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andre

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Blog Entries posted by andre

  2. andre
    If you use a Apple Macintosh and plan to install the Windows 10 Creators Update version 1703; you should first install the previous release called the Anniversary Update or version 1607. Users attempting to install the Creators Update directly through the Boot Camp software, will encounter an error.
    Microsoft is still offering the Windows 10 Anniversary Update as an available download.

    After installing the Anniversary Update, users can then use the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant to upgrade to Creators Update.

    For instructions how to setup Windows 10 on your Mac using the Boot Camp software, see the following article:
    How to Install Windows 10 On Mac OS X Using Boot Camp - groovyPost
  3. andre
    The job of a Windows Insider never ends, but thats the fun reality of being one. While the vast majority of the general population of computer users will be experiencing the Windows 10 Creators Update for the first time, on April 11th, millions of Windows Insiders will be preping their devices for the next revision. The next version of Windows 10 that follows the Creators Update is rumored to be called Redstone 3 or RS3. Anything can change, but for now, we will go with that. Here is a list of previous codenames used for Windows 10:
    Windows 10 1507 - Threshold Windows 10 1511 - Threshold 2 Windows 10 1607 - Redstone Windows 10 1703 - Redstone 3 Microsoft's Dona Sarkar, Software Engineer within the Windows Devices Group, announced on the Windows Blog today, Insiders should prepare for the next cycle. The announcement lets users know that the next revision of Windows 10 won't be feature rich initially, as the engineers will need time to optimize the software code so developers can prepare to build new features on top. It is likely these early builds will be a bit buggy too, so, if you prefer waiting a bit, you can do so by pausing Windows Insider Updates until the code stabilizes.
    Dona goes on to give instructions how Windows Insiders can stop or pause updates:
    I plan to pause Windows Insider builds a bit until the dust settles. There is still a lot of stuff to discover in the Creators Update and I want to share my experiences with them. That doesn't mean I want to stop being on the bleeding edge. I have a spare machine to test and hopefully the new version will work in a virtual machine. Not much is known about Redstone 3, but some features promised for the Creators Update that were dropped, might finally show up. The new My People app, which lets you share and communicate with family and friend and a Capture app for recording content you can import to apps such as the new Paint 3D.
    When will Windows 10 Redstone 3 be released?
    On average, each revision takes at least 6 to 8 months to complete. Microsoft first announced Redstone in December of 2016, which launched in August of 2016. Redstone followed up a couple weeks later and was completed in March of 2017, so we can probably put Redstone 2 release somewhere in the fall (October - November).
     
  4. andre
    Following up on last weeks cumulative release (15063.11); Microsoft released the second and third cumulative updates for its latest revision of Windows 10, called the Creators Update. The new updates iron out some last minute bugs for devices such as Printers and the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 tablet. The third cumulative update (15063.14), available only in the release preview channel, fixes an issue where non-suspendible processes would suspend after waking from sleep.

    Source: Windows Insider Hub
    Microsoft will give users early access to Windows 10 Creators Update starting on April 5th 2017. The official launch is actually on April 11th, but users interested in upgrading early will get the chance to do so.
    If you want to get it even earlier, follow our guide at the following link:
    Windows 10 Creators Update Version 1703 ISO Files Now Available for Download
    The new version includes a lot of new features and refinements such as Paint 3D; improved Microsoft Edge Web Browser; Night Light; improved Start menu and Cortana; better touchpad gestures; Dynamic Lock; Windows Defender Security Center; Hyper-V Quick Create and more personalization and color options.
     
    Windows 10 Creators Update also include a new Out of Box Experience, be sure to check that out:
    How to Setup and Configure a New Windows 10 PC
  5. andre
    Users attempting to create bootable media using the Media Creation Tool, might encounter error message: 0xC18000116 - 0xA0019. Not much information is given as to why this error is happening, but a Microsoft employee on the Microsoft Community, disclosed, the software firm recently refreshed the Windows 10 ISO media; making it a bit larger than 4.7 Gbs.
    Users will now have to use either a 8 GB thumb drive or a dual layer DVD to make a bootable copy. If you download a combination of architectures 32 and 64 bit, along Home and Pro editions, you might need a USB media with 16 GBs of storage.

    Microsoft has made some changes to how it also distributes ISO files for Windows 10. Computers running Windows 7 or later will no longer be able to download a Windows 10 ISO file directly. You can learn more about the changes here.
  6. andre
    Two Ways to Ensure KB3194496 Installs Smoothly
    Since late September, users started reporting issues installing a cumulative update for Windows 10, KB3194496; which increments the Windows 10 Anniversary Update to build 14393.222.
    Microsoft has not provided an official fix for the problematic update yet, but the software firm is looking into the issue.
     
