Is your Windows 10 PC running slowly? It could be because of all the digital clutter your PC has to deal with. Clutter can impede your computer’s performance and eat away at its memory. To have your computer performing at top speed again, you need to get rid of clutter. This blog will show you how to do it.

5 Types of PC clutter

There are five types of clutter that may be causing your Windows 10 computer to underperform.

1. Windows updates – This includes failed update downloads. While Windows will delete some of these corrupted and unusable files, others will hang around forever.
2. Registry bloat – This includes files and applications you’ve deleted in addition to every action performed in Windows, which is recorded in your computer’s registry. Redundant entries bog down your PC.
3. Error logs – These are log files kept by Windows whenever software in your system encounters errors in processing or crashes altogether. Just like with registry bloat, these log files accumulate and slow down your computer.
4. User bloat – This refers to large numbers of your own files, especially if they’re unorganized.
5. Bloatware – This refers to unwanted preinstalled software. It takes up tons of central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), and disk space, as well as poses a raft of security risks.

How to remove PC clutter

To remove these five clutter types and bring back Windows 10 to optimal performance, try these easy ways. Below too are actual Windows 10 screenshots to guide you.

Run Disk Cleanup
Windows has a built-in tool called Disk Cleanup that removes hidden junk files. To run this tool, type “disk cleanup” in the search box on the taskbar, and select Disk Cleanup from the results. Pick the drive you want to clean, then click OK. Under Files to delete, select the file types to get rid of, then click OK.

Delete programs you don’t use or need

Most computers come with pre-installed programs that take up space and run in the background automatically. These commonly include free trials of random programs, games, and services that you will never use. 

Free up memory and storage space by removing these unused programs along with redundant programs that you rarely use or don’t need. To do this, type “add or remove programs” in the search box on the taskbar, and select Add or remove programs from the results. If you see a program on the list that you no longer need, click on it, then click Uninstall. 

If necessary: Refresh Windows 10

If you don’t want to spend so much effort cleaning up your Windows 10 PC because of how messy it is, you can start fresh with a clean and up-to-date Windows 10 installation. This option will remove most installed apps (e.g., Microsoft Office, antivirus software, etc.) but it will keep your personal files and some Windows settings. However, it’s still best to back up your files before refreshing. 

To do this, type “recovery” in the search box on the taskbar and select Recovery Options in the results. Under “More recovery options,” click Learn how to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows, then click Yes in the pop-up window that says “Did you mean to switch apps? Settings is trying to open Windows Security.”

This will launch the Windows Security app where you can click Get started to begin the Windows refresh process.

There are innumerable ways to make your computer perform faster and more efficiently, and our Windows experts are equipped with all the tricks of the trade. Give us a call today.

It doesn’t take long for computer desktops and hard drives to become cluttered, and it’s probably why your Windows 10 PC has been so slow lately. This blog post will show you how to get rid of digital clutter so that your computer will be performing like new in no time.

5 Types of PC clutter

There are five types of clutter that may be causing your Windows 10 computer to underperform.

1. Windows updates – This includes failed update downloads. While Windows will delete some of these corrupted and unusable files, others will hang around forever.
2. Registry bloat – This includes files and applications you’ve deleted in addition to every action performed in Windows, which is recorded in your computer’s registry. Redundant entries bog down your PC.
3. Error logs – These are log files kept by Windows whenever software in your system encounters errors in processing or crashes altogether. Just like with registry bloat, these log files accumulate and slow down your computer.
4. User bloat – This refers to large numbers of your own files, especially if they’re unorganized.
5. Bloatware – This refers to unwanted preinstalled software. It takes up tons of central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), and disk space, as well as poses a raft of security risks.

How to remove PC clutter

To remove these five clutter types and bring back Windows 10 to optimal performance, try these easy ways. Below too are actual Windows 10 screenshots to guide you.

Run Disk Cleanup
Windows has a built-in tool called Disk Cleanup that removes hidden junk files. To run this tool, type “disk cleanup” in the search box on the taskbar, and select Disk Cleanup from the results. Pick the drive you want to clean, then click OK. Under Files to delete, select the file types to get rid of, then click OK.

Delete programs you don’t use or need

Most computers come with pre-installed programs that take up space and run in the background automatically. These commonly include free trials of random programs, games, and services that you will never use. 

