Windows 10

Tech Tip – Using Your Windows Clipboard History

Posted on by Andy Miller

You may not have tried it, but if you need to clip up to 10 or more things to your windows clipboard (copy) and come back to them later, the clipboard that’s built-in to Windows 10 allows you to do this quickly and easily.

Here’s how to get the most out of the clipboard:

In the first instance, hit the Windows key + v.  This will give you the option to turn the clipboard function on.

Once turned on, hit Windows key + v.  You’ll be shown a list of the items currently on your clipboard e.g. text segments you’ve copied. Click on an item to paste it into your current page.

The icons (top right) also give you the option to delete or pin clipboard items i.e. keep them when you clear your clipboard history or when restart your PC.

In Settings, you can also choose to turn the feature off or choose to sync your clipboard across your other Windows devices so your desktop and laptop can share a clipboard history.

New AI Feature For Microsoft Word Online To Improve Your Writing

Posted on by Andy Miller

The new ‘Ideas’ feature, an AI-powered editor in the cloud for Microsoft Word is intended to provide intelligent suggestions to make your writing more concise, readable, and inclusive.

Ideas

The new ‘Ideas’ feature, which is already being used with PowerPoint and Excel, is likely to be a value-adding improvement on traditional grammar and spelling checks because it is designed to help with the reading and writing of (online) Word documents.

The feature announced at Microsoft 2019 and scheduled for testing in June, will be able to follow along as you write, offer familiar fixes for spelling and grammatical errors, suggest improvements, be able to detect nuances in language and even suggest rewrites for tricky phrases or clunky paragraphs.

The Ideas feature will also be able to help with the reading of Word documents by, for example, providing estimated reading times, extracting key points, and decoding acronyms using data from the Microsoft Graph.

British Company Wins Google Money For AI

It’s not just Microsoft that’s making the news this week for its ongoing pursuit of augmenting its products and services with AI and machine learning.

British fact checking company Full Fact has just been named among the 20 winners of Google’s AI Impact Challenge.  The award will mean that they will receive a share of 19.1 million dollars worth of Google investment as well as consultation help and mentoring from Google.  The AI Impact Challenge from Google asked for organisations to submit ideas on how to use AI to help address societal challenges.  For Full Fact, this involved ideas about how to use AI to combat the kind of misinformation that affects millions of people’s health, safety and ability to participate in society, and is considered by many to be a threat to democracy in many countries.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The addition of an AI-powered, cloud-based enhancement to Microsoft’s online version of Word is considered to be the next, more intelligent step onwards from enhancements like predictive text.  It also offers Microsoft a way to compete with popular grammar programs such as Grammarly, and it will be interesting to see how such companies respond to Microsoft’s ‘Ideas’ feature.

The ‘Ideas’ feature is likely to be particularly good news for journalists and other writers as it will presumably be able to make the low-level composing work a little easier and may be able to save time and add value to their work.  It may even help Microsoft reach its aim of enabling people to design documents for maximum readability, and in doing so, make the workday more productive for many people.

One area where AI is predicted to offer some real promise in the near future is in the (cloud-based) cyber security market.  For example, the Visiongain ‘Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Security Market Report’ for 2019-2029 values the 2019 AI in cyber security market at $4.94bn.  Cloud-based cyber security that incorporates AI could prove to a cost-effective and affordable source of protection for SMEs and large enterprises.

No Windows 10 Updates For PCs With USB Devices or SD Cards Attached

Posted on by Andy Miller

Microsoft has announced that if your PC has a USB device or SD card attached it will not be possible to upgrade the computer to the Windows 10 May 2019 Update because of an “Inappropriate drive reassignment” issue.

The Scenario

On its support site, Microsoft has announced that an attempt to upgrade a computer with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update will result in an error message being displayed if the following three factors are in place:

  1. You’re running a Windows-10 based computer that has either the April 2018 Update (Windows 10, version 1803) or the October 2018 Update (Windows 10, version 1809) installed.
  2. An external USB device or SD memory card is attached to the computer.
  3. You try to upgrade the computer to the May 2019 Update, or you have automatic updates turned on in the Windows Update settings.

Inappropriate Drive Reassignment

Microsoft says that the upgrade will not be able to occur in these situations because of the risk of inappropriate drive reassignment.  For example, a user may have booted Windows from external storage and may have left an external storage device (USB device or SD memory card) attached during the installation of the May 2019 upgrade.  Prior to the upgrade, the external device would have been mounted in the system as drive G based on the existing drive configuration, but after the upgrade, the device is reassigned a different drive letter e.g. H.  This is a situation that Microsoft is trying to avoid – hence the error message and the blocking of computers with external devices attached from receiving the upgrade.