     
    In the meantime, several work arounds have appeared that seem to be resolving the issue for many. The culprit seems to be associated with the bundled XBOX app which according to the Update History page, KB3194496 includes a fix that addresses:
    Addressed issue causing movies that were ripped using the transport stream (.ts) format to play without sound in Windows Media Player and the Xbox One Media Player app. Addressed issue causing the Movies & TV app on the Xbox to stop working when attempting to play content that was just purchased from the Store.  If you want to get the update to install, users will need to delete or disable XblGameSave. Here is how you do it.
    Navigate to C:\Windows  > System32 > Tasks > Microsoft then delete the folder XblGameSave.
     
    Press Windows key + X, click Command Prompt (Admin), type: regedit then hit Enter. Navigate to the following registry key then delete it:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\Microsoft\XblGameSave
     
    Run Windows Update again then KB3194496 (Cumulative Update 14393.222) should install.

    Have you been experiencing problems with Microsoft's latest update for Windows 10? If so, let us know in the comments.
     
  7. andre
    Many users are reporting Windows Update becoming non-responsive after attempting to install KB3189866. KB3189866 is an important security update for Windows 10 Anniversary Update and includes additional improvements.

    The best way to resolve this problem so far is to manually install KB3189866. You can do it one of two ways. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website using Internet Explorer:
    http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Search.aspx?q=KB3189866
    Then download the appropriate copy of KB3189866 for your Windows 10 architecture (32 or 64 bit).
    You can also download the appropriate architecture directly:
    32-bit version 64-bit version  
  8. andre
    Update: Apparently, the support agent provided incorrect information. Technology journalist, Ed Bott, ZDNET, confirmed with Microsoft, the free upgrade offer has indeed ended.

    Source
    Procrastinators can breath a sigh of relief. A reply from a community forum participant, Martmcd, confirmed in a chat session with a Microsoft Answer Desk agent; the Windows 10 Free Upgrade Offer has been extended for 2 more weeks. The free upgrade launched on July 29, 2015, provides a full version Windows 10 upgrade for PC and devices running a qualifying, genuine, activated Windows 7 or Windows 8 license. The free upgrade was scheduled to last for one year. This week many users started scrambling at the last minute to grab the upgrade. Users who started the upgrade began hitting a widespread 99% hang using the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant. Microsoft Forum Moderators reassured users who started the upgrade before the deadline, could contact chat support to get a reprieve.

    Todays news gives users a little more breathing room to sort out whatever problems might be preventing successful upgrades. This should also give many users the chance to skip Windows 10 November Update and head straight to the Windows 10 Anniversary Update set for August 2.
     
  9. andre
    Programming logic can be a strange thing sometimes. Although its 10 days since the Windows 10 Free Upgrade Offer ended, some users are still getting prompts to upgrade. A participant on the Microsoft Community Forum posted details of an annoying message popping up every time she started her computer.
     
    Source
    Microsoft did promise to remove the Get Windows 10 through a future software update, the software firm just did not say when. Regardless of the imposed deadline, users can activate Windows 10 against existing Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 product keys. In fact using the Media Creation Tool or Upgrade Assistant to upgrade older versions still works. In fact, someone confirmed upgrades from as far back as build 10130 will work. If you really want to pass up on the upgrade offer, here are some solutions you can try:
    The best way to defer the Windows 10 upgrade is by using third party tools. They are easy to use and are faster.
    Option 1: How to Disable the Get Windows 10 Update GWX App Completely
    Option 2: Stop the Windows 10 Upgrade with Never 10 or the GWX App Itself
  10. andre
    Back in July, users in the Surface forums, on the Microsoft Community, started reporting issues regarding battery life rapidly depleting on some Surface Pro 3 devices. A forum participant, Kridsada Thanabulpong, described a fully charged battery degrading by 80% just within a few weeks of charge. Of course, this got me quite concerned, since I am a proud owner of a Surface Pro 3 device myself. It is quite normal for battery life to eventually loose charge over time, especially taking into account normal usage and recharge cycles. In the case of this particular Surface Pro 3, battery life should not degrade only after one year of use.
    Battery Life on Certain Surface Pro 3 Devices Rapidly Depleting
    Quite a number of users are reported similar behaviour with their Surface Pro 3 devices. SIMPLO, the manufacturer of the battery cell used in the in the affected Surface Pro 3, seems to be at fault.

