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Preparing for the End of Support for Windows Server 2016: Key Considerations and Next Steps
Customers rely on Windows Server to support their essential workloads. In response to user feedback, Microsoft continues to innovate across Azure and on-premises environments. As advancements occur, support for older versions eventually concludes. According to the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy, extended support for Windows Server 2016 will end on January 12, 2027. Many users are already…
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How to Load and Initialize Network Drivers in Windows PE or Recovery Environment: A Step-by-Step Guide
This article outlines the process for manually loading and initializing network adapter drivers in Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment) or WinRE (Recovery Environment). These environments are crucial for installing, maintaining, and repairing Windows, as they utilize a streamlined, bootable version of Windows. When booted into WinPE or WinRE, specialized network adapter drivers may not be included,…
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Microsoft Expands Extended Security Updates to More Windows Versions
Microsoft has recently expanded its Extended Security Update (ESU) program to include additional versions of Windows, offering extended support for three more years. This includes Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB, and Windows Server 2016, all of which were initially set to have their support endings stipulated around October 2026…
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Customizing Your Drives: A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Custom Drive Icons in Windows
Customizing drive icons in Windows can enhance navigation and provide a personalized touch to your system. By default, Windows Explorer displays standard icons for local, removable, and mapped network drives. However, you can assign custom icons to make the experience more intuitive. Here’s how to set custom drive icons for various drive types, including steps…
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Microsoft Readies Extended Security Updates Program for Windows 10 LTSB Retirement in 2026
Microsoft has confirmed the end-of-support timeline for several significant Windows 10 releases, particularly the 2016 LTSB versions and Windows Server 2016. These versions will reach their expiration on October 13, 2026, meaning that after this date, devices will not receive security updates, bug fixes, or any support. Additionally, support for Windows Server 2016 will conclude…
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A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to Easily Installing Microsoft SQL Server
Overview Installing Microsoft SQL Server is a straightforward process if planned properly, with considerations for system requirements and edition choices. Selecting the correct authentication mode enhances security and minimizes login issues. Keeping SQL Server updated ensures better performance and fortifies protection. Microsoft SQL Server is widely used for data storage, management, and application support due…
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A Guide to Managing Per-User Services in Windows
In Windows, per-user services are specialized services generated for each user during their logon and removed when they log off. They are designed to handle personalized tasks such as search indexing, notifications, and data synchronization, operating within the user account context rather than the LocalSystem context. This concept has been available since Windows 10 and…
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How to Change the Default Organizational Unit for New Computers and Users in Active Directory
When a computer is joined to a domain using the System Properties GUI, its account is created in the default Computers container. This container is not an Organizational Unit (OU), meaning that it does not support Group Policy assignments, relying instead on root domain Group Policies like the Default Domain Policy. This setup can lead…
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County Takes Charge: In-House Server Management Initiative Launched
Dickinson County is taking proactive steps to optimize its server management by moving away from third-party solutions. During a recent county commissioners meeting on January 29, IT Director Dustin Parks revealed that the cost of their current server management software would rise to $45,000 annually. This financial burden, coupled with underutilization of the software, prompted…
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Microsoft Provides Clarity on NTLM Phase-Out, but Timeline Remains Unconfirmed
Microsoft has announced plans to disable the outdated and insecure NTLM protocol by default in the next version of Windows Server. However, the exact release date for this update remains uncertain. Currently, NTLM is still prevalent across many Windows systems, and administrators are challenged with managing its associated security risks. Historical Context NTLM, an older…