software on a computer.
2. Each December 2017 OOBE Update for Windows 10 versions 1703 and 1607 will be deployed automatically via Windows Update and offer the end-user the option to upgrade to the latest released Windows 10 Version 1709
3. The purpose of each applicable update is to improve the Windows 10 Version 1703 and 1607 out-of-box experience (OOBE) by offering end-users the option to update to the latest Windows 10 Version 1709 during the OOBE process(i.e. first use of Windows 10 on a new device). Note: This update applies only to the Windows 10 Version 1703 and 1607 OOBE process and will be available only when OOBE updates are installed.
4. The Knowledge Base article(dated Dec. 7th) for Windows 10 1703 is KB4054505  [1]
5. The Knowledge Base article(dated Dec. 7th) for Windows 10 1607 is KB4054507

More Information:

• Knowledge Base Articles
  • KB 4054505 (for Windows 10 1703) [1]
    •   https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4054505/oobe-update-for-windows-10-version-1703-march-23-2018-kb4054505
  • KB 4054507 (for Wiindows 10 1607)
    • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4054507/oobe-update-for-windows-10-version-1607-december-7-2017-kb4054507
• Windows Updates during OOBE
  • Microsoft document explaining the automatic and required updates occurring during OOBE
    • https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/desktop/windows-updates-during-oobe

Notes:

[1]  Microsoft has routinely updated KB 4054505 since Windows 10 Version 1703 is still in ‘Support’ phase under the ‘Windows-as-a-Service’ policy.  The latest update/revision for KB4054505 is March 2018.  (Editor Comment – Note added after feedback from blog follower; Thanks Rhonda )

 

Revisions:

Dec. 7, 2017: Initial Draft

Dec. 7, 2017: Initial Publish Date

Mar. 24, 2018: Added Note section and Note [1]

Default Progams – Accessing The Earlier Version User Interface Options

Summary: 

How to access the Default Programs User Interface options previously available prior to the release of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update Version 1709

Comments:

1. Windows 10 1709 Fall Creators Update deprecated the old style previous version ‘Default Programs’ User Interface in favor of a streamlined and condensed option.  Windows 10 1709 Default Program available configuration options are now accessed via Windows 10 Settings/Apps/Default Apps
2. The old style pre-1709 User Interface(UI) is still accessible but with reduced functionality than previously available.
3. The most significant change is the inability to use the old style Default Programs UI to select a program and modify its related default file type extensions and protocols.
4. Accessing the old style UI can still be helpful by providing a familiar user interface for viewing an individual program’s quantity(number) of supported defaults and the respective supported defaults by file type extension and/or protocol 
5. The How-To section below provides the command line code for use in creating shortcuts. The same command line code can be entered in the Run command option accessible in the Windows 10 Start Menu

• How To:
  • Default Programs – Program selection option to view defaults by quantity and file type extension and/or protocol  (command line code shown immediately below) 
    • C:\Windows\System32\control.exe /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms /page pageDefaultProgram
  • Default Programs – Set or Modify Default Program
    • C:\Windows\System32\ComputerDefaults.exe
  • Default Programs – File Type
    • C:\Windows\System32\control.exe /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms /page pageFileAssoc

 

• Revisions:

November 1, 2017: Initial Draft Date

November 2, 2017: Initial Publish Date

November 14, 2017: Revised ‘Comments section – numbered items; added comment #4

 

Windows 10 Update History – Version 1709 (Fall Creators Update)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates for Windows 10 Version 1709 Creators Update

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1709(Fall Creators Update) Build 16299 updates
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4018124
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build number.Subversion number
  • e.g. 16299.19 = Build number 16299 Subversion number 19  (Initial Release, October 17, 2017)
    • Subsequent updates will be deployed via Windows Update and only modify the ‘Subversion number’
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Improvements and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

 

 

• Additional Information:
  • Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10) 
    • • • Windows 10 update history
  • Windows as a service – Overview
  • Windows 10 release information (blog article with link to historical Windows 10 release info)
  • Windows Update: FAQ
  • Progressing Windows as a service ((Note: Technical article intended for IT Pros)

 

 

Revisions:

October 18, 2017:  Initial Draft Date

October 19, 2017: Initial Publish Date

November 14, 2017: Added link for ‘Progressing Windows as a service’ in Additional Information section; Minor edit content and links

 

Windows 10–Fall Creators Update Available October 17th

Summary:  Microsoft makes Windows 10 Fall Creators Update available on October 17, 2017

 

Comments:

