Windows Server OS and management
Windows Server is the foundational technology that supports the services and handles resources relied on by enterprises worldwide. Get administrative tips that explain how to troubleshoot, migrate, monitor and improve the security on Windows Server workloads.
Top Stories
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Conference Coverage
07 Nov 2023
Microsoft Ignite 2023 conference coverage
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly to see all the news and analysis related to the latest innovations launching at this year's Microsoft Ignite show. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2023
How to work with the new Windows LAPS feature
Microsoft updated this automated method to manage and back up passwords for local administrator accounts on Windows desktop and server systems. See what's new with Windows LAPS. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2023
How to use Reliability Monitor to manage servers
The utility gives administrators a way to look back over time to see what driver updates, software installations or hardware crashes might be related to the sudden instability. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Jun 2023
How to execute a Windows Server 2012 file server migration
The Storage Migration Service can reduce the stress involved with shifting the data from the outdated file server operating system to one with a newer version of Windows Server. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 May 2023
What are RDS CALs and how should IT use them?
IT teams rely on CALs to ensure that RDS users are properly licensed for their sessions, so they should know how to work with them and what different options they present. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2023
Get a grip on your infrastructure with a custom MMC
Microsoft provides great administration tools, such as PowerShell and Server Manager. But don't neglect the venerable Microsoft Management Console for its flexibility. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Mar 2023
Using PowerShell for Azure service principal authentication
With help from the Azure PowerShell module, you can avoid login prompts and automate the authentication process when using service principals on Microsoft's cloud platform. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
09 Mar 2023
PowerShell Move-Item examples for file, folder management
You can take the pain out of regular administrative tasks, such as migrating and organizing data from your users, with these advanced automation scripts. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
03 Mar 2023
Reveal Windows file server permissions with PowerShell's help
An unauthorized permissions change on a file share could lock out other users. Learn how to automate a report that shows permissions on the server to find these problems fast. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Feb 2023
Use PowerShell workflows when performance matters
When time is of the essence, add parallel processing to your PowerShell scripts to perform tasks more efficiently by using the workflows feature in the automation tool. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Feb 2023
Build a PowerShell logging function for troubleshooting
A basic administrative skill is checking over logs to find out why something broke. Learn how to build a proper logging mechanism to catch errors for diagnostic purposes. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Feb 2023
Best practices for using PowerShell ISE for scripting
Administrators who want to break into PowerShell scripting need to work with an editor for a more effective workflow. Learn how to edit and manage scripts with PowerShell ISE. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2022
How to build a Windows Server 2022 home lab and why
It's possible to get to learn about the features in the latest Microsoft server OS in a cloud environment, but there are a few reasons to stay grounded with this approach. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Aug 2022
Learn to monitor group memberships with PowerShell
Use PowerShell automation to build reports in local group memberships on a server and security groups in Active Directory to keep tabs on any irregular behavior. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 Aug 2022
How to build a vulnerability scanner with PowerShell
What do you do if there's a zero-day threatening your organization? When you need to act fast, use PowerShell to uncover vulnerabilities hiding in your environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2022
Explore print server alternatives to avoid IT headaches
Increased difficulties related to printing have many organizations exploring their options. See what these third-party print management alternatives have to offer. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Jul 2022
Learn how to set up Windows Server 2022 SMB compression
Microsoft added SMB compression to the new server OS to reduce bottlenecks when transferring files with Windows-based file shares. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jul 2022
Create file server screens and quotas in FSRM
File Server Resource Manager can help data center admins keep track of what files get stored on their servers and how much space users take up. Learn to use key FSRM features. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jun 2022
Ongoing PowerShell security threats prompt a call to action
Although PowerShell poses an ongoing risk to enterprise security as a post-exploitation tool, authorities strongly advise against disabling it completely. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2022
How to set up automated log collection with PowerShell
Gathering logs from on-premises Windows Server systems or Office 365 cloud services is a necessary but tedious job. Try a PowerShell script to ease the pain. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
Microsoft fixes Follina zero-day for June Patch Tuesday
A Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool flaw disclosed on May 30 and exploited in the wild gets resolved in this month's batch of security updates. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 May 2022
Query event logs with PowerShell to find malicious activity
