Microsoft Windows software
Microsoft Windows is the most successful and ubiquitous enterprise software product ever created, and its future developments affect nearly every IT manager in some way. Browse all the latest news and analysis about Microsoft Windows software and the issues around buying, implementing and delivering benefits from Windows.
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News
17 Nov 2022
Microsoft CEO outlines ‘digital imperatives’
Organisations that want to do more with less will have to think deeply about digital imperatives such as the shift to cloud and artificial intelligence, says Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2024
AI becomes Microsoft’s fastest-growing business
Artificial intelligence has delivered $10bn to Microsoft’s bottom line, but the business is not in cloud GPUs for third-party inference engines Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2022
Office 365 email encryption flaw could pose risk to user privacy
A vulnerability in Microsoft Office 365 Message Encryption could leave the contents of emails dangerously exposed, but with no fix coming it’s up to users to decide how at risk they are Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2022
Microsoft fixes lone zero-day on October Patch Tuesday
Microsoft patched a solitary zero-day vulnerability in its latest monthly drop, but fixes for two others disclosed in the past few weeks are nowhere to be seen Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2022
How Windows 11 Safe Mode works and when to use it
Windows 11 desktops can run into problems that don't have a clear cause. Safe Mode runs a pared-down version of the OS, making it easier to identify and solve system issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Sep 2022
How to fix Windows 11 when it keeps restarting
When a Windows 11 desktop keeps restarting, there are a few factors that may be behind the issue. IT administrators should understand all the possible causes and how to solve them. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2022
Microsoft patches 64 vulnerabilities on September Patch Tuesday
Microsoft drops fixes for five critical vulnerabilities and one zero-day in its latest monthly update Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2022
Users warned over Azure Active Directory authentication flaw
Secureworks researchers found what they say is a serious vulnerability in an Azure Active Directory authentication method, but Microsoft says it should not pose a serious risk to users Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2022
How to perform a factory reset on a Windows 11 desktop
A factory reset may be necessary when a device has performance issues or is set to go to a new user. IT can execute this process in Windows 11 while avoiding unwanted data loss. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Aug 2022
The role of Windows log monitoring in the enterprise
Whether organizations automate their log monitoring within Windows desktops or inspect them manually, logs can offer IT administrators valuable insight. Continue Reading
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News
19 Aug 2022
Cozy Bear targets MS 365 environments with new tactics
Cozy Bear, or APT29, is trying out new tricks as it seeks access to its targets’ Microsoft 365 environments Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2022
Microsoft doles out $13.7m in bug bounties
Microsoft’s Bug Bounty programme has paid a total of $13.7m to more than 300 researchers in almost 50 countries Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2022
Microsoft fixes two-year-old MSDT vulnerability in August update
August’s Patch Tuesday drop fixes more than 120 CVEs, including another MSDT RCE zero-day that is being actively exploited. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jul 2022
Cyber criminals pivot away from macros as Microsoft changes bite
As Microsoft resumes blocking macros by default in its Office application suite, reversing a temporary reversal, analysis from Proofpoint suggests the action has had a remarkable effect Continue Reading
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News
13 Jul 2022
July Patch Tuesday brings more than 80 fixes, one zero-day
While some admins can put their feet up and let Windows Autopatch do the hard work of updating their Microsoft estates, for the rest of us, the Patch Tuesday bandwagon keeps on keeping on Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2022
Microsoft Windows Autopatch now generally available
Microsoft customers with Windows Enterprise E3 and E5 licences can now take full advantage of its new automated patching service Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2022
Microsoft VBA macro block will return
Microsoft provides more details about its sudden decision to rollback a landmark security policy, and reassures users it is a temporary measure Continue Reading
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News
08 Jul 2022
Microsoft appears to reverse VBA macro-blocking
Microsoft quietly reverses VBA macro-blocking across its Office portfolio in a move that has left security experts puzzled Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jun 2022
File Allocation Table (FAT)
File Allocation Table (FAT) is a file system that Microsoft developed to support small disks and simple folder structures. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
28 Jun 2022
Collaboration key to IT sector sustainability