• Windows 10 Creators Update, the next version major release for Windows 10, is now available as of 10 P.M. PDT October 17, 2017
• Microsoft previously announced the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update would be rolled out in stages
• A variety of methods/options are available to obtain the Fall Creators Update. The primary consumer methods are noted below. Also see the ‘How-To’ section for specific information on each method.
  • • • • Media Creation Tool
        • Update Assistant
        • Windows 10 Windows Update (Manually check for updates)
• The above methods are primarily intended for early adopters interested in installing the Windows 10 Fall Creator’s update in advance of the scheduled staged rollout automatically via Windows Update

• • Note: Staged rollout = Deployed automatically via Windows Update. Not everyone will receive the new Windows 10 Fall Creator bits at the same time.   If past history is an indication of timing, a staged-rollout may last for months.

 

How To:

• Media Creation Tool – (Microsoft tool on the Windows 10 Software Download web page for creating Windows 10 USB/DVD media and optionally an ISO file for mounting or creating media)
  • Visit the Windows 10 Software Download web page, download and save the Media Creation Tool executable file(MediaCreationTool.exe), close all open applications, and Run the executable in Admin mode
  • https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
• Update Assistant
  • Visit the Windows 10 Software Download web page and choose the ‘Update Now’ option
• Windows Update
  • Windows 10 – Settings/Update and Security/Windows Update/Check for Updates)

 

 

Additional Information:

• Windows 10 Media Creation Tool blog article
  • https://windowsunplugged.blog/2017/03/28/windows-10-media-creation-tool-creating-installation-media/
• Get Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4028685/windows-10-get-the-fall-creators-update
• What’s new in the Fall Creators Update
  • https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2017/10/17/whats-new-windows-10-fall-creators-update/#j2RdYg0likkLlhor.97

 

Revisions:

October 17, 2017:  Initial Draft Date

October 18, 2017:  Initial Publish Date

October 18, 2017:  Added ‘What’s New’ link in Additional Information section; final editing/correction

How To Disable Quick Suggestions – Outlook.com(Beta)

Summary: This article shows how to disable the Outlook.com beta e-mail composition’s ‘Quick Suggestions’ feature

Comments:

• Microsoft released the Outlook.com beta to the public on August 8, 2017
• The Outllook.com beta requires the user to opt-in. (Note: Opt-in is not permanent at this time, one can also opt-out.  Also, beta features should be considered as ‘most-likely to become permanent’ in the foreseeable future)
• One of the new beta features is called ‘Quick Suggestions’
  • Quick Suggestions is enabled by default and shows suggestions as you type
  • Quick Suggestions are available in the user’s Inbox when composing a message
  • Quick Suggestions can easily be disabled in the mail composition setting
• Outlook.com beta availability is being rolled-out to all users over a period of weeks thus not all users will have access to the beta at the same time. Additionally, not all features in the beta may be functional at this time.

How To:

 Disable Quick Suggestions

• Logon to Outlook.com to access your Inbox and Click the ‘Gear’ icon  (located upper right)
• Scroll down and select ‘View full Settings’

      

• Click on ‘Mail’ and then ‘Compose’

    

• Scroll down to ‘Quick Suggestions’ and uncheck the ‘Offer suggestions’ item

    Enabled:

    

    Disabled:

    

• Click Save, then Click ‘X’(upper right) to close the ‘Settings’ windows to return to the Inbox

 

Revisions:

August 9, 2017: Initial Draft Date

August 11, 2017: Initial Publish Date

August 12, 2017: Added comments and additional graphics

Windows Defender Offline – How To Run and Scan in Windows 10

Summary:  ‘How To’ select and run Windows Defender Offline in Windows 10

Comments:

• Windows Defender Offline(WDO) is an antimalware scanning tool
• WDO provides the ability to boot and scan the device in a trusted environment
• WDO’s scan runs outside the normal Windows kernel and operating system
• Scanning in a trusted environment outside the Windows kernel allows WDO to scan for and target malware that attempts to bypass the Windows shell(e.g. viruses and malware that can infect or overwrite the boot record data)
• WDO can be run on devices using MBR(Master Boot Record) or GPT(GUID Partition Table)
• The ‘How To’ section in this article is based on the current Windows 10 1703 version(Creators Update)
• When WDO’s is instructed to run(required, it does not run on its own) it(and Windows) will restart the device, boot the device, pass control to WDO instead of the Windows kernel and operating system, and then perform the scan
• WDO’s Offline scan should take less than 15 minutes when no infections are found and/or corrected
• WDO may remove or quarantine items during its scan
  • Items removed or quarantined by WDO will be listed/shown in Windows 10 in Windows Defender’s Scan History section (located in the Windows Defender Security Center/Virus and Threat Protection/)
• Note: To run WDO ensure Windows 10 is logged on with an Administrator account

