Running an organization's IT infrastructure is not easy, but having free windows utilities can make all the difference. Whether you provide tech support to a school, run the server of a startup, or manage a complex IT infrastructure, the work of a SysAdmin can be highly challenging. We're talking about unforeseen issues that require immediate attention, balancing the needs of different people, and being responsible for the upkeep of multiple computers.

If you’ve ever seen Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, you might remember the scene where Indy and his dad are in a room replete with the most ornate chalices possible, only to realize that the Holy Grail is the most plain, utilitarian one in the room. Windows event logs are the IT version of the plain-looking clay cup that holds the key to answering your service questions and system issues.

Microsoft Windows, one of the world’s most popular operating systems, has declared that support for Windows 7 - 8/8.1 operating systems will come to an end. In the next few weeks, this update will drive significant changes for both IT professionals and MSPs. Mark January 10th, 2023 in your calendars because that’s when the era of Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 will come to a close.

In 2022, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) exploded in popularity, with millions of users taking advantage of the ability to develop, create and administrate inside a native Linux environment deeply integrated with Windows. This is thanks in large part to continued investment from Microsoft, consistently rolling out new features and updates for the platform on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 21h1 will go in End of Servicing (EOS) on December 13, 2022, and a month later, on January 10, 2023, they will put Windows 8 in End of Life (EOL)—Windows 8.1 End of Life will also occur on the same date. What does this mean for you as an MSP or internal IT team… should you care? The short answer is “probably”.

When I initially wrote my guide to blocking Microsoft’s auto-update to Windows 11—Windows 11: how to configure an auto-patch decline in N-central—I only had N-central partners and our N-central Patch Management in mind. However, after reading various other forums and discussions, I thought I’d take a more regimented approach to stopping or blocking Windows 11 from your machine.