Free up memory and storage space by removing these unused programs along with redundant programs that you rarely use or don’t need. To do this, type “add or remove programs” in the search box on the taskbar, and select Add or remove programs from the results. If you see a program on the list that you no longer need, click on it, then click Uninstall. 

If necessary: Refresh Windows 10

If you don’t want to spend so much effort cleaning up your Windows 10 PC because of how messy it is, you can start fresh with a clean and up-to-date Windows 10 installation. This option will remove most installed apps (e.g., Microsoft Office, antivirus software, etc.) but it will keep your personal files and some Windows settings. However, it’s still best to back up your files before refreshing. 

To do this, type “recovery” in the search box on the taskbar and select Recovery Options in the results. Under “More recovery options,” click Learn how to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows, then click Yes in the pop-up window that says “Did you mean to switch apps? Settings is trying to open Windows Security.”

This will launch the Windows Security app where you can click Get started to begin the Windows refresh process.

There are innumerable ways to make your computer perform faster and more efficiently, and our Windows experts are equipped with all the tricks of the trade. Give us a call today.

Bloatware is pre-installed software (that may or may not be malicious) that typically requires an unwarranted amount of disk space, slowing down your computer and exposing you to more cybersecurity risks.

Superfish

In mid-2014, Lenovo users noticed that something was awry with their web browsers: banner ads were breaking webpage layouts and pop-ups were making surfing unpleasant. A deep dive into the problem led to the discovery of pre-installed software called Superfish — malware in the form of an adware pusher. 

The app caused an uproar not only because of its disruptive ads, but also because it was found that Lenovo had essentially interrupted what’s known in the industry as the certificate chain — a chain of trust whereby companies that run machines that users visit as they traverse the internet provide certificates that prove they’re a legitimate party. With Superfish, Lenovo allegedly used self-signed certificates — as Lenovo is a known and trusted brand — making Superfish the root Certificate Authority (CA), meaning it can decide which encrypted communications to trust.

This was bad news for data privacy because in theory, Lenovo could have used Superfish to generate a valid encryption certificate, giving them an opportunity to abuse this trust to spy on PC owners. It also meant that malicious hackers could simply use Superfish’s encryption methods and abuse them to intercept other people’s internet traffic.

Bloatware everywhere

Microsoft has developed and deployed its fair share of bloatware as well. The Windows 10 operating system, in particular, has plenty of them, such as:

• Quicktime
• CCleaner
• uTorrent
• Shockwave Player
• Microsoft Silverlight
• Browser toolbars
• Coupon printer for Windows
• WinRAR
• Apps by the hardware manufacturer (laptop brand)

Some of these even run in the background and slow down computers without users knowing it.

While some users find value in these add-ons, many prefer to start with a leaner operating system due to storage space and processing power concerns. If they want a particular software, they prefer to download it themselves so they can have greater control over their machines and how they experience their hardware and software.

Like Superfish, other Windows 10 bloatware can also cause critical vulnerabilities. One ironic incident involved a pre-installed version of Keeper Password Manager. Instead of keeping passwords safe, it allowed malicious actors behind any website to steal passwords due to bloatware. While Windows 10 users needed to enable Keeper to store their passwords that exposed them to vulnerabilities, it makes you wonder why such a flawed password manager app was there in the first place.

How to rid your PC of bloatware

Removing inclusions you did not ask can be a hassle, but it’s actually fairly easy. Windows has been kind enough to include a robust bloatware removal tool so that you can remove all apps you don’t need. Here’s how:

1. Click the Start menu and type Windows Security in the search bar.
2. Go to the Device Performance & Health section.
3. Scroll down and you’ll see a section with the header “Fresh start”. Click on the additional info link at the bottom.
4. Click on Get Started and accept the user account control (UAC) prompt.
5. The Fresh start interface should pop open. Click Next.
6. The tool will present a list of Windows 10 bloatware that will be removed. Review the list and click Next.
7. Click on Start.

Bloatware not only clutters your laptops and PCs, but it can also render your business vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches. Save yourself from tons of headaches down the line; learn more about protecting your computers from bloatware. Call our team of IT experts today.

Ever powered up a brand new laptop straight out of the box and realized that there are already a ton of apps installed that you know you’ll never use? That’s bloatware, and it’s a regular occurrence when purchasing new computers.

