Monthly Archives: October 2019

PowerToys is One of Microsoft’s Coolest Tools

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Yesterday, Brandon LeBlanc from Windows Insider Program announced a new release of PowerToys v0.12.

If you’ve never heard of PowerToys, LeBlanc states that, “it’s a set of utilities for power users to tune and streamline their Windows experience for greater productivity.” Apparently PowerToys was revamped from Windows 95 and is specifically for Windows 10 on GitHub.

Microsoft received lots of feedback from the Windows Insiders for this particular feature and seem to be eager to see how it all pans out for the public.

One certain PowerToy is the PowerRename. This allows you to group a handful of files and rename them in a short amount of time.

Power Rename Gif Source: blog.windows.com

LeBlanc finishes the blog post with two more utilities, FancyZones and Dark Mode Support. He states, “The next big improvement is with FancyZones, a window manager that’s designed to make it easy to arrange and snap windows into efficient layouts for your workflow. We made the editor multi-monitor aware, targeted globalization bugs, and corrected other high priority issues. Lastly, we’ve started to add in support for Dark Mode where appropriate.”

I can definitely see businesses applying these utilizations to their workload. You’re able to choose your layout and adjust according to what works best for you. It just makes things easier.

Source: github.com/microsoft/PowerToys

If you’d like to install PowerToys, head over to GitHub and download the PowerToysSetup.msi installer.

For help updating, restoring or dealing with any Windows 10 issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Security Patch Sent to Wrong Windows 10 Version

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Windows slipped up a little again this week. Microsoft released an update that included an improvement to Windows Autopilot devices. However it was sent to the wrong version.

According to Chris Merriman, an associate editor at the INQUIRER:

For anyone that doesn’t know, Autopilot is a system from the company’s InTune imprint, used to roll out Windows in a business environment. If you’re not in a business environment, and at the IT admin end, you’re usually never going to see it. In fact, according to the notes for the patch:

“Windows Autopilot update is not installed on Windows 10 Pro or a later version when the device is not registered or configured for Windows Autopilot deployment. Windows Autopilot update is never offered to Windows 10 Home.”

Thing is, it was. In fact, it was sent to Home devices and Pro devices that weren’t registered for Autopilot.

The issue has apparently been found and dealt with, but it is urged that you don’t install it unless it’s necessary – which it probably isn’t.

Microsoft Docs says this in regarding adding devices:

“Before deploying a device using Windows Autopilot, the device must be registered with the Windows Autopilot deployment service. Ideally, this would be performed by the OEM, reseller, or distributor from which the devices were purchased, but this can also be done by the organization by collecting the hardware identity and uploading it manually.

If an existing device is already running Windows 10 version 1703 or later and enrolled in an MDM service such an Intune, that MDM service can ask the device for the hardware ID (also known as a hardware hash). Once it has that, it can automatically register the device with Windows Autopilot.

For instructions on how to do this with Microsoft Intune, see Create an Autopilot deployment profile documentation describing the “Convert all targeted devices to Autopilot” setting.

For help with Windows 10 issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Mesa Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950.

macOS 10.15.1 Catalina Update Available

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Apple has finally released its Catalina Update for the macOS this past Tuesday. There are now over 70 new or updated emojis, HomeKit Secure Video – which allows you to view your security camera footage, and Siri improvements. It also adds support for the new AirPods Pro. So if you have them, you’ll want this update.

This Mac update includes the following improvements and bug fixes:

Restores the ability to view file names in the All Photos view in Photos

Restores the ability to filter by favorites, photos, videos, edited, and keywords in Days view in Photos

Fixes an issue where Messages would only send a single notification when the option to repeat alerts was enabled

Resolves an issue that caused Contacts to launch to the previously opened contact instead of the contact list

Adds a two-finger swipe gesture for back navigation in Apple News

Resolves issues that may occur in the Music app when displaying playlists inside folders and newly added songs in the Songs list 

Improves reliability of migrating iTunes library databases into the Music, Podcasts, and TV apps 

Fixes an issue where downloaded titles were not visible in the Downloads folder in the TV app

To update your computer to the latest macOS Catalina, go to the Apple menu, click System Preferences , then choose Software Update. Voila!

For help with Apple operating systems, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Senators Push Emergency Alerts Through Technology

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Yesterday, Brian Schatz and John Thune, Senators from Hawaii and South Dakota opened the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement Act back up again. Schatz’ website released statements from both him and Thune regarding the issues Emergency Alerts encounter. These issues include the lack of relevant alerts in parts of the country.

“When a missile alert went out across Hawai‘i last year, some people never got the message on their phones, while others missed it on their TVs and radios. Even though it was a false alarm, the missile alert exposed real flaws in the way people receive emergency alerts,” said Senator Schatz, lead Democrat on the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. “Our bill fixes a number of important problems with the system responsible for delivering emergency alerts. In a real emergency, these alerts can save lives so we have to do everything we can to get it right.”