How To:

• Click the Windows Start Button and scroll down the alphabetical app listing and select Windows Defender Security Center
  • Optionally one can right click on the Windows Defender icon in the Task Bar Notification area and select open
• Click on ‘Virus and Threat Protection’

• Click on ‘Advanced Scan’

• Select the ‘Windows Defender Offline scan’ option, then click ‘Scan Now’

• Acknowledge the prompt to ‘Save your work’ do so if necessary, then click ‘Scan’

• Once ‘Scan’ is clicked,  Windows 10 Creators Update Version 1703 will prompt with a User Account Control(UAC) notice dialog box requesting the user to allow changes to the computer.  Click ‘Yes’ to this required prompt to proceed with the restart process and allowing WDO to run and scan the device the necessary offline mode.

Additional Information:

• Windows Defender Antivirus in the Windows Defender Security Center app
  • https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/windows-defender-security-center-antivirus

Revisions:

June 26, 2017: Initial Draft Date

June 27, 2017: Final Draft Date

June 28, 2017: Initial Publish Date

Windows 10 – How to Remove and Recreate A HomeGroup

Summary:  This article shows how to remove and recreate a HomeGroup on Windows 10 for multiple devices

Comments:

• There may be occasions where removal and recreation of the HomeGroup on Windows 10 is necessary
  • End-user desire to remove and recreate HomeGroup anew with different sharing options
  • End-user choice to reset HomeGroup to ‘off’ and require other devices to re-join the network
  • Corruption in the Windows HomeGroup service and/or related Peer Networking Service Profiles’ configuration files
  • Inadvertently deleting the HomeGroup system files (Note: Rare, but its occurred more than once)
  • HomeGroup does have a few requirements on Windows 10
    • IPV6 is required
    • Admin rights are required for the logged on user to create a Homegroup
    • Both of the Homegroup Windows Services must be running(HomeGroup Listener and HomeGroup Provider)

 

How-To:

On the computer that created the HomeGroup

1. Navigate to c:\windows\serviceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Roaming\PeerNetworking^[1]
   – delete idstore.sst
2. Navigate to Control Panel/HomeGroup
   – leave HomeGroup
3. Go back to the above ‘ServiceProfiles’ path and delete the remaining files in that same folder
   – Repeat the exact same above steps(1, 2, 3) on any other machines on the HomeGroup network
4. Shutdown all machines
5. Power up the machine you wish to create the HomeGroup(leave the other devices powered down(Note: Only a machine with administrative rights [aka admin] can create a HomeGroup)
6. Logon to Windows
7. Open File Explorer/View/Options/View Tab
   – scroll down to ‘Use Sharing Wizard’, toggle off, Apply, toggle on, Apply, close File Explorer
8. Navigate to Control Panel/HomeGroup
   – create the HomeGroup (follow the HomeGroup wizard instructions and configure sharing options to your personal preference)
   – The wizard will provide a password for HomeGroup access ==> Write the password down – you’ll need it on the other device(s) to join the HomeGroup
9. Power up the other device(one at a time if more than one other device exists)
10. Logon to Windows
11. Open File Explorer/View/Options/View Tab
    – scroll down to Sharing Wizard, toggle off, Apply, toggle on, Apply, close File Explorer
12. Navigate to Control Panel/HomeGroup
    – Join the HomeGroup – follow each step provided by the HomeGroup setup wizard, enter the password when requested)
13. Shutdown the device (Optional, but if other devices exist, its best to configure each device with only the host device on the network).
14. Repeat Steps 9 through 13 for any other devices
15. Power up each device and verify access to the HomeGroup’s shares established by the host device.

 

Footnote: [1]  c:\windows\serviceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Roaming\PeerNetworking is a Windows System/Hidden folder, it may be necessary, even with admin rights, to configure File Explorer to show ‘Hidden files’ and when accessing agree to the prompt to obtain permission to access the folder and its subfolders. (This is expected and routine in order to access and clear out any old HomeGroup service profiles

 

 

Revisions:

April 12, 2017: Initial Draft Date

April 13, 2017: Initial Publish Date

April 15, 2017:  Added note in Comments and How-To section – Admin rights for HomeGroup creation

Windows 10 – Creators Update Requires Review and Choosing Privacy Settings

Summary: Windows 10 Creators Update installation prompts to review and choose privacy settings

Comments:

