The Microsoft Patch Lady
For tech users, change is good
It’s increasingly important to avoid platform lock-in, whether you’re a dedicated Windows user, an Apple fan, or prefer Android — because with technology, change is a constant.
Of cut cables and the sad state of tech support
One of life’s lessons is that tech support never seems to improve, no matter whether it’s a phone company that cut your fiber cable or Microsoft rolling out, then reversing, changes in Windows 11. Something’s got to give.
With one June Patch Tuesday update, Microsoft falls short
This month's updates for Windows include one fix that requires extra steps to deploy. But you’ll need to do some sleuthing to get the full story.
The good and bad about Windows 11
The latest version of Windows has seen a slow uptake since it arrived in 2021, but it’s not a bad operating system.
Microsoft Edge is getting a bit pushy
Interface changes, new AI features, and integrations with Microsoft 365 are rolling out to Edge in dribbles, which can be confusing for users and cause headaches for admins.
For Windows 10 PCs — out with the old, in with the new?
If you're still running Windows 10 on older hardware, it's time to start planning your upgrade path to Windows 11 and beyond.
With Windows 10 going away, time to get serious about Windows 11
Microsoft last week made it official: there will be no more big updates for Windows 10. Now, companies have to get serious about moving to its successor.
Still using Windows 10 21H2? Time to upgrade
For consumers and smaller businesses, security updates for Windows 10 21H2 will end in June. Here’s how to make sure your systems are on Windows 10 22H2 before support runs out.
Ransomware as a service? Windows users can still fight back.
With Attack Surface Reduction rules in Windows 10 and 11 (and other tweaks), users can make it harder for attackers to succeed.
The ever-evolving software subscription model
Microsoft has been moving to a subscription model for its software for years, and other companies are following suit. Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re making a move from perpetual software to an online version.
Software bugs that bug me – and how to swat them down
Sometimes when things go awry in Windows, the easiest fix is to undo the last thing you did. Here’s how to do some sleuthing to (hopefully) find and fix the problem.
How do you want Microsoft updates — in ‘dribbles’ or all at once?
Change is coming to the way Microsoft updates Windows and various apps. Are you ready?
Desktop tweaks in Windows can be fun, but watch out for risks
There have been various ways of customizing the Windows desktop over the years — remember Windows Vista gadgets? But make sure you keep security in mind.
Good-bye, Windows 7
Microsoft's popular operating system aged out of support this month. And while it still has many fans, it's time to move on.
It’s 2023 — time for new Windows hardware?
If the new year means a new Windows laptop, you’ll want to choose smartly. Here’s what to keep in mind if it’s time to upgrade.
The trials and tribulations of Microsoft’s KB5012170 patch
Earlier this year, Microsoft rolled out an update to Secure Boot in Windows systems. It's at best a mixed blessing that can do more harm than good for many users.
Instead of tech gifts, give updates and support
If you're thinking about what tech gifts you can hand out this year, take a step back and think about what's really important: hardware upgrades and tech support.
Making sense of out-of-band Windows updates and KIRs
Microsoft’s monthly security patches often have unintended side effects on Windows 10 and 11 systems. Out-of-band Windows updates and Known Issue Rollbacks can help. Here’s what you need to know.
For Windows 8, the end is near
For Windows 8 users still running the aging OS, the impending end-of-life deadline is getting close. Time to think about what to do next.
Beware going down the Windows beta-testing rabbit hole
Many tech geeks like to try out new Windows (and Office) features before they officially arrive. But beta testing can get confusing if you don't know what you're doing.
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