Tag Archives: microsoft

Uninstalling Updates

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Microsoft has provided a number of troublesome updates to its users since the COVID-19 pandemic started. For example one update of May 2020 (Windows 10 KB4556799) caused a slew of issues, including the Blue Screen of Death and the reversion of settings to normal. 

It’s difficult to say how many users were affected by this issue last year. If you have dealt with similar problems, the only thing you can do is uninstall the program. Here’s how to do that:

  1. Go to Start Menu
  2. Settings
  3. Update & Security
  4. Under Check for updates, click on View update history
  5. Click on Uninstall updates

This will open a window with all of the changes listed in chronological order, with the most recent at the top. Then, right-click on the update that needs to be uninstalled and select uninstall.

If you need to uninstall specific KB (Knowledge Base) number updates, using the Search Installed Updates box in the top right corner of the control panel window is a simple and easy way to do so.

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

View Your Windows 10 Update History

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Microsoft comes out with a handful of mandatory and optional updates throughout the year. These include cumulative, feature, and security updates. 

You can view the update history in two ways. The first, go to the Windows Logo Start Menu on the lower left hand corner of the desktop. Click on the gear icon(Settings). From there, you will scroll down to the last option: Update & Security.

After clicking on Update & Security, you will find the option of View update history.

The second way seems to have lesser steps in the process. On your computer keyboard, click the Windows Logo (the start menu) and type in “Update”. The best match that comes up will be Check for updates in System Settings. Once clicked, you can find the View update history option.

If you are needing help with computer issues, 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 Tucson Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Tucson, AZ, please call the local office at (520) 526-9940.

Don’t Download This Windows 11 Update

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Last month, Microsoft announced the unveiling of their upgraded operating system (named Windows 11). Their live event, watched by millions of users, shared many exciting improvements.

With their exciting news, rumors have spread to allow users to download the unfinished, not-yet-announced Windows 11. The build leaked overseas, and Microsoft has expressed to users not to do so. On top of that, hackers have been busy taking advantage of this opportunity.

WindowsCentral states, “One attack utilizes a file by the name of “86307_windows 11 build 21996.1 x64 + activator.exe.” This 1.75GB file launches a program that looks like a Windows installation wizard. That’s an immediate red flag, as Windows updates go through the Settings app of a PC and don’t look like app installers.”

Source: The Verge

The reasoning is the same as when we caution against installing beta builds of other operating systems and test apps like Chrome Canary: Windows 11 is unfinished and unstable. The leaked Windows 11 is also technically unofficial, so if you install it and something breaks, Microsoft won’t help you fix it—and something will probably break considering how notoriously buggy official Windows Updates are.

Source: lifehacker

It’s also obvious as to why it would be a bad idea: because of the plethora of malware. If you were to download some type of unprepared software, it will give malicious opportunities to hackers. They can steal any personal information available.

For help troubleshooting Microsoft 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 Mesa Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950.

Internet Explorer End of Support Statement

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Confirmation is here. Microsoft announced the retirement of the Internet Explorer 11 desktop app.

Sean Lyndersay, a Microsoft blogger, stated the Microsoft Edge browser’s capabilities with security and experience exceeds Internet Explorer by far. It was important for change to occur to keep up with modernized technology, such as the ‘Chromium project’. This handles many of the popular browsers.

Implementing IE in with Edge gave users to utilize any apps or sites from the Edge browser. The shutdown for IE will be on June 15, 2022. Other Microsoft Apps will be ending support on August 17th, 2021.

Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer. However, it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications. 

Source: Windows Blog

If you’re needing help with computer problems, 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 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 11 Announced Today

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Today’s Microsoft Event announced the new Windows 11 operating system. Users have been waiting for Microsoft to verify the long standing rumors surrounding it.

One major feature included in the new OS focused on interaction.

The pandemic over the last 18 months had restricted people over the world to their homes. The software giant used the COVID setback as a way to move forward. This includes a better performance through video calls. The taskbar will now be adding the Microsoft Teams App for easy access. You can call on any platform: Windows, Android, or iOS.

From the app, you can call, video call, or chat and connect with anyone from around the world. Developers worked to allow users to utilize this experience with better quality sound and visual tweaks.

For more information on the new Windows 11, watch the Microsoft Event on their website.

For help troubleshooting your Windows OS, 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.