• Prior to upgrading and installing the Windows 10 Creators Update on a device the Creators Update setup will prompt/alert the user to review and choose their privacy settings
• The review and choice selection is a required step prior to upgrading your device
• Microsoft states this requirement is part of their continued commitment to ‘your’ privacy on Windows 10 and to make sure your privacy settings are also ready(for Windows 10)
• The configured(chosen) privacy settings will be the privacy settings in effect after installing the Windows 10 Creators update(i.e. the choice is applicable only to the installed Windows 10 Creators Update)
• Upon completion of the review, choosing, and saving the privacy settings the upgrade to the Windows 10 Creators Update will proceed on the device

 

Additional Information:

• Microsoft ‘Help’ article on ‘Choose your privacy settings for the Windows 10 Creators Update”"’
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4014916/windows-10-choose-your-privacy-settings-for-windows-10-creators-update
    • See the above web site for instructions including screenshots of the required privacy selection process

 

Revisions:

April 13, 2017:  Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

April 15, 2017: Edited ‘Comments’ section for better clarity

Windows 10 Update History – Version 1703 (Creators Update)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates for Windows 10 Version 1703 Creators Update

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1703(Creators Update) Build 15063 updates
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4018124
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build number.Subversion number
  • e.g. 15063.138 = Build number 15063 Subversion number 138  (Initial Release, April 11th, 2017)
    • Subsequent updates will be deployed via Windows Update and only modify the ‘Subversion number’
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Information and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

 

 

• Additional Information:
  • Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10 1703) 
    • • • Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 update history
  • Windows as a service – Overview
  • Windows 10 release information
  • Windows Update: FAQ

 

 

Revisions:

April 11, 2017:  Initial Draft Date

April 12, 2017: Initial Publish Date

 

Windows 10 – Creators Update Available April 5th

Summary:  Microsoft makes Windows 10 Creators Update available early on April 5th, 2017

 

Comments:

• Windows 10 Creators Update, the next version major release for Windows 10, is now available as of April 5th
• Microsoft previously announced the Windows 10 Creators Update would be rolled out in stages on April 11th
• A variety of methods/options are available to obtain the Creators Update in advance of the previously announced scheduled deployment date.  The primary consumer methods are noted below. Also see the ‘How-To’ section for specific information on each method.
  • • • • Media Creation Tool
        • Upgrade Assistant
        • Windows 10 Windows Update
        • Windows 10 Refresh option
• The above methods are primarily intended for early adopters interested in installing the Windows 10 Creator’s update in advance of the scheduled staged rollout starting on April 11, 2017
  • • Note: Staged rollout = Not everyone will receive the new Windows 10 Creator bits at the same time

 

How To:

• Media Creation Tool – (Microsoft tool on the Windows 10 Software Download web page for creating Windows 10 USB/DVD media and optionally an ISO file for mounting or creating media)
  • Visit the Windows 10 Software Download web page, download and save the Media Creation Tool executable file(MediaCreationTool.exe), close all open applications, and Run the executable in Admin mode
• Update Assistant
  • Visit the Windows 10 Software Download web page and choose the ‘Upgrade Now’ option
• Windows Update
  • Windows 10 – Settings/Update and Security/Windows Update)
• Windows 10 Refresh Option
  • Windows 10 – Settings/Update and Security/Recovery/More Recovery Options)

 

Additional Information:

• Windows 10 Media Creation Tool blog article
  • https://windowsunplugged.blog/2017/03/28/windows-10-media-creation-tool-creating-installation-media/
• Use Refresh Windows Tool in Windows 10 tutorial
  • https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/53637-use-refresh-windows-tool-windows-10-a.html
• List of all Windows 10 Creators Update Download Options
  • https://windows10.help/blogs/entry/32-list-of-all-windows-10-creators-update-download-options/

 

Revisions:

April 6th, 2017:  Initial Draft Date

April 7, 2017:  Draft Published

April 8, 2017: Initial Publish date with final edits

Windows 10 – Creators Update Rollout April 11

Summary:    Microsoft will begin rolling out the Windows 10 Creators Update on April 11, 2017

 

Comments:

• Microsoft will begin to deploy the Creators Update on April 11, 2017
• The Creators Update will be deployed via Windows Update
• Deployment will, as in the past for major o/s feature updates, be a measured/staged rollout
  • • i.e. not everyone receiving the new bits at the same time
• The Creators Update is Version 1703 with an expected Build Number of 15063
• Installation of 1703 will most likely download additional fixes and patches(during or immediately after installation)
• On or shortly after the April 11th rollout the Media Creation Tool should be updated to allow Windows 10 end-users to create USB/DVD installation media and/or an ISO file for creating DVD media or mounting
  • Note: if creating a DVD then Dual Layer DVD media will most likely be required
• Notable new features included in the Creators Update are Paint 3D, improved Start Menu, Windows Defender Security Center, and additional Personalization options
• Highly recommended to backup your operating system and data prior to installing the Creators Update
  • • •  ===> Image your operating system and backup your data to external media