Superfish

In mid-2014, Lenovo users noticed that something was awry with their web browsers: banner ads were breaking webpage layouts and pop-ups were making surfing unpleasant. A deep dive into the problem led to the discovery of pre-installed software called Superfish — malware in the form of an adware pusher. 

The app caused an uproar not only because of its disruptive ads, but also because it was found that Lenovo had essentially interrupted what’s known in the industry as the certificate chain — a chain of trust whereby companies that run machines that users visit as they traverse the internet provide certificates that prove they’re a legitimate party. With Superfish, Lenovo allegedly used self-signed certificates — as Lenovo is a known and trusted brand — making Superfish the root Certificate Authority (CA), meaning it can decide which encrypted communications to trust.

This was bad news for data privacy because in theory, Lenovo could have used Superfish to generate a valid encryption certificate, giving them an opportunity to abuse this trust to spy on PC owners. It also meant that malicious hackers could simply use Superfish’s encryption methods and abuse them to intercept other people’s internet traffic.

Bloatware everywhere

Microsoft has developed and deployed its fair share of bloatware as well. The Windows 10 operating system, in particular, has plenty of them, such as:

• Quicktime
• CCleaner
• uTorrent
• Shockwave Player
• Microsoft Silverlight
• Browser toolbars
• Coupon printer for Windows
• WinRAR
• Apps by the hardware manufacturer (laptop brand)

Some of these even run in the background and slow down computers without users knowing it.

While some users find value in these add-ons, many prefer to start with a leaner operating system due to storage space and processing power concerns. If they want a particular software, they prefer to download it themselves so they can have greater control over their machines and how they experience their hardware and software.

Like Superfish, other Windows 10 bloatware can also cause critical vulnerabilities. One ironic incident involved a pre-installed version of Keeper Password Manager. Instead of keeping passwords safe, it allowed malicious actors behind any website to steal passwords due to bloatware. While Windows 10 users needed to enable Keeper to store their passwords that exposed them to vulnerabilities, it makes you wonder why such a flawed password manager app was there in the first place.

How to rid your PC of bloatware

Removing inclusions you did not ask can be a hassle, but it’s actually fairly easy. Windows has been kind enough to include a robust bloatware removal tool so that you can remove all apps you don’t need. Here’s how:

1. Click the Start menu and type Windows Security in the search bar.
2. Go to the Device Performance & Health section.
3. Scroll down and you’ll see a section with the header “Fresh start”. Click on the additional info link at the bottom.
4. Click on Get Started and accept the user account control (UAC) prompt.
5. The Fresh start interface should pop open. Click Next.
6. The tool will present a list of Windows 10 bloatware that will be removed. Review the list and click Next.
7. Click on Start.

Bloatware not only clutters your laptops and PCs, but it can also render your business vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches. Save yourself from tons of headaches down the line; learn more about protecting your computers from bloatware. Call our team of IT experts today.

Bloatware is software that nobody asked for but is on your computer, taking up valuable space. These software apps come with your hardware pre-installed, and very often, it isn’t always apparent how to delete them properly.

Superfish

In mid-2014, Lenovo users noticed that something was awry with their web browsers: banner ads were breaking webpage layouts and pop-ups were making surfing unpleasant. A deep dive into the problem led to the discovery of pre-installed software called Superfish — malware in the form of an adware pusher. 

The app caused an uproar not only because of its disruptive ads, but also because it was found that Lenovo had essentially interrupted what’s known in the industry as the certificate chain — a chain of trust whereby companies that run machines that users visit as they traverse the internet provide certificates that prove they’re a legitimate party. With Superfish, Lenovo allegedly used self-signed certificates — as Lenovo is a known and trusted brand — making Superfish the root Certificate Authority (CA), meaning it can decide which encrypted communications to trust.

This was bad news for data privacy because in theory, Lenovo could have used Superfish to generate a valid encryption certificate, giving them an opportunity to abuse this trust to spy on PC owners. It also meant that malicious hackers could simply use Superfish’s encryption methods and abuse them to intercept other people’s internet traffic.

Bloatware everywhere

Microsoft has developed and deployed its fair share of bloatware as well. The Windows 10 operating system, in particular, has plenty of them, such as:

• Quicktime
• CCleaner
• uTorrent
• Shockwave Player
• Microsoft Silverlight
• Browser toolbars
• Coupon printer for Windows
• WinRAR
• Apps by the hardware manufacturer (laptop brand)

Some of these even run in the background and slow down computers without users knowing it.