“South Dakotans understand how drastically the weather can change on a dime,” said Senator Thune, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. “For that reason, among many others, this legislation would make necessary improvements to help keep South Dakotans and communities around the country safe in times of emergency. I want to thank Sen. Schatz for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him to move this bill forward.”

The READI Act will have a number of resolutions when it comes to Emergency Alerts. This includes:
  • Alerts sent to streaming services, such as Netflix, Apple TV+, Apple Music, and more
  • Not allowing opting out of receiving certain alerts
  • A reporting system so the FCC can fix any issues
  • Urging SECC (State Emergency Communications Committees) to update their alert system plans
  • Having alerts be played multiple times, instead of the only one time requirement
  • FEMA working on enhancing training on the alert system

So all in all, you may be seeing improvements on any emergency alerts, not only on your phone, but radio, tv, streaming services, and more in the near future. The READI Act already has the full support of a wide variety of television and internet associations.

Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Start Menu and Bug Fixes in New Windows Update

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With software problems comes updates to alleviate those problems. Earlier today, Microsoft released a cumulative update available to all Windows 10 users. This update, called KB4522355 (OS Build 18362.449) has a variety of fixes, including the Start Menu problem that several users encountered, according to Microsoft Support:

  • “Updates an issue that prevents Microsoft Narrator from working in certain touch mode scenarios.
  • Updates an issue that starts assistive technology (AT) (such as Microsoft Narrator, Magnifier, or NVDA) after signing in when you’ve configured it to start before signing in. 
  • Updates an issue that causes Magnifier to stop working in certain scenarios, and you have to restart it manually. 
  • Updates an issue that causes Microsoft Narrator to stop working in the middle of a session in certain scenarios. 
  • Updates an issue that might prevent a scroll bar from being selected. 
  • Updates an issue that allows a device to go to Sleep (S3) even if you configure the device to never sleep. 
  • Updates an issue that prevents you from shrinking a window in some cases.
  • Updates an issue that prevents you from connecting to a virtual private network (VPN).
  • Updates an issue that causes screen flickering or is slow to display the screen when you show application thumbnails on a monitor that has high dots per inch (DPI).
  • Updates an issue that causes the tile for the Photos app to appear larger than expected in the Start menu under certain conditions. 
  • Updates an issue that causes the system to stop responding at the sign-in screen.
  • Updates an issue that might cause a black screen to appear the first time you sign in after installing a feature or quality update.
  • Updates an issue that causes the Start menu, the Cortana Search bar, Tray icons, or Microsoft Edge to stop responding in certain scenarios after installing a monthly update.
  • Addresses an issue with the behavior of the Origin HTTP header when you use Internet Explorer to make cross-origin resource sharing (CORS) requests to redirect resources in internal subnets. 
  • Addresses an issue that prevents Microsoft Narrator from working in certain touch mode scenarios. 
  • Addresses an issue with syncing settings from the Accounts page when the “Continue experiences on this device” Group Policy is disabled. 
  • Addresses an issue that starts assistive technology (AT) (such as Microsoft Narrator, Magnifier, or NVDA) after signing in when the Ease of Access Center setting requires AT to start before signing in. 
  • Addresses an error message that appears when you open an app after enabling NT Virtual DOS Machine (NTVDM) and the legacy console mode. The error message is, “OACClearArry: Cannot connect to Trace32 OLE Automation server. Error code: -2147483645.” 
  • Addresses an issue that causes Magnifier to stop working in certain scenarios, and the user must restart it manually. 
  • Updates time zone information for Norfolk Island, Australia. 
  • Updates time zone information for the Fiji Islands. 
  • Addresses an issue that causes Microsoft Narrator to stop working in the middle of a user session in certain scenarios. 
  • Addresses an issue that fails to set the default Command Prompt window color when you use the color command without a parameter. 
  • Addresses an issue that causes the Microsoft Windows Search Indexer (searchindexer.exe) to add or repair required access control lists (ACLs) without checking if ACLs exist. 
  • Addresses an issue in which controls in Win32 applications intermittently fail to render correctly when started from a logoff script using the “Run shutdown scripts visible” policy.
  • Addresses an issue in which installing many fonts in the system causes applications to stop responding. 
  • Addresses an issue with high CPU usage in Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) when you disconnect from a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) session. 
  • Addresses an issue that might prevent a scroll bar from being selected when an ActiveX control implements the CScrollView class. This occurs if you move the Internet Explorer window, which then moves the scroll bar to the left. 
  • Addresses an issue that allows the system to go to Sleep (S3) after two minutes of inactivity even if you configure the sleep timer to never sleep. 
  • Addresses an issue that prevents users from reducing the size of a window in some cases. 
  • Addresses an issue that causes Microsoft SharePoint file names to appear incorrectly in the Quick access and Recent items folders. 
  • Addresses an issue that prevents you from establishing virtual private network (VPN) connections. 
  • Addresses an issue that causes screen flickering or is slow to display the screen when you show application thumbnails on high dots per inch (DPI) monitors. 
  • Addresses an issue with incorrect permissions on a user’s class registry keys that prevents users from opening files, links, and applications. 
  • Addresses an issue that causes the tile for the Photos app to appear larger than expected in the Start menu under certain conditions. 
  • Addresses an issue that causes the system to stop responding at the sign-in screen. 
  • Addresses an issue with the multifactor unlock policy of Windows Hello for Business, which fails to show the default sign-in option on Windows 10 devices. 
  • Addresses an issue that causes Windows Search to close unexpectedly when a Group Policy applies sub-groups to the Start menu layout. 
  • Addresses an issue that prevents you from retrieving the correct Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) information by setting the DHCP LeaseTerminatesTime and LeaseObatinedTime parameters to the correct format.
  • Addresses an issue with diagnostic data processing when a device has the Diagnostic data setting enabled and set to Basic. 
  • Addresses an issue that prevents Internet Explorer from opening when Microsoft User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) is being used to roam many favorites. 
  • Addresses an issue that improves the reliability of the UE-V AppMonitor. 
  • Addresses an issue in which Microsoft AppLocker might prevent an application from running or log a false positive error instead of running the application. 
  • Addresses an issue that prevents netdom.exe from displaying the new ticket-granting ticket (TGT) delegation bit for the display or query mode. 
  • Addresses an issue that might cause Direct Access servers to use a large amount of non-paged pool memory (pooltag: NDnd). 
  • Addresses an issue with AppContainer firewall rules that leak when guest users or mandatory user profile users sign in and sign out from Windows Server. 
  • Addresses an issue that prevents the Unified Write Filter (UWF) servicing mode of Windows Update from working with the Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server. 
  • Addresses an issue that causes all Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) dynamic ports to be consumed. As a result, network communications will fail for any protocol or operation using dynamic ports. 
  • Addresses an issue with applications and scripts that call the NetQueryDisplayInformation API or the WinNT provider equivalent. They might fail to return results after the first page of data, often 50 or 100 entries. When requesting additional pages, you might receive the error, “1359: an internal error occurred.” 
  • Addresses an issue that disrupts window ordering after tooltips appear in the RemoteApp window. 
  • Improves an access control list (ACL) check for Known Folders to prevent a black screen that appears the first time a user signs in after installing a feature or quality update. 
  • Addresses an issue with evaluating the compatibility status of the Windows ecosystem to help ensure application and device compatibility for all updates to Windows. 
  • Addresses issue with Autopilot self-deploying mode and White glove deployments.
  • Addresses an issue in which the pszTargetName parameter was set incorrectly in the InitializeSecurityContext() API.
  • Addresses an issue that causes the Start menu, the Cortana Search bar, Tray icons, or Microsoft Edge to stop responding in certain scenarios after installing a monthly update.”