The Workaround

According to Microsoft, the simple workaround is to remove the external media and restart the May 2019 Update installation.

Microsoft also says that the issue will be resolved in a future servicing update for Windows 10, and for Windows Insiders, the issue is resolved in build 18877 and later builds.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

There is more than just a small element of Microsoft being cautious in issuing this error message and putting out information about the nature of the issue and workaround, after the many problems and bugs that led to Build 1809 having to be withdrawn after a few weeks before a re-issue. This time, Microsoft wants good publicity and good customer experience for its ongoing WaaS strategy.

If you’re planning to upgrade Windows 10 with the May 2019 Update and you want things to go smoothly, the advice is to make sure that you don’t have external storage devices connected to the computer at the same time.

Microsoft 365 Business Subscription Customers Get Shared Computer Activation (SCA)

Posted on by Andy Miller

SMEs that need to have multiple users (connecting to and using the same remote computer) but only have a (less-expensive) Microsoft 365 Business subscription have been given a boost by Microsoft in the form expanded rights with the imminent roll-out of SCA for Microsoft 365 Business.

What Is SCA?

Shared Computer Activation (SCA) is a service that allows a business to deploy Office 365 on a computer that is accessed by multiple users.

SCA That Doesn’t Count Against The Device Limit

The latest announcement from Microsoft means that Microsoft 365 Business subscribers (who would normally only be able to install and activate the Office 365 Business Client on a limited number of devices such as 5 PCs) will, with the roll-out from 30th April, be able to benefit from being able to use the Office 365 Business Client with shared computer activation enabled in a way that doesn’t count against that device limit.

Where It’s Useful

Situations (where this can add value and be useful to SMEs) include :

  • Multiple workers on different shifts at the same premises needing to use a shared computer with each worker using Excel on that computer during their shift to track orders & shipments.
  • Multiple workers use Word on shared computers at a work station throughout the day to create reports from a template.
  • Business owners and accounts staff can connect remotely to a Windows 2016 Server running Remote Desktop Services (RDS) to use Excel and the company’s accounting software.
  • Field service employees use Office on a computer that’s located in a conference room to update/write reports.
  • Remote workers connect from home connect to Windows Virtual Desktops (WVD) in Azure with Office installed to work on specific accounts/records.

Limitations

It is important to note that M365 Business does not include Office 365 Pro Plus, just the activation rights in the existing business client that comes in M365B.  The new SCA rights in M365 Business will, therefore, still require that each user be licensed, because companies can’t legally share Office on a single PC among, e.g. 5 users, where only three are covered by M365 Business licenses.

Also, users can only share the Windows, not a Mac version of Office on an SCA-covered machine.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

Although Microsoft is not giving anything away as such with the SCA rights in M365 Business, it is, however, introducing something that takes account of how some industries need to work with software in real life i.e. computers often need to be  shared by multiple users with different user profiles, and multiple users in some businesses need to connect to the same remote computer at the same time. In this respect, it may add a great deal of value for many businesses, and in doing so, may help gain and retain customers, and lead to new opportunities for Microsoft.

SMEs are likely to welcome this added value service from Microsoft as they may have been stuck between having to choose E3 (without SCA), saving costs, and try to implement time-consuming workarounds to get more out of what they had.

Even though the roll-out date starts on April 30th, it may take a couple of months before the full roll-out is completed.

Serious Windows 7 Bug Reported

Posted on by Andy Miller

Google has warned those who are still using Windows 7 that they are at risk of hackers being able to take over their computer by exploiting the combination of a flaw in the Window 7 OS and Google’s Chrome Browser.

Google Alert

The threat to Windows 7 comes from combined flaws in its OS, and a flaw in Google Chrome.  It was Google that announced the discovery of the zero-day vulnerability CVE-2019-5786 in Chrome.

A zero-day vulnerability is one that gives Google, for example, zero days to find a fix because it is already being exploited.  In this case, Clement Lecigne, a security researcher at Google, discovered the vulnerability which resides in the Chrome web browsing software and could impact upon all major operating systems, not just Windows 7, although Windows 7 is vulnerable because it’s a 10-year-old OS in its final year of official support from Microsoft.