While some users find value in these add-ons, many prefer to start with a leaner operating system due to storage space and processing power concerns. If they want a particular software, they prefer to download it themselves so they can have greater control over their machines and how they experience their hardware and software.

Like Superfish, other Windows 10 bloatware can also cause critical vulnerabilities. One ironic incident involved a pre-installed version of Keeper Password Manager. Instead of keeping passwords safe, it allowed malicious actors behind any website to steal passwords due to bloatware. While Windows 10 users needed to enable Keeper to store their passwords that exposed them to vulnerabilities, it makes you wonder why such a flawed password manager app was there in the first place.

How to rid your PC of bloatware

Removing inclusions you did not ask can be a hassle, but it’s actually fairly easy. Windows has been kind enough to include a robust bloatware removal tool so that you can remove all apps you don’t need. Here’s how:

1. Click the Start menu and type Windows Security in the search bar.
2. Go to the Device Performance & Health section.
3. Scroll down and you’ll see a section with the header “Fresh start”. Click on the additional info link at the bottom.
4. Click on Get Started and accept the user account control (UAC) prompt.
5. The Fresh start interface should pop open. Click Next.
6. The tool will present a list of Windows 10 bloatware that will be removed. Review the list and click Next.
7. Click on Start.

Bloatware not only clutters your laptops and PCs, but it can also render your business vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches. Save yourself from tons of headaches down the line; learn more about protecting your computers from bloatware. Call our team of IT experts today.

Don’t be so quick to dump that old computer! Despite being slow and clunky, your old desktop or laptop may still add value to your business. There are many uses for old PC hardware, and here are five of them.

Make a NAS server

Network-attached storage (NAS) is a server for your small business network that lets you store files that need to be shared with all the computers on the network. If your old PC has at least 8 GB of RAM, you can use it as your own NAS.

Simply download FreeNAS, a software accessible on Windows, MacOS, or Linux, that enables you to create a shared backup of your computers. FreeNAS has access permissions and allows you to stream media to a mobile operating system (OS), like iOS and Android.

But if you’d rather convert your PC into a private cloud for remote access and data backup, Tonido is a great alternative. This free private cloud server turns your computer into a storage website, letting you access files from anywhere on any device. Tonido offers up to 2 GB of file syncing across computers, and there are even Tonido apps for iOS and Android.

Secure your online privacy

Install The Amnesic Incognito Live System (TAILS) on your old computer and enjoy your very own dedicated privacy PC.

TAILS routes all your internet traffic and requests through TOR Project, a software that makes it difficult for anyone to track you online. All of this Linux-based software’s integrated applications like web browsers, Office suite, and email software are preconfigured for robust security and privacy protection.

Activate kiosk mode

In Windows 10, enabling Assigned Access “kiosk mode” ensures that only one app is allowed to run in the system. To activate this mode, open Settings and go to Accounts > Family & other users, then click on the Set up assigned access option. From there, you can choose which app the system can access.

For example, if you want a dedicated audio and video conferencing system, you can choose to give assigned access to Skype or other online communication apps. This mode is also perfect for setting up a public information desk for walk-in customers or a dedicated point-of-sale system for cashiers.

Create a guest computer

When you have to accommodate for consultants and temporary staff, it may be worth setting up a bare-bones guest computer. First, reformat your PC and reinstall the latest Windows or Mac operating system. Then, install security updates and set up guest restrictions to prevent unauthorized access to critical systems. Ideally, temporary staff should only be able to use guest computers for things like email, web browsing, and standard productivity software.

Salvage PC parts

If your old computer can’t be transformed into a NAS server or service kiosk, consider reusing certain hardware components. For instance, you can reuse RAM sticks for another computer, repurpose hard disk drives as external hard drives, and set up a second display with an old monitor.

Reselling hardware components like motherboards and video cards is also a good idea if you’re saving up for a new PC. Finally, keep your cables. Many USB adaptors, ethernet cables, and AUX cords are compatible with a wide array of electronics.

We’re always on the lookout for ways to help our clients make the most out of their technology investments. Want to know more about how to utilize hardware to your business’s advantage? Give us a call.