Every action on a Windows Server system gets recorded, so don't get caught by an avoidable security incident. Learn how to find potential security problems in event logs. Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2022
Microsoft corrects Windows zero-day for May Patch Tuesday
Administrators should plan on extra testing after deploying this month's patches due to the heavy concentration of fixes in three distinct areas of the Windows OS. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2022
Guide to Windows Server Hybrid Administrator certification
The new accreditation takes a more focused approach with exams that require knowledge of deploying traditional infrastructure components and their Microsoft Azure equivalent. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
28 Apr 2022
Avoid clock skew issues with external time source setup
Configure Active Directory domain controllers to use an external NTP server to avoid Kerberos authorization issues and other problems in your Windows environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2022
Windows Server 2022 security hardening guide for admins
Emerging threats continue to target the Windows ecosystem, but there are multiple methods to make it tougher to be the victim of a malicious hack attempt. Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2022
Microsoft plugs Windows zero-day on April Patch Tuesday
Microsoft issues corrections for 117 unique vulnerabilities this month with a significant number of security updates resolving printer spooler and DNS server problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2022
Advice for data centers looking to change operating systems
When you swap out a data center's primary OS, first, consider the purpose of your replacement OS and its optimal workloads. Then, you can create an OS migration plan. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2022
Configure DHCP failover for Windows Server
DHCP is a critical service, and network admins should take the time to create fault tolerance. Windows Server makes it easy to configure both failover and load balancing. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2022
Critical Exchange Server bug fixed for March Patch Tuesday
The vulnerability on the on-premises mail server system is one of just three critical flaws from a total of 71 bugs corrected in Microsoft products this month. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
08 Mar 2022
Activate Windows Server 2019 with KMS or the command line
Running the Software License Manager from the command line or using Key Management Services for automatic activation can sidestep one hurdle to get going with Windows Server 2019. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Feb 2022
How to use PowerShell with the Azure REST API
With PowerShell automation coupled with the Azure REST API, it's easy to build a script to create, power on and remove virtual machines in Microsoft's cloud platform. Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2022
After rough January, IT gets a mild February Patch Tuesday
With one public disclosure and not a critical vulnerability in sight, administrators will have time to recover from the roller coaster of patch problems from last month. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2022
Network security gets a boost in Windows Server 2022
Secured-core server is a major new security feature in Windows Server 2022, but Microsoft also introduced multiple ways to keep network connections protected in its new server OS. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2022
Compare the features in the Windows Server 2022 editions
Microsoft unveiled a Datacenter Azure edition to go with the traditional Standard and Datacenter editions. See what else is new with this server OS release in this breakdown. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2022
Exchange Server woes continue on January Patch Tuesday
Exchange Server admins who had to cope with a Y2K22 error to start the new year have three more vulnerabilities of varying levels of severity to resolve for Patch Tuesday. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2022
Windows Server 2022 storage features address security, speed
Microsoft's release of Windows Server 2022 brings several notable updates to its storage and file services functionality to give new life to on-premises server systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2021
How to use Windows Server 2022 secured-core server features
Microsoft's latest server operating system attempts to prevent attacks in the data center by locking down access to traditionally vulnerable areas, such as the system firmware. Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2021
Log4Shell flaw looms over December Patch Tuesday
Microsoft issued security updates for 67 CVEs, including a Windows AppX Installer zero-day, but a Java-based vulnerability has many IT departments on edge. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Nov 2021
Start managing with these Microsoft Graph API features
Microsoft Graph offers several administrative advantages when handling jobs on Microsoft 365 and Azure AD, but be aware of some potential trouble spots when employing this technology. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Oct 2021
Get up to speed with PowerShell and the Microsoft Graph API
Microsoft plans to retire technologies that admins depend on to handle Office 365 and other cloud services via PowerShell. Learn how to start with this newer management method. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2021
Microsoft squashes Windows zero-day on October Patch Tuesday
In addition to the publicly exploited bug, Microsoft corrected 76 flaws, including four that had been publicly disclosed, in this month's batch of security updates. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
12 Oct 2021
Learn to work with the Microsoft Graph Security API
The API assists organizations that want to connect their security systems with a programmatic way to produce quicker results when performing investigations. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Oct 2021
These Office 365 migration tools cover more than just email