If you ever have an issue with any Windows 10 updates, give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Garland Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Garland, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Apple iOS 13.2 Beta 4 Version

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Mark Gurman, a Bloomberg author shared a tweet on October 23rd, sharing information about the beta update available in iOS. Though there isn’t an exact date, this one will be released to the public by the end of October.

This particular version should only be used by those who have devices that can support the beta development. The iOS 13.2 fixes bugs, includes features like new emojis, and gives some quality improvement. 9to5Mac shared:

“Aside for new emoji, iOS 13.2 also includes the Announce Messages with Siri feature that was originally meant for iOS 13.

With AirPods or other H1-enabled Beats headphones in your ears, you will be able to listen and respond to incoming text messages. Siri transcribes the message so you can hear the text without looking at your phone or watch. You can then ignore or immediately reply without having to say “Hey, Siri.”

If you have any questions regarding Apple iOS, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Phoenix Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Phoenix, AZ please call our local office at (602) 445-9862.

Microsoft Updating Edge UI for Android

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The Microsoft Edge user interface, or UI is currently in the testing phase with the latest beta build. This will upgrade the hub menu to enhance a more modern, curved look, along with a better access to what’s needed like history, favorites, etc.

According to Android Central, “The new hub menu is present where the old Continue on PC button used to be, and opens up a grid of icons that gives the user access to functions such as opening a new tab, read aloud, add to favorites, and continue on PC. The menu is also customizable, allowing you to add or remove whichever functions you wish.”

Image via Onmsft

As of now, Microsoft Edge UI is only available to a handful of beta testers. This will soon change to every beta tester, then to the public. And Android only has the go on it. iOS is still waiting, but I’m sure it won’t be long.

