Group Policy Archives

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft explains how organizations can use Intune to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Windows 10 is approaching its end of life, and organizations can purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU), though this may not be financially viable for all. Microsoft has released a guide to assist companies in upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 via Intune. The guide is intended for domain-joined or co-joined Windows 10 PCs and emphasizes the need for hardware compatibility, specifically TPM 2.0. Organizations should use Microsoft Configuration Manager or Endpoint Analytics to verify hardware requirements and ensure devices are updated to version 22H2. IT administrators are advised to synchronize identities from Active Directory to Entra ID, configure hybrid join, and prepare the Intune environment with necessary licenses and roles. They should also streamline Group Policy Objects, establish Intune configuration profiles, and use Windows Autopatch for updates. Applications must be migrated from Configuration Manager to Intune for management, and outdated deployments should be decommissioned. The final migration step involves transitioning to an Entra ID-joined configuration. This process aims to enhance management, security, user experience, and reduce reliance on legacy infrastructure.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5722 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.5722 (KB5062669) is being released to the Beta Channel for Windows Insiders on Windows 11, version 24H2. A new agent for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs is introduced, allowing users to articulate their needs for settings adjustments, with AI providing tailored recommendations. A refreshed SCOOBE screen is being rolled out for reviewing recommended settings. A new tutorial for Click to Do is introduced, guiding users on efficient task completion. Enhancements are made to the speed of applying enterprise pins to the taskbar, and a new grid view is added to the search results in the Windows Search box. Updates to the lock screen widget configuration UI and Notification Center functionality for secondary monitors are also included. Task Manager now uses standard metrics for CPU utilization across all pages, with a new optional CPU Utility column. Various fixes address issues with the taskbar, login and lock screens, File Explorer, Start menu, input methods, and Settings. Known issues include potential rollbacks during installation and crashes with live captions and Xbox controllers.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5722 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5722 (KB5062669) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. Key updates include a new agent in Settings for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs that helps users modify settings through AI-driven recommendations. A refreshed SCOOBE screen for reviewing recommended settings is being rolled out, along with a new tutorial for Click to Do that guides users on completing tasks efficiently. The update optimizes the speed of applying enterprise pins to the taskbar, introduces a grid view in search results, and enhances the lock screen widget configuration. Notification Center functionality has been extended to secondary monitors, and Task Manager now includes an optional CPU utility column. Various fixes have been implemented across the taskbar, login and lock screens, File Explorer, Start Menu, input methods, and Settings. Known issues include potential rollback errors during installation and problems with live captions and Xbox controllers.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

How to use Windows Update for Business with Group Policy

Windows administrators need to keep their systems updated for security and performance, with control over the timing and type of updates being crucial. There are three primary methods for managing Windows updates: 1. Per-client updates: Default for standalone clients, offering minimal control. 2. Windows Server Update Services (WSUS): Centralized management since 2005, allowing extensive control but requiring more administrative effort. 3. Windows Update for Business (WUfB): A cloud-based model providing greater control through tools like Group Policy and Mobile Device Management (MDM). WUfB offers several advantages, including policy-based management, granular control over deployments, and the elimination of on-premises WSUS servers. To implement WUfB, organizations must meet specific requirements, including using Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Team editions, Azure AD joining, and having the necessary licenses such as Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Administrators can defer feature updates for up to 365 days and quality updates for up to 30 days using Group Policy. They can create servicing rings for managing update deployments, such as testing, pilot, and rollout rings. Configuration involves creating Group Policy Objects (GPOs) linked to the appropriate Organizational Units (OUs) and setting relevant policies. WUfB reporting is available through the Azure Portal, allowing administrators to monitor update statuses and troubleshoot devices.