Vendors have adapted their migration products to handle more than just email as an increasing number of enterprises see the value in shifting more data away from the data center. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2021
Get to know the new Exchange admin center features
After a lengthy development process, Microsoft unveiled its new admin portal for Exchange Online for a more consistent look with other management areas in Office 365. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Sep 2021
Working with the Microsoft Defender for Identity portal
The security product, formerly Azure Advanced Threat Protection, taps into the cloud to uncover suspicious activity across the on-premises network. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2021
September Patch Tuesday fixes zero-day, print spooler flaw
The two notable vulnerabilities, disclosed prior to this month's security update releases, receive permanent fixes to supersede earlier mitigation instructions. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
31 Aug 2021
Minimize headaches with these Office 365 PST migration tips
A bulk email import into the hosted email service in Microsoft's cloud takes a little effort -- and some help from the AzCopy utility -- but it's a job you can handle yourself. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2021
Fine-tune Exchange Online security for your organization
After a move to Microsoft's hosted email service, Exchange admins must learn how to tailor the integrated and supplemental security features to cover several threat scenarios. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2021
Boost security with Office 365 privileged access management
Understand how to thwart cyber attacks on privileged user accounts on Microsoft's collaboration platform to avoid becoming that next security breach statistic. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2021
Reduce your risk with Exchange Server security best practices
The unique nature of your on-premises Exchange Server makes it an attractive target for threat actors. Take these recommended steps to avoid being the next breach victim. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jul 2021
What admins need to know about CMG client authentication
A System Center cloud management gateway keeps your organization's devices in compliance and running as they should, but which authentication option would work best for you? Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2021
Using Diskpart to create, delete, clean or extend disk partitions
The diskpart is one of the oldest tools in the Windows operating system that handles a wide range of disk management jobs, such as assigning drive letters and deleting partitions. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2021
3 Windows zero-days fixed on July Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addressed 116 unique CVEs, including several corrections for Exchange Server, in this month's batch of security updates. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
24 Jun 2021
Avoid data overflows with PowerShell Remove-Item
The cmdlet helps delete misplaced files and outdated documents, but you should tune the code to optimize execution and avoid errors when the work entails many files and folders. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2021
Get a grasp on using group managed service accounts
When you create a group managed service account, it relieves some administrative duties and bolsters the security related to passwords for services in a Windows environment. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2021
Microsoft resolves 6 zero-days for June Patch Tuesday
The tech company confirmed there were signs of exploitation in the wild for the vulnerabilities that affect Windows desktop and server operating systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2021
Explore the benefits behind SCCM tenant attach
When you plug your System Center Configuration Manager into the Microsoft cloud with this feature, you add more flexibility to your device management capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 May 2021
Use PnP PowerShell commands to fortify SharePoint management
A new PowerShell module pares down the work required to handle administrative tasks on several Office 365 services, such as SharePoint Online and Microsoft Teams. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2021
May Patch Tuesday brings more bad news for Exchange admins
Microsoft releases four fixes for the email server product, which remains firmly in the sights of threat actors seeking new ways to exploit the system. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2021
How to choose between Azure Files vs. an on-prem file server
Many organizations still need a file server, but some of the advantages of Microsoft's cloud storage option might persuade companies to make the switch. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Apr 2021
Generate a Windows file server audit via PowerShell
Learn how to generate a detailed report that uncovers unusual activity by users on a Windows file share without having to manually investigate every file and folder. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2021
Azure MFA NPS extension boosts authentication capabilities
With help from the Network Policy Server extension, organizations can expand their on-premises authentication features by tapping into Microsoft's cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2021
Azure File Sync service puts pep in hybrid storage setups
Microsoft's Azure Files offering alleviates traditional support efforts and hardware costs. Using this additional service can improve performance and keep end users happy. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Mar 2021
Build a Windows Server 2019 file server cluster for stability
Learn how to use the clustering tools provided by the Microsoft server OS to create a highly available file server to avoid downtime if disaster strikes. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2021
Optimize Windows Server 2019 with file server best practices
A file server deployment must satisfy the needs of both the end user and the IT staff. Tune up Windows Server for a secure and performant repository for your critical data. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2021
Azure Information Protection P1 vs. P2: What's the difference?