For help with Microsoft issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Windows November Update Now in Fast Ring

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Just a few weeks left until the new Windows 10 November update comes out, and now the Windows Insiders are testing it in the Fast Ring. Update 20H1 build 19008 remedies were shared on the Windows Insiders Blog. These pre-released builds sometimes contains bugs and Insiders can submit feedback.

Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Program Manager of the Windows Insiders program shared a bulletined list of fixes and known issues:

“General changes, improvements, and fixes for PC

  • For Insiders that were experiencing their PCs getting stuck on restart and shutdown on Builds 18999-19002: A fix for this was included with the update to Build 19002.1002, but in case you didn’t see it, including a note here too. If you didn’t install Build 19002.1002, you may need to use the workaround in order to upgrade to this build.
  • We fixed an issue where, when optional updates were available, Insiders with the Settings header might see the Windows Update indicator in a warning state, although the main page of Windows Update Settings showed that everything is up to date.
  • We fixed an issue resulting in sometimes not being able to bring Settings back up after minimizing the window.
  • We’ve done some work to improve the launch speed of the taskbar jump lists.
  • We fixed an issue resulting in the Program Compatibility Assistant popping up for some Insiders
  • We fixed an issue resulting in Windows Hello unexpectedly showing an error message periodically saying “Can’t turn camera on” on recent builds.
  • We cleaned up some UI in the Mouse pointer settings in Ease of Access.
  • We fixed a bug in Narrator where Narrator was not reading link text in the proper language in the Chrome Browser.

Known issues

  • BattlEye and Microsoft have found incompatibility issues due to changes in the operating system between some Insider Preview builds and certain versions of BattlEye anti-cheat software. To safeguard Insiders who might have these versions installed on their PC, we have applied a compatibility hold on these devices from being offered affected builds of Windows Insider Preview. See this article for details.
  • We’re investigating an issue where initiating “Reset this PC” with the cloud download option isn’t working on this build or the previous one when started from Windows RE.
  • We’ve heard that Settings still isn’t available outside of launching via the URI (ms-settings:) for some Insiders and are investigating.
  • When using dark theme, the hardware keyboard text prediction candidate window is unreadable due to black text on a dark grey background.
  • Bluetooth devices may not reconnect as expected after closing the device lid for certain devices. We’re working on a fix, but in the meantime, you can toggle Bluetooth off and back on in the Settings app or reboot the device and that should resolve the issue.
  • Some Insiders are still reporting that after successfully updating to a new build, the Windows Update Settings page may show the same build needs to install. You can verify the build was successfully installed by checking the build number in the corner of the screen or going to Win + R, typing winver, and confirming the build number. We’re investigating this issue.
  • Some Insiders are still reporting that when viewing Optional drivers in the new section on the Windows Update page, there may be older drivers showing as available for download. If accepted, they will attempt to install and fail to do so. We’re investigating this issue.”

If you have any operating system update issues, or have any questions, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Lakewood Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Lakewood, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Windows 10 Allows Sharing with Nearby Devices

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One handy feature that Windows 10 includes sharing pictures, documents, and other attachments with nearby devices. This can be arranged by using bluetooth, which is a requirement and running version 1803 or later of Windows 10.

Here’s how to get there:
  • Start Menu
  • Settings
  • System
  • Shared Experiences
  • Turn on toggle of Share across devices
  • You can choose either My devices only or Everyone nearby

To share a file, simply open File Explorer, right click on your chosen file, and scroll to Share. The Share box will come up and will show you if any devices nearby.

Please note that Nearby Sharing will only operate within computers you have signed into with the same Microsoft account if you choose My devices only.

For any Windows 10 feature inquiries, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Arvada Computer Repair Service, if you need better SEO or computer repair in Arvada, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Security Warning, Microsoft Says Not to Update

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Just days after the October 15th cumulative update for Windows 10, Microsoft urged users not to install the update.

KB4520062 (OS Build 17763.832) was available to install on Tuesday, and added bug fixes and improvements. But the Windows Support blog post pertaining to the update shared a security concern with it on Thursday. This certain issue seems to only affect businesses who heavily rely on the Microsoft Defender ATP.

0xc0000409 Error

They stated, “After installing this update, the Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) service might stop running and might fail to send reporting data. You might also receive a 0xc0000409 error in Event Viewer in MsSense.exe. At this time, we suggest that devices in an affected environment do not install this update.We are working on a resolution and estimate a solution will be available in mid-November 2019.”

This certain issue seems to only affect businesses who heavily rely on the Microsoft Defender ATP. Windows Support is quick to encourage users that before installing updates, they install the latest servicing stack update for their OS beforehand. The SSU minimizes possible update issues, while enhancing “the reliability of the update process”.

If you are needing help with Windows 10, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Plano Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Plano, TX please call the local office at (469) 299-9005.