Here’s a preview of Windows 10 build 18305 and the best improvements Microsoft has implemented so far.

Start menu

This now has a new single-column layout with reduced top-level tiles. This layout appears when you're creating a new account, setting up a new device, or after performing an installation.

Windows Sandbox

Using hardware virtualization and Microsoft Hypervisor tech, this feature lets you build a lightweight environment to safely install and run untrusted applications without adversely affecting your installation.

There’s no need to create a virtual machine, and when you’re done testing the app, the environment and app will automatically be deleted.

Clipboard

Build 18305 updates the Clipboard interface (Windows key + V). Every item on the clipboard is now smaller, which allows more entries to be displayed.

Accounts

You can now use an SMS code to sign in and continue setting up your Windows 10 account if your account is connected to your phone number.

Windows Hello

Instead of creating a password that is complex and easy to forget, Windows Hello lets you use a look or a touch to sign in to your Windows 10 devices.

Build 18305 improves the PIN reset experience by giving the interface design for web and mobile the same look and feel. You'll also come across the same interface design when performing actions that requires authentication, such as creating a new user account or verifying your account.

Settings

The Settings app has a new homepage that shows user information and provides quick access to frequently used settings.

Troubleshoot

Windows 10 will be able to automatically restore default settings for some services. Depending on your hardware configuration, it will adjust feature settings and apply changes to keep your device running smoothly.

It will also recommend troubleshooting suggestions for non-critical issues. For example, it may recommend that you disable a setting that causes an application to crash mysteriously, until the next update becomes available.

Windows Security

Starting with build 18305, the Protection history page (found in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Threat history) will continue to list antivirus detections, but now you'll see more details that are easier to grasp.

In addition, any pending recommendation will have a red or yellow state throughout the experience in the history list.

Tamper protection

In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Virus & threat protection, you'll find new Tamper protection settings that prevent unauthorized changes to your security settings.

Final thoughts

Enjoy the latest enhancements that Windows 10 build 18305 has to offer, but do be wary of installation problems, sign-in difficulties, and app crashes. To maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks, consult with us. Our experts know how to pick and implement the latest tech advancements that will further your business goals.

The post Build 18305: Latest Windows 10 update for PC appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Microsoft introduces a more fun 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 in 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. Then, under the Windows Hello section, you’ll 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 can still be 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!

The post Easily sign in with Windows Hello appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

A common reason for running the Windows operating system (OS) on a Mac computer is to bypass compatibility issues. Virtualization is the only way to efficiently install OS-specific software on any machine, so let’s go over some of the ways this solution creates synergy between the two platforms.

Configure an entire machine with a few clicks

With programs like VMware and Parallels, installing Microsoft’s OS on your Mac is almost as easy as creating a new document in Office. The process varies between vendors, but it’s usually akin to clicking File and New and then choosing between Windows XP, 7, 8 or 10, and typing in your product key.

Deciding how much hard drive space and RAM get devoted to your virtual machine is also simple and user-friendly. For example, allocating memory to your Windows partition is done by sliding a marker along a scale that is color-coded based on the recommendations of your virtualization software.

Once you’ve completed these simple steps, click Finish and the rest will be configured for you.

Picture-in-picture computing

Older OS virtualization solutions forced you to choose which platform you would use by presenting the options while the computer was still booting up. Once you picked one OS, there was no way to switch without restarting the computer.

Now, you can open Windows as if it were just another desktop application. This is especially useful when you need to work in both OSs simultaneously. Just adjust your Windows screen to half the size of your monitor and use the other half for MacOS applications.

Another reason this is so important is because it allows you to run multiple versions of Windows at the same time. Half of your screen could be running an outdated application in Windows XP while the other half is working in Windows 10.

Touchbar support

The customizable touchscreen that was added to Apple’s flagship laptop line is a great way to create shortcuts and increase productivity. Virtualization applications have added Touch Bar support so you can use it to interact with Windows applications.

For example, a Touch Bar button for opening Cortana — Microsoft’s AI assistant — is included in the Parallels virtualization software. Alternatively, you can also use Apple’s keyboard-based touch screen to toggle between virtual OSs or interact with your Mac while still working in Windows.

Single Application Mode

Containers are a popular subset of virtualization solutions that allow you to give users access to a single application rather than an entire OS. Unfortunately, they are incredibly difficult to set up and manage. Updates to Mac virtualization software have simplified the process with a “Single Application Mode” whereby administrators can grant employees access to pre-configured Windows partitions with only one program installed.

Snapshots

Regardless of whether you’re a certified virtualization professional or a consumer trying to make it work with low-cost software, everyone makes mistakes. With saved configurations of Windows installs known as Snapshots, you can start over without having to set up everything from scratch.

If one of your Windows partitions becomes infected with malware, loading a Snapshot rolls everything back to its original state so you don’t have to configure the virtual hardware or retype the Windows product key. Best of all, restoring a Snapshot is much quicker than a fresh install.

Taking advantage of everything virtualization has to offer involves a lot of IT planning and maintenance. Fortunately, it’s all within reach for small- and medium-sized businesses that partner with a managed IT services provider. Contact us today to learn more.

The post Virtualization Basics: Windows on Macs appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

It doesn’t take long for computer desktops and hard drives to become cluttered, and it’s probably why your PC has been so slow lately. Luckily, Windows has great tools for getting rid of these five types of digital clutter that will have your computer performing like new in no time flat.

There are five types of clutter that may be causing your computer to perform so slowly. Usually, simply resetting or refreshing Windows will help you solve these issues.

1. Windows updates – includes failed update downloads. While Windows will delete some of these corrupted and unusable files, others will hang around forever unless you reset Windows.
2. Registry bloat – 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, and the solution is to reset Windows.
3. Error logs – log files kept by Windows whenever software in your system encounters errors in processing or crashes altogether. And, as with registry bloat, these log files accumulate and slow down your computer. To remove these space-eating files, reset Windows.
4. User bloat – refers to large numbers of your own files, especially if they’re unorganized. Refreshing Windows will take care of this problem.
5. Bloatware – refers to unwanted preinstalled software. It takes up tons of CPU, RAM, and disk space, as well as poses a raft of security risks. To get rid of it, use Windows 10’s Fresh Start feature, which basically reinstalls Windows 10 while backing up your data, settings, and native apps. It will get rid of most apps from your system, including bloatware.

As mentioned, you can either reset or refresh Windows to remove clutter of all types. When you reset, a brand new copy of Windows 10 is installed and your system is “reset” to its original state, which may include non-Microsoft apps and bloatware added by the hardware manufacturer. On the other hand, when you refresh, your PC reinstalls Windows 10 free of any bloatware. Both will delete Windows 10 apps and your customized settings, and will give you choices of keeping your old files or deleting them.

To get started, go to Start > Settings > Update and Recovery > Recovery. If you want to reset Windows, choose Reset this PC > Get Started and then follow the instructions. If you want to refresh Windows, you first need to find out what your Windows update version is, since the processes are a bit different.

• For the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, start by going to Settings app > Recovery > Reset this PC. This will reinstall Windows from local system files and not the latest version. This also gives you the option of deleting all your data.
• For the Windows 10 Creators update, begin the refresh process by following the same procedure as above. But this update also has the Fresh Start feature, which you’ll find by going to Windows Defender > Device Performance & health. You’ll find Fresh Start toward the bottom of the menu; click Additional info > Get started. With Fresh Start, you’ll get the latest version of Windows plus all the updates.

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.

The post Declutter your PC with these Windows tools appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..