If your PC has been struggling to perform all the tasks you have at hand, we completely understand why you would be itching for a new one. But even if it’s old, sluggish, and always crashing, your old desktop or laptop may still prove to be useful. Here are some things you can do with an old PC.

Make a NAS server

Network-attached storage (NAS) is a server for your small business network that lets you store files that need to be shared with all the computers on the network. If your old PC has at least 8 GB of RAM, you can use it as your own NAS.

Simply download FreeNAS, a software accessible on Windows, MacOS, or Linux, that enables you to create a shared backup of your computers. FreeNAS has access permissions and allows you to stream media to a mobile operating system (OS), like iOS and Android.

But if you’d rather convert your PC into a private cloud for remote access and data backup, Tonido is a great alternative. This free private cloud server turns your computer into a storage website, letting you access files from anywhere on any device. Tonido offers up to 2 GB of file syncing across computers, and there are even Tonido apps for iOS and Android.

Secure your online privacy

Install The Amnesic Incognito Live System (TAILS) on your old computer and enjoy your very own dedicated privacy PC.

TAILS routes all your internet traffic and requests through TOR Project, a software that makes it difficult for anyone to track you online. All of this Linux-based software’s integrated applications like web browsers, Office suite, and email software are preconfigured for robust security and privacy protection.

Activate kiosk mode

In Windows 10, enabling Assigned Access “kiosk mode” ensures that only one app is allowed to run in the system. To activate this mode, open Settings and go to Accounts > Family & other users, then click on the Set up assigned access option. From there, you can choose which app the system can access.

For example, if you want a dedicated audio and video conferencing system, you can choose to give assigned access to Skype or other online communication apps. This mode is also perfect for setting up a public information desk for walk-in customers or a dedicated point-of-sale system for cashiers.

Create a guest computer

When you have to accommodate for consultants and temporary staff, it may be worth setting up a bare-bones guest computer. First, reformat your PC and reinstall the latest Windows or Mac operating system. Then, install security updates and set up guest restrictions to prevent unauthorized access to critical systems. Ideally, temporary staff should only be able to use guest computers for things like email, web browsing, and standard productivity software.

Salvage PC parts

If your old computer can’t be transformed into a NAS server or service kiosk, consider reusing certain hardware components. For instance, you can reuse RAM sticks for another computer, repurpose hard disk drives as external hard drives, and set up a second display with an old monitor.

Reselling hardware components like motherboards and video cards is also a good idea if you’re saving up for a new PC. Finally, keep your cables. Many USB adaptors, ethernet cables, and AUX cords are compatible with a wide array of electronics.

We’re always on the lookout for ways to help our clients make the most out of their technology investments. Want to know more about how to utilize hardware to your business’s advantage? Give us a call.

Sooner or later, you’re going to have to replace your computer. But while it may not be as fast as when you first got it or as sleek as your new computer, your old desktop or laptop might still have a lot to offer. Below are a few ways you can repurpose an outdated machine.

Make a NAS server

Network-attached storage (NAS) is a server for your small business network that lets you store files that need to be shared with all the computers on the network. If your old PC has at least 8 GB of RAM, you can use it as your own NAS.

Simply download FreeNAS, a software accessible on Windows, MacOS, or Linux, that enables you to create a shared backup of your computers. FreeNAS has access permissions and allows you to stream media to a mobile operating system (OS), like iOS and Android.

But if you’d rather convert your PC into a private cloud for remote access and data backup, Tonido is a great alternative. This free private cloud server turns your computer into a storage website, letting you access files from anywhere on any device. Tonido offers up to 2 GB of file syncing across computers, and there are even Tonido apps for iOS and Android.

Secure your online privacy

Install The Amnesic Incognito Live System (TAILS) on your old computer and enjoy your very own dedicated privacy PC.

TAILS routes all your internet traffic and requests through TOR Project, a software that makes it difficult for anyone to track you online. All of this Linux-based software’s integrated applications like web browsers, Office suite, and email software are preconfigured for robust security and privacy protection.

Activate kiosk mode

In Windows 10, enabling Assigned Access “kiosk mode” ensures that only one app is allowed to run in the system. To activate this mode, open Settings and go to Accounts > Family & other users, then click on the Set up assigned access option. From there, you can choose which app the system can access.

For example, if you want a dedicated audio and video conferencing system, you can choose to give assigned access to Skype or other online communication apps. This mode is also perfect for setting up a public information desk for walk-in customers or a dedicated point-of-sale system for cashiers.