Details of the exact nature of the flaw in Googles’ Chrome are not abundantly clear at this point, but it has been described as a use-after-free vulnerability in the FileReader component of the Chrome browser. The FileReader is a standard API that enables web applications to asynchronously read the contents of files stored on a computer.  This essentially means that the flaw in Google’s Chrome provides a way in for hackers who can use it to transfer attack code from Chrome into other applications to help them compromise a machine.

The Windows 7 Side

The flaw in Windows 7 is reported to be in the very core elements that are supposed to stop the data in one program interacting with anything outside that application.

Combined

The combination of these two flaws means that hackers could use Google’s Chrome Browser to take over a computer running Windows 7.

What Can You Do?

The advice from security commentators is (unsurprisingly) to upgrade to Windows 10.  The advice from Google is to make sure that Google Chrome is up to date. You can do this by clicking on the three stacked dots (top right) in Chrome, selecting ‘Help’ and ‘About Google Chrome’, which takes you to the settings page chrome://settings/help.  If it says that you’re running Version 72.0.3626.121 (Official Build) you have the updated version.  If not, you need to update Chrome to the latest version.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

According to Mr Lecigne, the Google security researcher, there is only evidence of active exploitation against Windows 7 32-bit systems, but it is alarming that a security flaw exists in the core elements of the OS. Since the real risk comes from the combination of a flaw in both Chrome and Windows 7, updating Chrome, which only takes a matter of minutes should provide protection (for the time being) from this risk, although it’s not possible to know what other zero-day bugs are waiting to be discovered.

This story shows the importance of keeping software up to date and patched and is likely to put more pressure on those businesses still using Windows 7 to make the switch to Windows 10.  The fact is though that Windows 7 is still a popular operating system with 37% market share and switching to Windows 10 has cost and time implications in terms of identifying any issues in individual environments and project planning.  The 14th Jan 2020 end of official support date for Windows 7 and the discovery of this kind of OS flaw being made public may now mean that businesses that have been holding out may simply feel that it’s time to bite the bullet and start the shift to Windows 10.

New, Free Windows 10 Microsoft Office App Launched

Posted on by Andy Miller

Microsoft has announced the launch of its new “Office” app for Windows 10 which is an update to the former My Office app, will come preinstalled on Windows 10 machines and will provide access to an online version of Office for those who don’t have a subscription for Office 365.

Simply “Office”

The new, free app simply named “Office” can be used with ‘almost’ any version of Microsoft Office means that those who do have a 365 subscription and have Microsoft’s apps installed on their device can open Office from the Office app, and those who don’t have a subscription will be automatically directed to the online version.  Like Google Drive, this online version features the user’s recent documents on the home screen, which is in keeping with the idea that users should be able to find what they want quickly. Users can also share files with each other and can find content relevant to them but created by colleagues within their organisation.

Features

The new app includes helpful features such as tutorials and tricks for Microsoft’s apps and services, and users can see every Office app available to them by clicking on “Explore all your apps”.

Office also allows customisation so that businesses can brand it. Users also have access to third-party apps and Microsoft Search.

When and How?

Microsoft says that the Office app will become available to users on a rolling basis over the next few weeks and that it will be installed automatically as an update to the MyOffice app, which comes pre-installed as part of Windows.

You can search for “Office” in the search bar of the Windows start menu to open the app. The new app can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Store if needed.

Users can sign in to the app with their work, school, or free personal Microsoft Account to get started.

The Office app should work with any Office 365 subscription, Office 2019, Office 2016, and Office Online (the free web-based version of Office).

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

Launching this Office app is a way of Microsoft being able to publicise, raise awareness about, and get more people using its free online versions of Office.

The app, which also allows Microsoft to compete with its rival Google Drive, should be quite appealing to business users thanks to features such as the ability to customise and brand it, the fact that it allows access third-party apps using AAD through the Office app, and the Microsoft Search feature that works across the organisation in addition to the user’s own apps and documents.

Having a free Office app that’s available without the need for an Office 365 subscription will also help address the problem of a mistaken assumption from many people that Office simply comes as part of Windows.

Tech Tip – How To Disable Ad Tracking In Windows 10

Posted on by Andy Miller

Although many websites say they rely upon ad-revenue to provide free content, and some ads can be relevant, as web users we may still feel uneasy about allowing our online behaviour to become tracked, and too many ‘interest-based’ targeted adverts can be annoying and disruptive.  There is an easy way in Windows 10 to disable advertising ID/‘interest based’ adverts.  Here’s how:

– In Windows search (bottom left), type ‘Privacy’ and Go to ‘Privacy Settings’.

