Always consider freeing up more space on your computer. On Windows 10 devices, it’s almost inevitable that storage will quickly run low as the total file size of photos, videos, and music continues to increase. Still, there are easy ways to maximize your disk space so you don’t have to purchase a new drive unless truly needed. Consider these easy tricks to create more hard drive space on your Windows 10 computer.

Delete junk on Files

Windows 10 includes a feature to help you create more space by erasing unnecessary files. In some cases, this feature can find and remove several gigabytes of unnecessary system files. To use the feature:

1. Open SETTINGS and click SYSTEM.
2. Click STORAGE
3. Scroll down and select CHANGE HOW WE FREE UP SPACE
4. Under TEMPORARY FILES, select the files to be deleted including temporary files, downloaded files, and items in the recycle bin.
5. Under the FREE UP SPACE NOW, there is an option that lets you delete an older Windows 10 version.
6. Click the CLEAN NOW button to free up space.

Use Disk Cleanup

This is a similar but slightly different tool for sniffing out unnecessary files that are taking up too much space. To give it a try:

1. Open any desktop folder.
2. Right-click on THIS PC in the pane on the left, then select PROPERTIES.
3. Click the DISK CLEANUP button, then CLEAN SYSTEM FILES.
4. The Disk Cleanup tool gives you a number of options, many of which you should consult with us before deleting. They include: Windows Update Cleanup, Downloaded Program Files,
5. Temporary Internet Files, Recycle Bin, and Temporary files, among others.
6. Click OK, then click DELETE FILES.

Delete applications and games

Consider uninstalling apps that are rarely or never even used. These include bloatware or pre-installed programs. You may not even realize certain games or applications are taking up hard drive space. To remove them:

1. Open SETTINGS, then click APPS.
2. Click APPS & FEATURES.
3. Select the apps and games you feel comfortable removing, then click UNINSTALL.

Use “OneDrive Files” On-Demand feature

A new Windows 10 tool, OneDrive allows access to files in the cloud using File Explorer. This means your files will be stored in the OneDrive cloud and won't take up hard drive space unless you need to download them for offline editing.

1. Open the OneDrive application.
2. Right-click the OneDrive icon in your task bar, select SETTINGS, and click the SETTINGS TAB.
3. Under FILES ON-DEMAND, check SAVE SPACE AND DOWNLOADED FILES AS YOU USE THEM.
4. Click OK.
5. Copy and paste your documents to the OneDrive folder (located in the left-hand pane of the File Explorer), select all of them, right-click the selection, and select FREE UP SPACE.

Lastly, move apps, games, and other files to an external hard disk so the computer can create more internal space if there is an extra need for more storage on the Windows 10 device. All these tips are user-friendly, but if you need to give your Windows 10 machines a serious overhaul, give us a call now.

The post Get Windows 10 Space Without Buying a New Disk appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Windows updates are notorious for taking too long to install and providing few tangible benefits. But Microsoft aims to make amends with the forthcoming Spring Creators Update, which takes half as long to set up and introduces several new features. Brush up on what’s coming so you can take full advantage of the update on Day 1.

Timeline

Replacing the Task Viewer icon that sits along the Windows taskbar, Timeline lets users view their desktop’s activity history. When users click the icon to the right of the search icon located on the taskbar, they will see all the applications that are currently open. Scroll down and Windows will display documents, photos, videos, and folders that are organized by when they were last used.

Can’t find the file you were working on last Wednesday? Scrolling to that date in Timeline will be the quickest way to track it down.

Nearby Sharing

This simple feature makes it much easier to transfer files between Windows devices. After enabling Nearby Sharing from the Control Panel, click the Share button in the Edge browser or Photos app and select the computer you want to receive the file. Users can also right-click any file and select Share. The computer receiving a file will display a notification for users to accept or decline the transfer. This means file transfers can finally take place without empty email messages, unreliable network folders, or beat-up USB drives.

Swift Pair

Want to make a call from your desktop with a pair of wireless headphones or test out a wireless keyboard? Just turn on a Bluetooth device within range of your desktop, and Windows 10 will automatically detect and notify you of the connection opportunity -- all you need to do is click Connect.

Privacy

If you’re concerned about information being collected from your business’s computers, the brand new Windows Diagnostic Data Viewer will tell you everything you need to know. Users can now view what information Microsoft receives from their computer and fine-tune privacy settings related to browser history, connected devices, application usage, and webcam permissions.

Scheduling your update

It’s hard to know exactly when your Spring Creators Update will be ready to install, so it’s a good idea to brief your staff on how to minimize business interruptions that the update might cause. Windows 10 updates can be installed immediately, “Snoozed,” or rescheduled, so start thinking about which would be best for your office.

Beyond these impressive new features, Microsoft’s updates come with invaluable security protections. If you’re having trouble keeping your Windows devices secure and running smoothly, give us a call today.

The post Helpful new features coming to Windows 10 appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Despite measurable impacts on the bottom line, most business owners don’t get excited about the release of server software. Microsoft is doing its best to change that with Windows Server 2019, a brand new operating system that includes an impressive list of features. It’s a great all-around solution, but it’s especially exciting for businesses interested in virtualization technology.

Windows Server 2019

In March, Microsoft released a preview of Windows Server 2019 and announced that it will be generally available before the year is over. This will be the eighth iteration of the Windows Server operating system and will include new features to help businesses manage their network security, data storage, and administrative controls.

Virtualization improvements

One of the biggest changes coming to Windows Server is how application containers are created and managed. Containers make it possible to package everything an app needs to run and deliver it to desktops, regardless of a desktop’s hardware and software specifications. So if you’re using an Apple computer with almost no free hard drive space, you could run a Windows application stored in a container without any problem.

Microsoft claims it can reduce the storage requirements of containers to one third of their current size with Server 2019. Additionally, the operating system will introduce new compatibilities with an open-source virtualization standard known as Kubernetes, opening up countless new possibilities for customization.

Security enhancements

A virtual machine is similar to a container, but instead of packaging just one application, virtual machines contain entire desktop environments that are powered by server hardware and accessible from remote workstations. Windows Server 2019 will make virtual machines even harder to penetrate, meaning that even if a cyberattacker compromised your server, the virtual machines stored on it would be protected by an additional layer of security.

Microsoft is also incorporating its Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) protocols into its newest operating system. ATP has been incredibly successful at intelligently detecting and preventing cyberattacks on previous versions of Windows, and adding it to Server 2019 is a welcome addition.

Virtualization is a perfect example of how IT support models are evolving. A decade ago, virtual machines and containers would have been reserved for all but the largest organizations, but today these cutting-edge technologies are both affordable and flexible enough for small businesses. The only thing SMBs need is qualified IT support. Give us a call today about upgrading your technology infrastructure.

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