Create a guest computer

When you have to accommodate for consultants and temporary staff, it may be worth setting up a bare-bones guest computer. First, reformat your PC and reinstall the latest Windows or Mac operating system. Then, install security updates and set up guest restrictions to prevent unauthorized access to critical systems. Ideally, temporary staff should only be able to use guest computers for things like email, web browsing, and standard productivity software.

Salvage PC parts

If your old computer can’t be transformed into a NAS server or service kiosk, consider reusing certain hardware components. For instance, you can reuse RAM sticks for another computer, repurpose hard disk drives as external hard drives, and set up a second display with an old monitor.

Reselling hardware components like motherboards and video cards is also a good idea if you’re saving up for a new PC. Finally, keep your cables. Many USB adaptors, ethernet cables, and AUX cords are compatible with a wide array of electronics.

We’re always on the lookout for ways to help our clients make the most out of their technology investments. Want to know more about how to utilize hardware to your business’s advantage? Give us a call.

Having problems with your Windows 10 updates? Perhaps they’re incompatible with your latest driver update. To prevent such issues from happening, Microsoft has changed the Windows 10 update system.

First, let’s distinguish between driver updates and operating system (OS) updates:

Driver updates – A driver is software that allows your computer’s OS to communicate with various hardware devices connected to your computer. Without a driver, the devices you use — display, keyboard, mouse, modem, motherboard, etc. — will not work properly. Hardware manufacturers update their drivers similarly to any standard computer program. Updates are often enhancements to accommodate new software; for example, a new video game with state-of-the-art graphics will require driver updates for your display screen.

OS updates – Windows 10 receives two kinds of regular updates:

• Security updates (every month) consist mostly of security fixes that are quickly installed.
• Feature updates (every six months) consist of upgrades to the latest Windows version with enhanced features, often requiring multiple reboots to install.

Problems occur when Windows 10 updates are incompatible with a current driver, or when driver updates are released around the same time as Windows 10 updates. In both cases, compatibility issues result in automatic non-installation of updates and startup failures.

To address this issue and improve user experience, Microsoft has changed the way it updates.

#1 Microsoft now allows its hardware partners to request upgrade blocks

Before, Microsoft put up an upgrade block when there were compatibility issues with certain drivers. But now the Redmond-based company is allowing their hardware partners like Intel, RealTek, and others, to request for upgrade blocks if they know their driver is not yet validated. This temporary Windows Update block period is between 30 and 60 days. Once the driver has been updated, then the Windows Update block will be removed.

#2 Microsoft bans new driver releases during holidays and weekends

To further improve driver update experiences, Microsoft has banned new driver releases during US public holidays and weekends. This is because Microsoft employees are not available to address compatibility issues that crop up after an update. And Microsoft aims to make driver release dates more predictable in the future.

Do you encounter problems with your Windows 10 updates? If you constantly find it difficult to accomplish the updates for Windows 10 or for your drivers, then you should talk to our Windows experts — they’ll be more than happy to assist you. Call or email us right now.

Windows 10 users receive regular security and feature updates for the operating system. But when such patches coincide with driver updates from Microsoft’s hardware partners, Windows 10 experiences compatibility problems. Here’s how Microsoft is addressing the issue.

First, let’s distinguish between driver updates and operating system (OS) updates:

Driver updates – A driver is software that allows your computer’s OS to communicate with various hardware devices connected to your computer. Without a driver, the devices you use — display, keyboard, mouse, modem, motherboard, etc. — will not work properly. Hardware manufacturers update their drivers similarly to any standard computer program. Updates are often enhancements to accommodate new software; for example, a new video game with state-of-the-art graphics will require driver updates for your display screen.

OS updates – Windows 10 receives two kinds of regular updates:

• Security updates (every month) consist mostly of security fixes that are quickly installed.
• Feature updates (every six months) consist of upgrades to the latest Windows version with enhanced features, often requiring multiple reboots to install.

Problems occur when Windows 10 updates are incompatible with a current driver, or when driver updates are released around the same time as Windows 10 updates. In both cases, compatibility issues result in automatic non-installation of updates and startup failures.

To address this issue and improve user experience, Microsoft has changed the way it updates.