– In the ‘General’ section on the right-hand side of the window, turn off the first option relating to your advertising ID.

– For a higher level of ad blocking, go to the Microsoft Privacy Ad Settings page and disable interest-based ads on the browser, Windows and Microsoft account level. This should prevent your online behaviour from being tracked by marketers but will still enable you to see some generic adverts.

Tech Tip – Link your Android Phone To Your Windows PC or Laptop

Posted on by Andy Miller

If you’ve ever emailed yourself a photo or screenshot to get it from your phone to your computer or uploaded photos to e.g. Google Photos or Dropbox and then download them onto your PC, you may want to try Microsoft’s ‘Your Phone’ app.  With the app, you can link and sync your Android phone to your Windows PC or laptop and simply drag and drop photos or screenshots, plus you can receive and send text messages from your phone on your computer. Here’s how to set it up:

This works for PCs or laptops running Windows 10 April 2018 Update (Version 1803) or later, and Android phones running Android 7.0 Nougat or later.  Both devices should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

On your PC or laptop, type “Your Phone” in the search bar, scroll to launch Microsoft Store, find the “Your Phone” app.

Download and install the Your Phone app for Windows 10 from Microsoft e.g. here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/your-phone/9nmpj99vjbwv?activetab=pivot%3Aoverviewtab

Next, install the counterpart on your Android phone. For example, when you launch the app on your PC, type your number in to receive the install the app link via text on your phone. Alternatively, you could visit the Google Play Store, type “Your Phone Companion” into the search bar and then Install the app on your Android phone.

The two apps should sync, and once you’ve answered and granted the permissions questions on your phone, you should see your phone appear in the Windows “Your Phone” app on your computer.

Click to access recent photos or messages + see the Settings page.

Windows 10 Error Messages Soon To Make More Sense

Posted on by Andy Miller

Starting with the April 2019 update, Microsoft will be adding “Learn more” links to its error code messages in a bid to enable users to see what the code means, plus the chance to fix the error on the spot.

Resolved During Installation

The “Learn More” links will be there to help if there is an error during the upgrade (or installation) of Windows 10.  As well as explaining what the error is, Microsoft will also be giving users the chance to resolve the error messages themselves within the installer and will offer suggestions on how to update any problematic applications without having to uninstall.

What’s The Problem?

If a problem is encountered during the upgrade/installation of Windows 10, users are given error messages, for example if a version of an app isn’t compatible with the latest Windows 10 OS, and users need to either update or reinstall the app.

To date, Microsoft has provided articles on how to solve Windows errors written by support staff called the ‘Knowledge Base’ (KB).  The main problems for users have been that:

  • Users don’t know what the numerical error messages in the upgrade and installation of Windows 10 mean, or what to do with those error codes.
  • Users generally don’t know how to use KBs, look for specific KBs using their numerical ID, and there are no direct links to KB articles in setup error notifications.
  • Users have also found that ‘back ‘and ‘refresh’ buttons don’t fit with the error notifications they receive.

Link To A Quick Fix

Whereas the October 2018 Update means that users were only given the options of uninstalling the app, going back, or refreshing in the case of an error, the changes in the April update (code-named 19H1) should afford user the opportunity to save time and hassle by having information about the error to hand, and being able to get quick fix on the spot.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The current system of offering up codes that mean little to many to users who are not acquainted with the existence of the Knowledge Base or how to use it causes frustration and can waste time and therefore waste money for businesses.  This change in April appears to be a straightforward, user-friendly way of saving time and hassle by offering users the chance to more easily understand and find a fix for errors on the spot.

At present, a list of the common errors experienced during a Windows 10 upgrade and installation plus explanations of them can be found on the Microsoft Windows Support pages here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/10587/windows-10-get-help-with-upgrade-installation-errors

Tech Tip – Drag & Drop Tasks To Your Calendar

Posted on by Andy Miller

In Windows 10, the Tasks experience in Outlook.com (powered by ‘To-Do’) means that when looking at your inbox, you can save time and create tasks by dragging and dropping an email to your task list. You can also easily schedule items by dragging a task to your calendar. Your tasks then travel with you on the To-Do app.

You can see how it’s done on the Windows Blog here:

Go to https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2018/12/16/windows-10-tip-schedule-items-by-dragging-a-task-to-your-calendar/#WX3WrBWATdGxSk48.97