    Thankfully, not all Surface Pro 3 devices use the same brand battery cells. You can check your battery manufacturer by running the powercfg /batteryreport command. Press Windows key + X, click Command Prompt (Admin), type powercfg /batteryreport at the command prompt then hit the Enter key. The report will be saved under C:\Windows\System32 as battery-report.

    Lucky for me, the battery in my Surface Pro 3 is manufactured by LION. So that’s one less thing to worry about. Unfortunately, for Surface Pro 3 owners with affected batteries, whose device might be out of warranty; it will cost more than $500 to fix.  

    Today, Microsoft released a Firmware Update with a fix for the Battery problems.
    Affected users can grab the firmware update from Windows Update.
    The Surface Pro 3 is a great device, but it’s not without its troubles. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced a power cord power cord recall program for Surface Pro 3. This was due to the neck of the adapter being prone to wear and tear. I experienced a bit of difficulty qualifying for the program since Jamaica is not a supported region. A friend in the US was able to help me out and had it shipped to Jamaica.
  11. andre
    Reports are coming in from the Microsoft Community forums, regarding possible causes triggering system hangs in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, 1607. A thread has revealed the IRST Driver as the likely culprit. IRST, which stands for Intel Rapid Storage Technology, is a storage driver developed by Intel for use with a variety of storage configurations; such as RAID (redundant array of inexpensive disks) and SATA drives. Modern operating systems such as Windows 10 no longer require IRST driver and can manage such configurations out of the box.
    AHCI which stands for Advance Host Controller Interface has been supported out of the box since Windows Vista. If you happen to have Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver installed, you can uninstall it to see if it improves stability. If there is a specific reason you need to keep IRST, then you can try updating it using either the Intel Driver Update Utility or download the latest IRST driver manually and install it. You should check the manufacturers website for your computer model for the latest IRST.
    How to uninstall IRST:
    Press Windows key + X
    Click Programs and Features
    Scroll down then select Intel Rapid Storage Technology, right click it then click uninstall.
    　
    With Windows 10 providing built in support for AHCI, there is no need to install or keep IRST. So, if you happen to be experiencing freezes on the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, 1607, this is the first place to check.
  12. andre
    Windows 10 is distributed through multiple market channels. You can acquire it as a digital download or as a retail full package product. What are the differences between the two?
    Both are the same product in some respects, the only difference is the method of acquisition and installation.
    The physical retail package is stuck at build 10240, which you have to update to the latest version (14393.726) through Windows Update. The digital download through the Microsoft Store using the Media Creation Tool includes the latest release (14393.0), which is updated to .726 either during the installation (if connected the Internet) or through Windows Update after completing the installation. With the release of the Windows 10 Creators Update, the Media Creation Tool will be updated to download and install the latest version only.  
    The Media Creation Tool can be used to perform direct upgrades from Windows 7 or Windows 8, or you can use it to create a bootable copy on an empty USB thumb drive or blank DVD. You can also use the Media Creation Tool to also download an ISO image, which you can use to manually create a bootable copy on a blank DVD or USB using your favorite program.
    The retail Windows 10 box license is the same, but the install media comes in the form of a small USB thumb drive and only in one specific edition based on your purchase (Home or Pro). When you boot from it, you will have to choose which architecture of Windows 10 you want to install (32 or 64 bit).
    Another difference with the Media Creation Tool, it lets you specify which editions and architecture you want to download. In fact, you can download all architectures and edition, which you can use to upgrade a mixture of versions and editions. This normally requires a larger thumb drive.
  13. andre
    In addition to the Windows 10 Home and Pro editions; Microsoft also provides a volume license client for large organizations such as schools, governments and businesses who deploy Windows 10 in bulk, called Windows 10 Enterprise. With the release of the Anniversary Update, Microsoft has also provided an Anniversary Update for Enterprise licenses. The ability to upgrade Windows 10 Enterprise  will depend on your employer and Network/IT Administrators discretion. This is especially the case if you are connected to a workplace/school/domain.
    How to upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise 1607
    Volume License clients such as Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise/Education utilizing KMS and MAK licenses should be updated by downloading the installation files for Windows 10 from the volume license servicing center.

    If you have a MSDN subscription, you can also manually download the ISO from there then perform a offline upgrade.

    If you are not connected to Domain, you should be able to upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise using Windows Update.