 

Additional Information:

•  Windows 10 Creators Update coming April 11 (Microsoft Windows Blog article)
• Windows 10 partner devices bring Windows 10 Creators Update experiences to life (Microsoft Windows Blog article)
• Microsoft confirms Windows 10 Creators Update rollout to begin April 11 (ZDNet, M.J.Foley)
• Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

 

Revisions:

March 30, 2017:  Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

Windows 10 – Media Creation Tool – Creating Installation Media

Summary:  How to create Windows 10 installation media using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

Comments:

• This article provides a text and graphical overview of the steps to create Windows 10 USB installation media using the available (free) Microsoft Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
• The information shown is for using the latest available Windows 10 Version 1607 Media Creation Tool
  • The digital signature of the latest version is ‎Thursday, ‎December ‎8, ‎2016 1:14:04 AM
• When creating Windows 10 Version 1607 media the following media capacities are required
  • USB Flash Drive – 8 GB
  • DVD disc – Dual Layer DVD – 8.5 GB
    • Note: When creating Windows 10 media containing both 32 bit (x86) and 64 bit (x64) architectures for both both Home and Pro editions you should use USB media with a 16 GB minimum size
• Windows 10 Version 1607 created media by design includes both Home and Pro editions
  • If desired, the option to create media for Windows 10 Home- Single Language is available, but only select this option is you are running Windows 10 Home Single Language
• Direct link to download the Media Creation Tool (MediaCreationTool.exe)
  • Media Creation Tool ===> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209 

Media Creation Process:

1. Download and save the Media Creation Tool executable file (MediaCreationTool.exe)
2. Right click the Media Creation Tool executable file and select ‘Run as Administrator’
3. Connect a USB Flash Drive – As noted above an 8 GB size drive is required
4. Accept the License Terms
5. Choose ‘Create Installation media for another pc’; Click Next
6. Choose a language, edition, and architecture; Click Next
7. Select ‘USB Flash Drive’ on the ‘Choose which media to use’ page; Click Next
8. Select and verify the correct USB Flash Drive; Click Next
9. The tool will proceed to download, verify and create Windows 10 Version 1607 media
10. Once Complete, the final screen will inform that your ‘USB Flash Drive ‘is Ready’

Graphical Overview of the Media Creation Process:

   

 

  

 

Additional Information:

• Media Creation Tool – http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209

• How to Download Official Windows 10 ISO files Using Media Creation Tool

 

Revisions:

August 3, 2016: Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

October 31, 2016:  Added more detail for clarification in the ‘Comments’ section

January 31, 2017: Added ‘Graphical Overview’ section

March 28, 2017: Rewrote entire article, added and updated information, deleted original from blog, republished

Windows Essentials 2012– Installer File Officially Removed from Microsoft Servers

Summary:  Microsoft officially removed the ability to download the Windows Essentials 2012 Full Version installer file from their servers.

 

Comments:

• Last week Microsoft officially discontinued the ability for end-users to obtain(download) the Full version installation file for Windows Essentials 2012. (The web version installer was removed some time ago)
• The removal of the installer file has been expected since Microsoft ended all support for Windows Essentials 2012 in January 10, 2017.   Windows Live Essentials 2011 and 2009 installer files were removed and ceased support quite some time ago.
  • End of support means no further updates(patches/fixes/compatibility), no security updates, no Junk Mail filter updates, and no support for use on current Microsoft supported operating systems(Windows 7/8.1/10)
• The Windows Essential 2012 installer file may be available from other avenues(friends, third party sources) though caution is warranted from obtaining installation files from outside sources.
  • [Editor note: Not recommended and proceed at your own risk]
• It would be prudent, if still using a Windows Essentials 2012 products(Mail, PhotoGallery/Movie Maker, Writer) to consider investigating and/or switching to an alternative program for your computing needs and experience.
  • Continued use of Photo Gallery(which is primarily a Photo Viewing application with some editing capability) may be acceptable from a risk standpoint
  • Open Live Writer, compliments of Microsoft, a replacement for Writer remains available as an open source program and has been since 2015
  • Windows Live Mail and its continued use as a mail/news client is feasible but do note that no future security updates will ever be released for the product(nor have any been released for some time) or definition updates for its built-in Junk Mail filter thus always practice safe computing when opening/previewing email and ensure a resident Anti-virus/Anti-malware client is running on your chosen operating system(e.g. Windows Defender on Windows 10)
• It would also be a good idea to consider archiving any important data to an external source outside of Windows Essential application programs(e.g. email messages and Contacts exported/backed-up to an external thumb or hard drive).
• FYI – The Windows Essentials suite of products (fka Windows Live Essentials) had a lifespan of just short of 10 years(first released in May 2007 as ‘Windows Live Installer’ comprising of the unified(web based) installers for Messenger, Mail, and Writer)