#1 Microsoft now allows its hardware partners to request upgrade blocks

Before, Microsoft put up an upgrade block when there were compatibility issues with certain drivers. But now the Redmond-based company is allowing their hardware partners like Intel, RealTek, and others, to request for upgrade blocks if they know their driver is not yet validated. This temporary Windows Update block period is between 30 and 60 days. Once the driver has been updated, then the Windows Update block will be removed.

#2 Microsoft bans new driver releases during holidays and weekends

To further improve driver update experiences, Microsoft has banned new driver releases during US public holidays and weekends. This is because Microsoft employees are not available to address compatibility issues that crop up after an update. And Microsoft aims to make driver release dates more predictable in the future.

Do you encounter problems with your Windows 10 updates? If you constantly find it difficult to accomplish the updates for Windows 10 or for your drivers, then you should talk to our Windows experts — they’ll be more than happy to assist you. Call or email us right now.

Before, whenever Microsoft’s hardware partners released updates on their drivers, those updates caused multiple problems for Windows 10 users. To resolve that, Microsoft revised the way it updates Windows 10.

First, let’s distinguish between driver updates and operating system (OS) updates:

Driver updates – A driver is software that allows your computer’s OS to communicate with various hardware devices connected to your computer. Without a driver, the devices you use — display, keyboard, mouse, modem, motherboard, etc. — will not work properly. Hardware manufacturers update their drivers similarly to any standard computer program. Updates are often enhancements to accommodate new software; for example, a new video game with state-of-the-art graphics will require driver updates for your display screen.

OS updates – Windows 10 receives two kinds of regular updates:

• Security updates (every month) consist mostly of security fixes that are quickly installed.
• Feature updates (every six months) consist of upgrades to the latest Windows version with enhanced features, often requiring multiple reboots to install.

Problems occur when Windows 10 updates are incompatible with a current driver, or when driver updates are released around the same time as Windows 10 updates. In both cases, compatibility issues result in automatic non-installation of updates and startup failures.

To address this issue and improve user experience, Microsoft has changed the way it updates.

#1 Microsoft now allows its hardware partners to request upgrade blocks

Before, Microsoft put up an upgrade block when there were compatibility issues with certain drivers. But now the Redmond-based company is allowing their hardware partners like Intel, RealTek, and others, to request for upgrade blocks if they know their driver is not yet validated. This temporary Windows Update block period is between 30 and 60 days. Once the driver has been updated, then the Windows Update block will be removed.

#2 Microsoft bans new driver releases during holidays and weekends

To further improve driver update experiences, Microsoft has banned new driver releases during US public holidays and weekends. This is because Microsoft employees are not available to address compatibility issues that crop up after an update. And Microsoft aims to make driver release dates more predictable in the future.

Do you encounter problems with your Windows 10 updates? If you constantly find it difficult to accomplish the updates for Windows 10 or for your drivers, then you should talk to our Windows experts — they’ll be more than happy to assist you. Call or email us right now.

Microsoft has introduced a convenient and personal way to sign in to your Windows 10 devices. With Windows Hello, you can now log in with just a look or a touch. This features also comes with enterprise-grade security without having to type in a password.

Say hello to fingerprint, iris, and facial scans

Windows Hello is an advanced biometric identity and access control feature in Windows 10. It allows you to log in to your computer without the need to enter a password. All you need is a fingerprint, iris, or facial scan.

If you’re worried about your privacy, rest assured that your biometric data is only saved to your device, never on Microsoft’s servers. It’s still best to handle this technology with caution, but Microsoft assures users that third parties cannot access your biometric data.

How to set up Windows Hello

A laptop or desktop with Windows 10 and a compatible webcam are all you need to set up Windows Hello. There is a full list of supported hardware here.

To get started with Hello, click the magnifying glass on your Start bar and open the Settings window. From there, choose Account, followed by Sign-in options. You should see setup options for face, iris, or fingerprint scans. Select which method you want to set up and follow the prompts to create a login profile.

You can even save your biometric data or scan more than once to boost accuracy. The system collects more data every time you scan, so it’s better to complete a few scans before enabling the login feature.

After setting up your account, you can start adding family members who share the same device. Each of them can set up their own biometric profile in a separate account. Passwords are still an option when using Windows Hello in case your camera isn’t working.

There are several Windows features that can make your life easier. Our IT experts can help you get more out of your Windows devices. Contact us today!