    If you are running the Long Term Service Branch version of Windows 10 Enterprise, you will be able to download the latest version October 1st, then perform a repair upgrade. Domain policies might restrict upgrades from occurring. Users can attempt the upgrade by logging into a local account on the machine. if you are unable to do so, its best you wait until your Network Administrator determines when your machine gets the upgrade.
  14. andre
    It looks like Microsoft is starting to make some attempt at closing the Windows 10 Free Upgrade loopholes. The Media Creation Tool, which provides detailed options for upgrading, now prompts Windows 7 or Windows 8 systems for a product key. The Media Creation Tool takes into consideration, users, who might have downgraded a previously installed and activated Windows 10 installation; by giving them the option to reinstall Windows 10, exempting them from the product key requirements. The new Digital License function attaches a Windows 10 license to the machine, permitting unlimited reinstalls without the need to have a product key or contact support to get the software reactivated.
    When users download the download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, they will see the following screen as usual.

    If the option to Upgrade this PC now is selected, the user will be prompted the enter a valid Windows 10 product key.

    Any attempts to enter a Windows 7 or Windows 8 product key will be invalidated:

    A new option has been added to the setup screen for users reinstalling Windows 10 on a previously installed and activated system. If your system has a Digital License attached to it, Windows 10 will automatically upgraded:

    Users can still circumvent the prompt for a product key by selecting the option Create installation media for another PC.

    There is another step users will have to follow in order to avoid being prompted to enter a product key. Even when installing from ISO, users can be prompted for a product key if the option Download and install updates (recommended) is selected. Instead, users should select the option Not at the moment. This will permit the upgrade to continue.

    I am sure Microsoft is working on a more concrete solution to ultimately end the free upgrade offer. In the mean time, you can still get it while door slowly closes.
    Thanks to Philip Yip of DellReinstallGuide for the tip!
  15. andre
    I share my iPhones Internet connection as a wireless network. Recently, I started experiencing difficulty connecting to my mobile hotspot, with a generic error displayed 'cannot connect to this network.
    I tried a few things such as:
    Restarting my phone. Change the password. Restarted Windows. Interestingly, my Lumia 625 mobile hotspot connection worked just fine. So, isolated the problem and the mobile hotspot worked on my Surface Pro. The next thing I tried, turned out to be solution, delete and add the wireless connection again.
    To do that, click Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Wi-Fi Settings.
    Select your wireless network, then click Forget.

    Click View Available Network icon in the Notification Area, then connect again. You will be prompted to enter your password.
  16. andre
    Microsoft has begun rolling out the latest version of Windows 10 called the Fall Creators Update, version 1709. The new update includes new features and improvements that make Windows more productive, fun and easier to use. Microsoft Edge includes better support for working PDF's and EPUB files, more Control Panel settings have been modernized, you can command Cortana to shutdown, restart or lock your device and whole lot more.
     
    Below is a list of some of the ways you will be able to get Windows 10 Fall Creators Update today. Some options are still coming online, so periodically keep checking, but the primary channels are Windows Update and the Update Assistant. Please keep in mind, if you don't immediately see it in Windows Update, Microsoft might be phasing in the upgrade for your device. If you are sure your device is compatible, you can manually download the ISO file then upgrade offline.
     
    Upgrade Assistant – this light, 5 MB installer starts the upgrade to Windows 10 right away. It lacks many of the advanced options, such as choosing a partition, creating a bootable copy or selecting a particular edition.

     
    Media Creation Tool – this small app offers a number of options including in place upgrades, building install media on a blank DVD; or USB thumb drive; or downloading the ISO image. Users can also select different editions and architectures or a combination of both.

     
    Refresh Tool – also known as Start Fresh, this is another variant of the Media Creation Tool. The Refresh Tool is suitable for users who want to perform a clean install, while installing the latest version of Windows 10; users can only keep personal files. Applications, OEM bundled drivers and software will also be removed. It’s perfect for users who want to start a clean system either to resolve performance or health issues wth their system.

     
    Windows Update – Windows 10 is part of Microsoft’s strategy to deliver Windows as a service. Since its release in 2015, Microsoft has delivered the bulk of upgrades to new revisisions of Windows 10 through Windows Update.

     
    ISO Media
    An ISO file is a virtual replica of a DVD or CD. In order to use an ISO file, you must first intialize it by burning to a blank DVD or copy the install files to an empty USB thumb drive (8 Gbs in size). The ISO file is available through several channels for download. Once downloaded, users can mount the ISO file on devices running Windows 8 or later then start the upgrade. Here is how you can download the ISO file.
     
    Software Download Page – for users running alternative operating systems such as macOS or Linux, the software download page lets you download and create a bootable copy.

     
    Microsoft Academic Download – students who need to download a back copy of Windows 10 Education using their issued product key from their institution of higher learning.