 

Revisions:

March 24, 2017: Initial Draft Date

March 26, 2017: Initial Publish Date

Windows 10 Update History – Version 1607 (Anniversary Update)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1607(Anniversary Update) Build 14393 updates
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build version.Subversion number
  • e.g. Version 1607 Build 14393.10  (1607’s initial release)
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Information and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

Additional Information:

• Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10 1607) 
  • Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 update history

Revisions:

February 2, 2017:  Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

 

Windows 10 Update History – Version 1511 (November Update)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1511(November Update) Build 10586 updates
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build version.Subversion number
  • e.g. Version 1511 Build 10586.3  (1511’s initial release)
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Information and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

 

Additional Information:

• Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10 1511) 
  • Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 update history

 

 

 

Revisions:

February 1, 2017:  Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

 

Windows 10 Update History – Version 1507 (RTM, Initial Release)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1507(RTM, Initial Release) Build 10240 updates
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build version.Subversion number
  • e.g. Version 1507 Build 10240.16405  (1507’s RTM, Initial release – July 2015)
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Information and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

Additional Information:

• Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10 1507) 
  • Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 update history

Revisions:

January 31, 2017:  Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

Windows 10 – Release Information

Summary:  Microsoft’s web site for current and past release information for all Windows 10 Versions and Builds

Comments:

• Reference site for all released Windows 10 Versions and Build Numbers
  • Applicable to the following:
    • Anniversary Update Version 1607 Build 14393.xxx
    • November Update Version 1511 Build 10586.xxx
    • Initial Release RTM Version 1507 Build 10240.xxx
• Contains historical information in table format in chronological order
• Routinely updated to reflect the latest feature and quality updates
• Resource to determine if your installed version of Windows 10 is up to date with the latest feature and quality updates

 

Additional Information:

• Use the link below to access the Windows 10 Release Information web site/page
  • Windows 10 Release Information

 

 

Revisions:

Initial Draft: September 9, 2016

Initial Publish Date: November 2,  2017 (took a while, completely forgot until an ‘All Soul’ reminded me)

Second Publish Date: January 15, 2017 Deleted original, rewrote entire article, added ‘Applicable to’ section

Outlook.com – Action Required Email Notice – Fact Check

Summary:  Fact Checking the Microsoft Action Required Email notice to reconnect Outlook.com accounts in Outlook 2013 and Outlook 2016

Comments:

• Microsoft recently sent an ‘Action Required’ email notice notifying users to reconnect their Outlook.com type accounts(Outlook/Live/Hotmail/Msn.com) in Outlook 2013 and 2016
• The email noticed stated that reconnecting is necessary to ensure continued synchronization and non-interrupted email access between the server hosting your Outlook.com type account and Outlook 2013 and Outlook 2016
• The message notice is the result of migrating all Outlook.com type accounts to the new backend Office 365 platform server
  • The new Office 365 platform supports the Exchange protocol format for sending, receiving and synchronization.  The old server supported Exchange Active Sync(EAS) but did not support the full featured Exchange protocol
  • The new Office 365 platform supports both Exchange and EAS though the latter may only be temporary(the underlying reason and real purpose of the notice) until all accounts are migrated.  At that time, support for EAS may be(highly likely) discontinued.
    • Editor Note: March 1, 2017 – As expected EAS support was discontinued in February 2017
• The email notice includes a link to a web based article echoing the content of the email notice. The web based article furthermore states the following:
  • “If you don’t reconnect your upgraded email account, you won’t be able to send or receive Outlook.com email via your desktop version of Outlook 2016 or Outlook 2013 until you reconnect”
• The email notice does not account for and ignores end users who use POP3 or IMAP protocols in Outlook 2013 and 2016 for sending and receiving mail and also(specifically for those using IMAP) synchronization of messages, folders, and subfolders between the Outlook.com account’s web interface and the local installed Outlook 2013 and 2016 application/programs.