Microsoft Vulnerability Reports in 2020

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Windows 10 was once deemed the most secure OS. With over 1 billion users utilizing the system, the highest priority has to be its security. However, over the years, it continues to experience vulnerabilities.

And it’s not just Windows 10, other Microsoft products, such as its browsers, Edge and Internet Explorer had issues with flaws. Sources say that in 2020, exposures reached to 1,268. This was the highest it has been, with 132 of those deemed critical.

What can help?

The biggest reason for the vulnerabilities involved admin rights. When others are given rights, the risk of attacks heighten. Removing them can lower the risk.

While there were a wide number of vulnerabilities found in various Microsoft products in 2020, for the first time, Elevation of privilege, which occurs when an application gains rights or privileges that should not be available to them, accounted for the largest proportion. It almost tripled in number year over year from 198 in 2019 to 559 in 2020, making up 44% of all Microsoft vulnerabilities in 2020.

Source: TechRepublic

For help troubleshooting PC 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.

Microsoft Edge Kids Mode

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Last month, Microsoft announced a new experience for kids while they’re surfing the web. Introduced as Microsoft Edge Kids Mode, this browser can be regulated by parents to give their children a better and safer environment possible while they’re online.

Since the pandemic began last year, more and more children are utilizing the virtual learning opportunities available throughout the world. This means more available times to be online. Thankfully, with one less thing to worry about, parents can set up Kids Mode on their devices to avoid any possible viruses, attacks, or adult-related content. This puts more freedom into the parents’ hands to restrict what they feel is age-appropriate for their kids.

“As far as getting into Kids Mode, it really can’t get any easier. Simply click on your account profile in the upper right corner of Edge and select “Browse in Kids Mode.” From here, you’ll be asked to choose the appropriate age range for your child, either 5-8 or 9-12. And that’s it! Just like that, you’ll quickly “leave” Microsoft Edge and enter the beautiful world of Kids Mode.”

Source: Windows Blog

For any computer-related 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.

High CPU Usage Causing Slower PC

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A number of factors could result in your PC running slower than usual. It could possibly be low on memory, too many programs opened, or even malware.

Just recently, the Microsoft Feedback Hub was filled with complaints about their PC’s high CPU (central processing unit) usage after updating the OS with Windows 10 patches. Thankfully, the latest patch remedied this particular issue.

“The tech site says that patch KB5001391 has cured this spiking processor usage problem, at least according to reports from some users, although little detail has been provided about what this bug actually was (save for being a ‘race condition’ where two running processes start grabbing an inordinate amount of system resources, slowing everything else down).”

Source: TechRadar

If you are having this same issue with your PC, simply head over to the ‘Check for Updates’ section of the Windows Update in the Settings app. The optional KB5001391 will show up under the “View optional updates” link.

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.

Windows 10 Feature Gets Mixed Reviews

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The first ‘major’ Windows 10 update is right around the corner. Windows 10 KB5001391 cumulative update preview is released, giving you the option to download and install.

One feature brought from this preview is the new News and Interest feed on the taskbar. This gives you the option of personalize what you would like to keep up with, including weather and sports. Its AI fixates on the relevant topics you choose and dismisses others you would rather not see.

Since its release, users have been giving conflicting critiques on said feature. OnMSFT asked their Twitter followers to poll on it. It showed up like this, below:

While more than half of respondents replied in the negative side, less than half thought it was okay. There’s a possibility that this feature won’t last long and will be replaced in a future major update.

I suppose we’ll just have to see about that.

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.

New Floating Start Menu on Windows 10

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Microsoft developers are currently working hard on some new designs for Windows 10, specifically its user interface.

Named “Sun Valley”, this project began back last year, in hopes for it to be released later in 2021. One specific feature they are currently revamping is the Start Menu. To modernize, the Start Menu will float unattached, just above the taskbar. Windows Central shared a recreation of the floating Start Menu design.

Source; WindowsCentral

“Regarding the Start menu, I know that Microsoft is working to round off “sharp” elements of its UI, such as the corners around live tiles and the Start menu itself. Context menus and Jump Lists in the Start menu and Taskbar are also expected to get the rounded corner treatment, along with most modern in-box apps.”

Source: Zac Bowden, WindowsCentral

In addition to the Start Menu, Microsoft planned to update the operating system, adding new features, and fixing up animations. Sun Valley is expected to be released in October 2021.

If you need 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 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.