Winsage

July 20, 2025

10 useful Windows built-in tools you’ve never used

- Windows Memory Diagnostic tests RAM for errors that may cause system crashes or freezes. It can be launched by typing "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Start Menu or using the Run Command with mdsched.exe. - Resource Monitor provides detailed insights into CPU, RAM, disk activity, and network bandwidth, helping identify resource-consuming applications. It can be accessed through Task Manager or the Windows search box. - Reliability Monitor displays a timeline of system stability, including software installations, updates, crashes, and hardware errors, aiding in troubleshooting. It can be found by searching in the Start bar or through Control Panel > Security and Maintenance. - DirectX Diagnostic Tool offers information about GPU, audio drivers, and DirectX version, useful for diagnosing gaming-related issues. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing dxdiag. - Credential Manager securely manages Windows login credentials and network login information. It can be accessed by searching for "Credential Manager" in the Start bar or through Control Panel. - God Mode consolidates over 200 system settings into a single folder, accessible by creating a new folder and renaming it to GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. - Local Group Policy Editor allows advanced customization of Windows settings for Pro or Enterprise users. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing gpedit.msc. - Computer Management Console provides access to various system tools like Device Manager and Disk Management. It can be opened by right-clicking the Start button or using Win + R with compmgmt.msc. - Powercfg Tool diagnoses battery issues and provides reports on battery usage and health. It can generate a report by running powercfg /batteryreport in Command Prompt. - System Configuration (msconfig) allows users to control Windows boot options and troubleshoot startup issues. It can be launched by pressing Win + R and typing msconfig.

Winsage

July 19, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4741 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4741 (KB5062678) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features, enhancements, and fixes. Key features include the "Describe Image" action in Click to Do for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, which provides detailed descriptions of images to enhance accessibility. Additionally, Narrator now offers rich image descriptions on Copilot+ PCs. Changes include updates to lock screen widgets and a new settings page for viewing third-party applications using generative AI models. Known issues include installation rollback errors and problems with touch navigation in the Start menu.

Winsage

July 18, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5710 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5710 (KB5062676) has been released to the Dev Channel. A new "describe image" action is now available in Click to Do for AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, enhancing accessibility by providing detailed descriptions of images, charts, and graphs. This feature was previously available for Snapdragon-powered devices. Additionally, Narrator now generates richer image descriptions for blind and low-vision users on AMD and Intel-powered devices. Users can activate this feature using the Narrator key + Ctrl + D. Windows performance logs will be collected when PCs experience sluggish performance, and users are encouraged to provide feedback to help resolve issues. The Click to Do feature is undergoing a trial to remove the search box from its top bar. Lock screen widgets are being updated with widget suggestions, and users can view which third-party applications have recently utilized generative AI models in the Settings menu. There are known issues, including a rollback error (0x80070005) during the update installation and touch navigation problems in the new Start menu. Live captions may crash when using live translation, and some Xbox Controllers may cause a bugcheck when connected via Bluetooth. The Microsoft Changjie Input method is also experiencing issues with word selection.

Winsage

July 18, 2025

Microsoft blocked some SMB shares on Windows, but here’s how you can fix it

Microsoft has introduced significant changes to SMB shares with the rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2, primarily enhancing security protocols. SMB shares now require SMB signing, and guest access has been disabled for most editions of Windows 11, necessitating a username and password for connection. These changes aim to address security risks associated with unauthorized data access. Users with Network-Attached Storage (NAS) setups may face accessibility issues due to these modifications. To regain access, users should enable SMB signing on their NAS and disable guest access. If necessary, users can disable security protections using Windows PowerShell, but this is not recommended.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4733 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4733 (KB5062651) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as the "describe image" action in Click to Do, which provides detailed descriptions of images and is currently available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel devices expected soon. An upcoming administrator protection feature will secure floating admin rights for users and is disabled by default. Improvements include updated privacy dialog designs for app permissions, activation of Smart App Control in evaluation mode, and various fixes for issues in File Explorer, taskbar, live captions, Dynamic Lighting, graphics, and settings. Known issues include potential rollback errors during installation, touch navigation problems in the new Start menu, Xbox Controller issues, and problems with the Microsoft Changjie Input method. Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may be rolled out gradually.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5702 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5702 (KB5062653) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. A new "describe image" action in Click to Do is now available for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, with support for AMD and Intel-powered PCs expected soon. An upcoming security feature called Administrator protection allows for just-in-time admin privileges and is disabled by default. The design of privacy dialogs for app permissions has been updated, and Smart App Control may be activated in Windows Security for Insiders in evaluation mode. Windows PowerShell 2.0 has been deprecated and removed in this build. Fixes include resolving issues with File Explorer, search animations, live captions, Dynamic Lighting, and graphics synchronization. Known issues include error pop-ups in Group Policy Editor, touch navigation problems in the new Start menu, and Xbox Controller bugs via Bluetooth. Windows Insiders may experience a rollback error (0x80070005) when installing this update.