Azure Information Protection adds security to files such as sensitive emails and files copied to flash drives. See which features Microsoft offers in its two licensing levels. Continue Reading
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News
11 Nov 2020
Windows zero-day shut down on November Patch Tuesday
In addition to fixing the exploited Windows flaw, Microsoft rolls out a new look to the Security Update Guide that draws some criticism. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2020
Microsoft 365 E3 vs. Office 365 E3: What admins need to know
The rumors of Office 365's death have been greatly exaggerated. Microsoft still offers an Office 365 E3 plan, but how does it stack up to the Microsoft 365 E3 plan? Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Sep 2020
Windows file systems showdown: FAT16, FAT32, NTFS and ReFS
Some older file formats continue to find life in the enterprise decades after they were developed for their versatility -- in certain situations. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Aug 2020
Techniques to troubleshoot Active Directory issues
Active Directory runs several key operational duties, such as validating access to resources. Keep the system from breaking down with help from these diagnostic methods. Continue Reading
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Video
17 Jul 2020
Windows Server System Insights steers admins from trouble
The predictive analytics feature in Windows Server 2019 gives administrators a heads-up to potential problems to avoid the scrambling when help desk tickets start to pile up. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2020
Active Directory replication troubleshooting tips and tools
When replication between domain controllers breaks down, just about everything else will grind to a halt. These utilities can help pinpoint the Active Directory issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2020
Why Linux containers on Windows is a big deal
Microsoft introduced support for Docker Linux containers in its latest versions of the Windows client and server operating systems, so why should it matter to you? Continue Reading
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Video
21 May 2020
Use a Windows Server 2019 domain controller or go to Azure?
Administrators must dig into the details to see if a swap from on-premises Active Directory to the Azure equivalent makes sense for their organization. Continue Reading
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Video
17 Apr 2020
Update makes Storage Migration Service more cloud-friendly
The latest version of the Windows Admin Center comes with a refinement to one of its tools to make moving a file server to Azure less of a challenge. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2020
Updated Exchange Online PowerShell module adds reliability, speed
Microsoft assists Exchange Online administrators who rely on PowerShell by reworking the underlying functionality of several cmdlets used to manage the hosted email platform. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Feb 2020
What are Windows virtualization-based security features?
Microsoft Hyper-V on Windows comes with advanced protection schemes, including several virtualization-based security features the company introduced in Windows Server 2019. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Feb 2020
How does Microsoft BitLocker secure local, cloud resources?
The BitLocker encryption technology continues to evolve from its roots as a Windows Vista feature to protect resources both in the local data center and in the Azure cloud platform. Continue Reading
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Video
13 Feb 2020
Deploy and configure WSUS 2019 for Windows patching needs
You can update your Microsoft software with a few tools, but Windows Server Update Services is the go-to for many administrators who want a reliable patch deployment platform. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2020
February Patch Tuesday resolves IE zero-day
Microsoft released security updates for 99 unique vulnerabilities, including an Internet Explorer flaw the company had notified customers about last month. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Feb 2020
What are some Windows Server 2019 SDN security features?