 

Fact Check:

• True – All accounts will be migrated to the new Office 365 backend server which supports Exchange
• True – To take advantage of more features and synchronization provided by the new Office 365 server reconnecting your account to use the Exchange protocol instead of the Exchange Active Sync(EAS) protocol is necessary
• True – Outlook.com type accounts using Exchange in Outlook 2013 and 2016 do not need to reconnect.  The email notice, for accounts currently using Exchange, can be ignored.
• True – The ability to send and receive email will cease when using Exchange Active Sync(EAS) in your desktop version of Outlook 2016 or Outlook 2013 until you reconnect
• False – The ability to send and receive email will cease when using POP3 or IMAP in your desktop version of Outlook 2016 or Outlook 2013 until you reconnect (see below)
  • Reconnecting is ***Not Required*** for Outlook.com accounts using the POP3 or IMAP Protocol. Sending and Receiving email will continue to function since the new Office 365 server supports both POP3 and IMAP
• Partially True/Partially False:  “If you do not reconnect your account your Outlook.com emails will soon stop syncing to Outlook 2016 and Outlook 2013”
  • The above implies that all email sync will cease. 
    • Synchronization of emails will cease for accounts using Exchange Active Sync(EAS)
    • Synchronization of emails(including folder and subfolders) will **not** cease for account(s) using the IMAP protocol

 

Email Notice:   (Dated Dec. 21, 2016)

Action Required: Reconnect Outlook 2016/Outlook 2013 to Outlook.com for uninterrupted email access

Dear Outlook.com customer,

Earlier this year, Microsoft introduced the new Outlook.com, which provides a business-class email experience to help you stay connected and get more done. Now that you have been upgraded to the new Outlook.com, it’s necessary that you reconnect Outlook 2016 or Outlook 2013 to your Outlook.com account. As someone who has an Outlook.com email account connected to a desktop version of Outlook 2016 or Outlook 2013, you’re receiving this reminder because you have not yet reconnected your account.

What to do: Reconnect your desktop version of Outlook to your Outlook.com account to ensure uninterrupted email access. If you do not reconnect your account, your Outlook.com emails will soon stop syncing to Outlook 2016 and Outlook 2013. Once you reconnect, your Outlook.com emails will resume syncing to your desktop version of Outlook.

For detailed instructions and help on how to reconnect your account, please visit the official Microsoft support web site at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=837697.

Note that this change only affects any Outlook.com accounts you are accessing via Outlook 2016 or Outlook 2013; you do not need to reconnect to your other email accounts, such as Office 365, Exchange, or other third party email accounts. You can also continue to send, receive, and access email from your Outlook.com account on the web via any popular web browser.

We recognize that reconnecting your account is inconvenient, but this step will ensure that you are able to take full advantage of the new Outlook.com over a more secure and reliable infrastructure. If you have any questions not answered by the support article above, please contact customer support at: https://support.office.com/home/chat.

Thank you for being an Outlook.com customer,

The Outlook.com team

FAQ:

Q. What happens if I don’t reconnect Outlook 2016 or Outlook 2013 to Outlook.com?

A. Your Outlook.com emails will soon stop syncing to Outlook 2016 or Outlook 2013 until you reconnect your account. You will still be able to access your Outlook.com emails via a web browser at any time.

Q. Do I need to reconnect Outlook 2016 or Outlook 2013 to any non-Outlook.com accounts (Exchange, Office 365, Gmail, etc.)?

A. No, you only need to reconnect Outlook 2016 or Outlook 2013 to your Outlook.com accounts.

Q. Will I lose any emails when I reconnect my account?

A. No, you will not lose any Outlook.com emails when you reconnect your account. Your email and calendar data remain accessible via the web. Once you reconnect, your Outlook.com emails and calendar data will resume syncing to your desktop version of Outlook.

Q. Where can I get help if I have trouble reconnecting Outlook 2016 or Outlook 2013 to my Outlook.com account?

A. For detailed step-by-step instructions, please refer to the help article at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=837697. If you have any questions not answered by the support article above, please contact customer support at https://support.office.com/home/chat.

 

Additional Information:

• Reconnect Outlook 2016 or Outlook 2013 to Outlook.com for uninterrupted email access
• Add your Outlook.com account in Outlook for Windows

 

 

Revisions:

December 28, 2016: Initial Draft and Publish Date

March 1, 2017:  ‘Editor Note’ in ‘Comments’ – Support for EAS discontinued February 2017

March 15, 2017: Added comment that accounts using Exchange do not need to reconnect

Outlook.com – Keyboard Shortcuts

Summary:   Keyboard Shortcuts for use in the Outlook.com Mail user interface

Comments:

• Article covers the keystroke(s) combinations/shortcuts for use in the Outlook.com Mail web-based user interface
• Shortcuts are provided in a table format for the Outlook.com  ‘List Pane’ and the ‘Preview Pane’

