Author Archives: Kristin Willis

Microsoft Released Their New Edge Browser

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What’s another browser, right?

Windows 10 normally comes with Edge. However, this new re-vamped, chromium-based Edge browser comes with a plethora of features and will replace the old Edge if downloaded now. In a few months, the new Windows 10 update will automatically replace it.

This particular browser includes enhanced security features, such as the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. This will protect your browsing from any malicious schemes. It also features Tracking Prevention and InPrivate mode that give you options that you prefer. It comes in three choices: basic, balanced and strict.

There are also upcoming features that will integrate with Office 365.

To install it, head over to the Microsoft website and click Download for Windows 10. You can also download it if you still have Windows 7, 8, or 8.1.

The new Edge Browser is officially available on multiple versions, like macOS and Windows, along with mobile availability for iOS and Android.

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.

CISA Urges Mozilla Users to Update Browser

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The status shows critical

If you are a Mozilla user, be sure to make sure your browser is updated. The United States Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a warning post on January 8th. This warning is not to be taken lightly. On their website, they state the following:

Mozilla has released security updates to address a vulnerability in Firefox, Firefox ESR, and Thunderbird. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to take control of an affected system. This vulnerability was detected in exploits in the wild.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) encourages users and administrators to review the Mozilla Security Advisories for Firefox 72.0.1 and Firefox ESR 68.4.1 and Thunderbird 68.4.1 and apply the necessary updates.

Mozilla knows about this recent attack, and is also encouraging users to update their browser, claiming the impact to be critical. According to Mozilla, critical means, ” Vulnerability can be used to run attacker code and install software, requiring no user interaction beyond normal browsing.”

On a Mac, simply launch Firefox and click About, then Firefox and click Restart to update Firefox.

On a PC, launch Firefox and go under either Options, then Firefox Updates.

For help updating, restoring or dealing with computer 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.

Windows 7 Support Ends Tomorrow

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For those Microsoft users who still use Windows 7, tomorrow marks the end of support. It was announced on their blog back in March of 2019, and in an updated post, they stated this:

Microsoft made a commitment to provide 10 years of product support for Windows 7 when it was released on October 22, 2009. When this 10-year period ends, Microsoft will discontinue Windows 7 support so that we can focus our investment on supporting newer technologies and great new experiences. The specific end of support day for Windows 7 will be January 14, 2020. After that, technical assistance and software updates from Windows Update that help protect your PC will no longer be available for the product.

Source: Windows Blog

If you’re running an activated copy of Windows 7 or newer, and need Windows 10, head over to the Download Windows 10 website. From there, you’ll click on the Download tool now and Run, shown under the Create Windows 10 installation media header. Simply follow the directions. Once the upgrade is finished, you can go to Settings Update & Security – Activation. You should be able to see a Windows 10 digital license.

Microsoft urges users that in order to have the safest experience, to keep your computer updated to the newest operating system.

For help 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.

New Features coming in Spring 2020 Update

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Windows 10 2004, also known as 20H1, is heavily in the works and being tested within the Windows Insiders Program. The November update was a small update, but this one is planning on including a handful of improvements and features.

The name ‘2004’ was made for this update, instead of 2003. Brandon LeBlanc, the Windows Blog manager wrote, “Eagle-eyed Windows Insiders will notice that that as of this build, 20H1 officially shows it is version 2004. We have chosen to use 2004 as the version to eliminate confusion with any past product names (such as Windows Server 2003).”

Cortana is getting an upgrade! With both a light and a dark mode, you can also communicate with the digital assistant. There are operational improvements all around as well.

The Optional Update feature will be a thing. Next Spring, new drivers will only give you an optional update, and be under the ‘View Optional Updates’ on the Windows Update tab.

In the Optional Features, you will be able to see any information on all installations, along with selecting/cancelling multiple ones.

For inquiries with Windows 10 updates, 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.

Troubleshooting OneDrive Sync Issues on Windows 10

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OneDrive is Windows 10’s ultimate cloud storage with an abundance of features. Storing your files, documents and other personal information has never been easier and safer.

But with some of the best systems also comes flaws. Sometimes, OneDrive runs into syncing issues – which in turn causes problems for users. Here are a few ways to try to fix it:

  1. Make sure that your OS is updated
  2. Double check your internet connection
  3. Free up OneDrive Space
  4. Reinstall the app

If all else fails, check your OneDrive account access. If you cannot login, contact support to address the concerns. You can sign up for OneDrive for free with up to 5 GB of storage.

For inquiries 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 Frisco Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

How to get Windows 10 after 7 Support Ends

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Coming January 14th, 2020, Windows 7’s support officially ends – which means that if you’re still desiring those security updates or over various updates that allow your PC to work its best, you’ll want to upgrade to Windows 10.