Microsoft continued to refine the software-defined networking capabilities in its latest server operating system by developing several new security features. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Feb 2020
What's new with PowerShell error handling?
PowerShell 7 introduces a new cmdlet to assist administrators who wanted a better way to find out what broke in the scripts they wrote to manage their systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2020
Why move to PowerShell 7 from Windows PowerShell?
The next major release of this venerable automation tool features performance improvements and a bevy of new features that could sway many administrators to switch. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2020
Windows Server 2008 end of life means it's time to move
Your organization has a few options to migrate from unsupported Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 systems to avoid becoming another cyberattack statistic. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Jan 2020
What are some features in Microsoft Defender ATP?
The threat protection platform, which underwent a recent name change, comes with some tailored features for Windows Server 2019 to stop attacks and reduce configuration issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2020
Using Azure AD conditional access for tighter security
The cloud-based identity and access management service does not come with certain defensive features turned on by default, which administrators should rectify. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2020
PowerShell 7 features admins should examine
The next version of the administrative tool introduces several features, including a new cmdlet to assist with troubleshooting errors. Continue Reading
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Video
23 Jan 2020
How to install the Windows Server 2019 VPN
A VPN prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to critical resources in your organization. This tutorial covers the deployment on Windows Server 2019. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2020
Battle lines over Windows Server 2008 migration drawn
Microsoft and AWS stepped up their ongoing battle promoting a variety of Windows Server 2008 migration tools in hopes of luring users over to their respective ecosystems. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Dec 2019
Using the Windows Admin Center Azure services feature
Microsoft wants you to add more of its Azure cloud services to your data center by using its new administrative tool to streamline the setup process. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Dec 2019
How to navigate a ransomware recovery process
If you find your systems locked up from a ransomware attack, what should you prioritize? Before you start your recovery, follow this plan to avoid additional trouble. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Dec 2019
PowerShell tutorials capture attention of admins in 2019
Interest in automation continues to trend upward for administrators of Windows systems, particularly when it involves PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Dec 2019
Using wsusscn2.cab to find missing Windows updates
Avoid unnecessary security headaches by using the Windows Update offline scan file and PowerShell to ensure your systems have all their Microsoft patches. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Dec 2019
Are containers on Windows the right choice for you?
Containers have grown in popularity, but there are some considerations to weigh before you decide to migrate Server 2008 workloads to this technology. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Dec 2019
Get back on the mend with Active Directory recovery methods
Administrators should have a few of these data protection techniques up their sleeves to keep Active Directory from a total breakdown. Continue Reading
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Video
13 Dec 2019
How to install and test Windows Server 2019 IIS
The installation process for the Windows Server 2019 IIS role is fairly straightforward. This tutorial explains how to stand up the web server and check its ports and bindings. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2019
December Patch Tuesday resolves Windows zero-day
Microsoft delivers the final batch of security fixes for the year with a Windows zero-day vulnerability getting top billing for administrators. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2019
How to manage Exchange hybrid mail flow rules
Duplicating your existing transport rule collection won't work when you move to an Exchange hybrid deployment. Learn how to set up a proper mail flow with these tips. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Nov 2019
Learn PowerShell scripting using the PSKoans module
Want to get started with PowerShell automation to manage your Windows systems? Try the PSKoans module to learn as you go through its exercises to build your scripting skills. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
URL filtering brings additional Office 365 protection
Ransomware attacks evolve to evade Office 365's integrated protection systems. A third-party security tool can help shore up your defenses. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2019
Tips for ransomware protection on Windows systems
No one product can prevent every ransomware attack, but there are several defensive practices Windows administrators can take to stop an encryption infection from ruining their day. Continue Reading