How To:

• Outlook.com Mail ‘List Pane’ Shortcuts

 

• Outlook.com Mail ‘Preview Pane’ Keyboard Shortcuts

 

Additional Information:

• Reference: Support.office.com  – Keyboard Shortcuts in Outlook.com
  • See above article for a cross-reference of supported shortcuts in Gmail and Yahoo Mail

Revisions:

December 8, 2016:  Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

December 29, 2016:  Revised ‘How-To’ section to a table format; added table format comment

Microsoft Surface update history

Summary:   Microsoft Surface web site for the latest and past released software and firmware updates

 

Comments:

• Microsoft’s Surface Update History (Software and Firmware) web site for Surface devices
• Applies to the following Surface devices
  • Surface, Surface Pro
  • Surface 2, Surface Pro 2
  • Surface 3, Surface Pro 3
  • Surface Pro 4
  • Surface Book, Surface Book with Performance Base
  • Surface Studio
• Direct links to obtain update history for the above Surface devices
• Surface Updates are automatically installed via Windows Update
• Note: Surface Updates files can also be downloaded and installed manually for most Surface devices
  • The file name format is the Surface version, followed by the operating system, followed by the release number.
  • To obtain, download and install Surface Updates manually follow the steps in this procedure
    • Download and install Surface updates manually
      • As an example here are the updates available for the Surface 3 which contain all current software, firmware, and drivers for the Surface 3 and also includes the optional WinTab drivers.

Additional Information:

• Microsoft Surface Update History
• Install Surface and Windows updates
• Trouble installing Surface updates
• Download and install Surface updates manually

 

Revisions:

November 22, 2016: Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

December 8, 2016: Revised Comment section; Added ‘Applies to’ comment

January 14, 2017:  Added example picture to better explain the multiple files available for download and installation.

Windows 10–Creators Update 3D

Summary:  Microsoft Introduces Tools and Support for 3D on Windows 10 Creators Update

Comments:

• On October 29, 2016 Microsoft unveiled their vision to bring 3D to Windows 10 users
  • Wonderful video on the above link (Also available on YouTube.com – https://youtu.be/Itc5ihHDAnY)
• 3D will be available in the next major version release of Windows – Creators Update(due in 2017)
• 3D tools included in the Creators Update will make it easier to capture, create and share in 3D
• Creators Update includes Paint 3D which Microsoft refers to as ‘your 3D art studio in Windows’
• An online community, Remix 3D, is available now, for the purpose of networking and connecting creators and creations – https://www.remix3d.com
• To experience 3D, today, it is necessary to be a member of the Windows Insider Program and have a current 3D supported Insider Program version/build installed on your device

 

Additional Information:

• Introducing 3D for Everyone – Microsoft’s Megan Saunders,  General Manager, Windows Experience Group
• Remix 3D Online Community

 

 

Revisions:

November 9, 2016: Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

Windows 10 – Windows Defender Offline

Summary:   How to Run Windows Defender Offline

 

Comments:

• Windows 10 Version 1607 includes a new feature(tool) for malware removal – ‘Windows Defender Offline’
• Windows Defender Offline is integrated into Windows 10 Version 1607
• Windows Defender Offline performs the scan prior to Windows startup (i.e. Offline)
• Provides the ability to remove malware and viruses that may be difficult or not capable of being removed while Windows is running

 

How-To:

Note: Save all work and close all applications prior to proceeding to run Windows Defender Offline

• Steps to run Windows Defender Offline
  • Click on each in sequence
    • Start Button
    • Settings
    • Update and Security
    • Windows Defender (then scroll down to ‘Windows Defender Offline’)
    • Scan Offline

• After clicking ‘Scan Online’ the Windows Defender Offline process will provide an alert that Windows will shutdown in about a minute.  Once the timeout occurs, Windows will Restart
• After the required Restart, Windows Defender will briefly show a screen indicating the scan is about to begin
• Once the scan begins the Windows Defender Offline graphical interface will appear with a progress bar
• The scan typically takes about 15 minutes to complete
• Once complete, if no malware is found, the system/device will reboot
  • If malware(an infection) is found, Windows Defender Offline will provide the ability to remove the malware/infection.  
    • (Note: Windows Defender Offline, like all other Antivirus/Antimalware scanning software that runs resident and non-resident may not be able to remove all forms of malware)

 

Revisions:

August 3, 2016: Initial Draft Date

October 9th, 2016: Initial Publish Date

March 15, 2017:  Updated ‘Comments’ and  itemized  ‘How-To’ steps in bullet form