     
    MSDN Subscriber Download – if you are a developer or IT professional with an active subscription, you can log in and download Windows 10 ISO images, which you can then create bootable copies from.

     
    Volume License Service Center – for large organizations that deploy Windows 10 in bulk to hundreds or thousands of computers. Specific editions such as Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise are normally available here. The Creators Update won’t officially be available until May 1 (as of this writing).
     
    Windows Insider page – If you are a member of the Windows 10 Insider Preview Program, you can download ISO media for the latest version from within the Windows Insider Advanced page.
     
     
     

  17. andre
    Microsoft is modifying changes to its 3D community for creators called Remix 3D. Starting April 30th, 2017, all Remix 3D preview profiles will become Xbox Live profiles. The decision doesn't put an to the Windows 10 Creators Update efforts, but further reduces the need for users to create another profile for another community. Here are some more details:
    Remix 3D is the social aspect of Paint 3D, where you can publish your completed projects and also find content you can incorporate into your project. Members can view existing 3D models from other community members, upload their own or search for something they need. Models can be saved to a project board for use in future projects.
    Resources: Microsoft Paint 3D reference guide
  18. andre
    The Windows 10 Creators Update is not even generally available yet, but the Windows Insider Program surprised enthusiast today with an early build of the next version of company's flagship operating system. Only the PC build has been released in x86 and x64 architectures. The latest build number is 16170, a major jump from the RTM release, 15063, for the Creators Update.
    As noted, early adopters likely won't see anything new, but for users anxious to participate in the development of Windows 10, this is the place to be. If you are not ready to start playing with a new build, especially a buggy early build such as Redstone 3, you should switch to the slow or release preview rings or stop Windows Insider Builds all together. To do that, click Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Insider Program and moving to the Slow or Release Preview rings.
    It will probably be a while before we start seeing anything substantially new. Some features that did not make it in the Creators Update such as the My People app, 3D Capture app are likely to show up this time. Rumor is a new user experience is planned for Redstone 3, called Project Neon. Expect Microsoft to double down on flagship features and technologies such as Cortana, Gaming and Mixed Reality. I'll be loading up this build in a VM just to see what its like. If I find anything interesting, I will let you know.
  19. andre
    Microsoft revealed today it is changing the release schedule for its desktop operating system and productivity suite, along with with its system management software. Instead of a when its ready approach, Microsoft will release new versions of Windows 10 and Office 365 in March and September each year. The Windows 10 Creators Update released last month is the first to be part of the new schedule. Redstone 3, currently in development, will be released in September 2017. The schedule is slightly similar to Canonicals Ubuntu Linux, which are released twice per year, April and October. The schedule promises to make it easier for businesses to embrace the release cadence and provide a predictable and manageable path to new upgrades.
    The release primarily is geared towards Microsoft's enterprise customers, but it will also apply to regular consumers and small business users. I appreciate the clarity on support for each feature release, now defined as 18 months.
  20. andre
    Another week, another build, but this one is exciting due to the inclusion of the My People app. My People was originally planned for the Windows 10 Creators Update, but didn't make it in time. Windows Insiders will be the first to try out the new feature, which centralizes contacts and communications to the Notification Area of the Taskbar. Users will be able prioritize their contacts, easily share content and start conversations using apps and services such as Mail, Skype and People.
     
    Insiders can also expect the usual collection of bug fixes and feature improvements.
     
     
    Windows 10 Mobile - which is on life support - also got an update to build 15208 in the fast ring.
     
     
  21. andre
    In early April, Microsoft launched the Windows 10 Creators Update for desktop PCs. The mobile version was delayed while Microsoft continued development to refine some features. Today, the company launched the RTM build for select devices. On the Microsoft Community forums, an article was published detailing instructions how to upgrade and which devices are supported.
     
     
  22. andre
    Below are direct links to vendor support pages where you can check the make and model of your computer to find out if it is compatible with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update or earlier versions. If its not, don’t force it, stick with your current version, contact the vendor by telephone or support forum to find out about support.The list will be updated as soon as other OEMs update their support pages. 
    Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (1709)
    Toshiba Panasonic Hewlett Packard (HP)/Compaq Dell Inc
    Lenovo
    Samsung
     
    If there are no plans to support the a Feature Update, your options includes: sticking with the current version of Windows 10 or backup then attempt a clean install. Some users have reported a clean install works sometimes, even though the manufacturer does not support it; or you can downgrade to the original version you were running such as: Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 Update 1. Both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 with Update will continue to be supported until January 2020 and January 2023 respectively. Microsoft also noted systems with Intel Clover Trail processors can use and receive updates for Windows 10 1607 until January 2023.
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