Tag Archives: Windows 10

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.

Have You Tried Windows Security?

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As the number of remote workers continue to climb, safety and security become even more of a priority to OS software. We as Microsoft users understand the basic necessity of keeping our PC safe. Windows 10 includes a built-in app, called Window Security to scan for viruses, along with firewall and network protection. 

In the US alone, data breaches fell to an estimated 1.1 billion in 2020. It is predicted, however, that the number of data breaches in the US will rise to over 1.4 billion in 2021. 

Source: Safety Detectives
Covered Options

To get the most out of Windows Security, click on the Start Menu and type in Windows Security in the search bar. Choose the first app option. You’ll find it covers all bases, providing:

  • Virus & threat protection
  • Account protection
  • Firewall & network protection
  • App & browser control
  • Device security
  • Device performance & health
  • Family options

From the Virus & threat protection tab, you can quickly scan your PC to find any possible threats.

Dynamic Lock

Windows 10 also provides a helpful little feature to assist those who are susceptible to forgetting to lock their home screen. When your Bluetooth, which must be linked to your computer, is out of range, the feature called Dynamic Lock automatically locks your device or PC. Find this feature by following the directions:

  1. Start Menu
  2. Settings
  3. Accounts
  4. Sign-in Options
  5. Dynamic Lock
  6. Check box “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away”

If you are needing assistance with any Microsoft 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 Arlington Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

How Many Screens of Death Are there?

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In order for Microsoft developers and support to understand the urgency of different computer issues, color-coded screens of death appear. 

Most users who utilize Windows 10 have dealt with the ever-infamous Blue Screen of Death. However, there is a handful more of them out there. Screens of death often result in lost data and an action to restart your PC.

Here are just a few:

The Orange Screen of Death pops up when there are hardware issues occurring. If you use more than one monitor, or if the computer is attempting to turn on from its sleep, this color may show up.

Graphics drivers can cause a Red or White Screen of Death if it is malfunctioning. 

If users are included in the Windows Insiders program, they may come across a Green Screen of Death. This happens when errors in the testing phase occur. It was said the Green was to distinguish between the Windows Insiders build and the updated release, in which it turns Blue.

If you have any computer-related 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 from our staff at the McKinney Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in McKinney, TX please call our local office at (602) 445-9862.

A Few Things to Remember about Windows 11

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Last month, many speculations have circulated regarding the forthcoming Windows 11 update. Some speculated that Microsoft made it obvious that Windows 10 will be the final version. Others assumed that the software behemoth had something up its sleeve. This was a huge deal, considering the confusion surrounding the future of Windows. 

Here are a few things to remember about Windows 11, since its release date is set for the last quarter of the year. It’ll be an optional update, as opposed to mandatory. If you’d rather keep using Windows 10, end of support will show up in 2025.

Another thing to remember is that Windows 11 will not be available to everyone immediately.

Windows 11 will also begin rolling out as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users around the same time, though not everyone will be offered the update straight away.

Source: WindowsCentral

Your PC will need to meet certain minimum Windows 11’s requirements, such as 64GB drive and a 9″ display.

The display appears to have a fresh, trendy vibe with its more updated rounded edges and centered Start Menu. Let’s hope it’s a good sign for Microsoft.

For any Windows OS 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.

Ransomware Hackers Hits Thousands of Victims

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Cyber Researchers shared that the ransomware institution, REvil, has demanded a $70 million charge in Bitcoin for a decryptor device following its assault at the software program seller Kaseya.

This virus might enter a ADP (automatic data processing) system through malicious downloads, email attachments and package update pop-ups. Once a system is infected, the virus restricts access to the pc. Hackers distribute this virus with the purpose of scaring their victims into paying money.

According to CNN, “Kaseya said it would release new information Monday morning, but has yet to do so. In Sunday night’s update, it reported that the attack “has been localized to a very small number of on-premises customers only.””

UPDATE 7/7/2021

It was shared from Malwarebytes that the hackers mimicked a Microsoft security update, shown below:

How to protect yourself

Be sure your antivirus software is up to date on your computer to avoid any and all malicious cyber attacks. Windows 10 adds Ransomware protection to its operating system.

In the Settings app, you’ll find a plethora of protection settings, including Firewall & network protection. You’ll also notice Virus & threat protection, which easily scans your device to search for any possible attacks.

Source: Gilbert Computer Repair Service

If you scroll to the underside of the Virus & threat protection, Ransomware protection is included. To show on this handy feature, simply click on Manage ransomware protection. From there, you’ll be able to turn the toggle On to secure your data on your computer. Recovering files becomes an additional option just incase a threat occurs.

If you ever have an issue with any malware, 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 was brought to you from our staff at Garland Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Garland, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

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.

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.

November 2019 Update End of Support

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“Your version of Windows 10 will reach end of service soon. Click to download a newer version of Windows 10 to stay supported.”

Source: Windows Notification

Microsoft is encouraging users who are still utilizing Windows 10 Update version 1909 to upgrade to the newest version. This should be done by May of 2021. The November 2019 update will no longer offer support after that.

Updating to the latest version is of great importance for continued security from Microsoft. According to Microsoft Docs, end of support begins in Mid-May.

“Windows 10, version 1909 will reach the end of servicing on May 11, 2021. This applies to the following editions of Windows 10 released in November of 2019:

  • Windows 10 Home, version 1909
  • Windows 10 Pro, version 1909
  • Windows 10 Pro Education, version 1909
  • Windows 10 Pro for Workstations, version 1909

These editions will no longer receive security updates after May 11, 2021.”

Some users may see an error in the Update application. This states that the May 2020 update is not available to download and install. However, when it’s ready, the update will show up. Hopefully, Microsoft will sort that issue out before end of servicing occurs in the coming months.

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.

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.