There are a few options that you may have to get Windows 10, including:

You can still forget the 2020 deadline and continue using Windows 7. It’ll continue to be functional. However, any issues regarding 7 will be yours to deal with. Using the free upgrade can possibly cause more complications, including Microsoft determining your product key update eligibility.

Just a heads up, if you don’t activate Windows 10, you’ll most likely see watermarks on your desktop, requesting activation.

For inquiries with computer 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 10 Mobile Drops Support

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Starting tomorrow, December 10th, 2019, Windows 10 mobiles will see an end to their support.

Microsoft Support states, “Windows 10 Mobile, version 1709 (released October 2017) is the last release of Windows 10 Mobile and Microsoft will end support on December 10, 2019. The end of support date applies to all Windows 10 Mobile products, including Windows 10 Mobile and Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise.

Windows 10 Mobile users will no longer be eligible to receive new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free assisted support options or online technical content updates from Microsoft for free.”

They also share that although any programs from either third party or paid still have the ability to implement their own support, Microsoft Support will no longer be available. After Tuesday, they explain, “automatic or manual creation of new device backups for settings and some applications will continue for 3 months, ending March 10, 2020.  Some services including photo uploads and restoring a device from an existing device backup may continue to work for up to another 12 months from end of support.”

To see if you have a Windows Phone OS, follow the steps below:
  1. Settings
  2. System
  3. About
  4. Tap on More info

The information will show the Software and OS Build, which will show that it is a Windows 10 mobile device and operating system build 10.0.15254.

For any operating system inquiries you may have, 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.

Support Ended for Windows Notepad App

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Back in August, we wrote about Windows Notepad getting small upgrades to its application. However, Windows just released a statement in their Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19035 about ending support for it in the Microsoft Store.

Brandon LeBlanc, the Windows Insiders Program Senior Program Manager stated in the blog post:

Thank you for all the feedback you provided on the Store version of Notepad. At this time, we’ve decided not to roll this out to customers. Insiders may notice some changes as we remove this change from this build:

-If you pinned Notepad to your Taskbar or Start menu, you will need to re-pin after you upgrade to this new build.

-If you had certain file types set to open in Notepad by default, you will see a prompt when you try to open files of that type again and will need to re-select Notepad.

There doesn’t seem to be a reason as to why this change is occurring, but if you’re a Windows Insider, you’ll have to make the necessary changes stated above. If you’d like to sign up to be in the Windows Insiders Program, you can register here, accept the terms and you’ll receive a Welcome E-mail. Be certain to read the Important Notice before agreeing to join, as it adds a variety of risks to your computer.

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 Denver Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Windows 10 ‘Snipping Tool’ App Getting the Boot

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While any and all Windows 10 updates include a variety of fixes, improvements and features, there also calls on a list of app removals. One of the reasons for the removals are the lack of usage from users.

A few of the features that Microsoft is no longer developing are ‘My People’, Windows To Go, and Hologram app (which they’ve replaced with Mixed Reality Viewer). Another major feature that is an important one is the Snipping Tool. However, Microsoft is giving it the boot.

The Snipping Tool app was used to screenshot any part of the screen and customize it to whatever you were needing. But why get rid of an app that is quite essential? Microsoft answers:

In Windows 10, version 1809, we’re introducing a new universal app, Snip & Sketch, that provides the same screen snipping abilities, as well as additional features. You can launch Snip & Sketch directly and start a snip from there, or just press WIN + Shift + S. Snip & Sketch can also be launched from the “Screen snip” button in the Action Center. We’re no longer developing the Snipping Tool as a separate app but are instead consolidating its functionality into Snip & Sketch.

Snipping Tool VS Snip & Sketch

So long story short, there’s no reason to have both the Snipping Tool AND the Snip & Sketch features. Combining both to have the ultimate screenshot app seems the better choice.

Source: Windows Blogs

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.

Preferred OneNote 2016 App Gets Extended Support

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If you’re like the majority of Windows 10 users that prefer the OneNote 2016 version, you’ll be happy to know that support will be extended.

OneNote 2016 is Microsoft’s digital notebook application, where you can write and store any information (such as notes) you may need in one place. The 2016 version is a few years old, but users don’t want it to go away. So Microsoft announced that mainstream support will go until October 10th of 2023 and extended support will end October 14th of 2025.

According to Microsoft Office Support, “Microsoft is continuing mainstream support for OneNote 2016 beyond October 2020. This means you can continue using it and expect to see new feature updates. OneNote 2016 support dates will align with Office 2019 support dates (October 10, 2023 for mainstream support and October 14, 2025 for extended support). Starting in March 2020, when you install Office 365 or Office 2019, the OneNote desktop app will be installed alongside the Word, PowerPoint, and Excel desktop apps.“

If you have Windows 10, you can use one or both of OneNote 2016 and OneNote for Windows 10.

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.