In this week’s Computer Weekly, as sustainability rises up the corporate agenda, IT leaders say more collaboration is needed to meet climate goals. Microsoft faces further calls for greater transparency over software tools used to monitor employees. And the cyber security industry warns over an increasing loss of talent. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2022
Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM)
Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) is an extension to Component Object Model (COM) that enables software components to communicate with each other across different computers on a local area network (LAN), on a wide area network (WAN) or across the internet. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jun 2022
Microsoft Office 365 has ability to ‘spy’ on workers
Microsoft faces calls for ‘transparency’ over tools in Office 365 that allow employers to read staff emails and monitor their computer use at work Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2022
Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)
Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) is a free Microsoft tool that enables IT administrators to organize, group and control multiple remote desktop connections. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jun 2022
Patch Tuesday dogged by concerns over Microsoft vulnerability response
The last Patch Tuesday in its current form is overshadowed by persistent concerns about how Microsoft deals with vulnerability disclosure Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2022
Microsoft drops emergency patch after Patch Tuesday screw up
Microsoft fixed a certificate mapping issue that caused server authentication failures on domain controllers for users that had installed the most recent Patch Tuesday updates Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2022
Microsoft fixes three zero-days on May Patch Tuesday
It’s the second-to-last Patch Tuesday as we know it, and Microsoft has fixed a total of 75 bugs, including three zero-days Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2022
Microsoft shows inflation-busting growth, driven by cloud adoption
As prices rise, Microsoft is trying to position its cloud services as the public cloud that offers the best value for money Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2022
Windows 7 and XP still more popular than Windows 11
Lansweeper audit of Windows devices finds more people are running unsupported Windows operating systems than the newest release Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2022
built-in administrator account
In the Windows operating system, the built-in administrator account -- the first account created when the OS was installed -- has the highest permissions of any profile on the computer system. Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2022
Microsoft patches two zero-days, 10 critical bugs
Patch Tuesday is here once again. This month, security teams must fix two privilege escalation zero-days in the Windows Common Log File System Driver and the Windows User Profile Service Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Apr 2022
Client Access Server (CAS)
The Client Access Server (CAS) is a server role that handles all client connections to Exchange Server 2010 and Exchange 2013. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Apr 2022
IO.SYS
IO.SYS is a hidden executable binary file that processes instructions that tell the operating system (OS) how the computer is set up when it is booted or started. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2022
Windows
Windows is Microsoft's flagship operating system (OS), the de facto standard for home and business computers. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2022
Microsoft serves up three zero-days on March Patch Tuesday
Three zero-days pop up in Microsoft’s March update, along with a number of other noteworthy concerns for defenders Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2022
Microsoft stops sales of products and services to Russia
Citing sanctions and cyber security concerns, Microsoft has become the latest company to withdraw from the Russian market Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2022
Microsoft stomps on 48 bugs in February Patch Tuesday update
It’s a light Patch Tuesday for February 2022, as Microsoft issues fixes for just 48 CVEs, including a solitary zero-day Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2022
Microsoft to start blocking macros to thwart malware
Microsoft is making changes to web macro permissions across multiple Office apps to help improve user security Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Feb 2022
Finland brings cryostats and other cool things to quantum computing
Not only is Finland the clear leader in refrigeration technology for quantum computers, but it also leads in fundamental research into the underlying quantum information theory Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2022
Dutch software engineers join campaign for research funding
Software researchers from all over Europe are sounding the alarm: to maintain a strong international competitive position, more financial resources must be committed to software research Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2022
Microsoft uses Q2 2022 earnings to delve into metaverse
Company’s CEO sees a role for Microsoft that takes the metaverse beyond gaming and into the business sphere Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2022
Sluggish adoption of Windows 11 with more devices on unsupported OSes
With Windows 11, existing Windows 10 users have until October 2025 to update. Until they do, they will only get one OS update a year Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2022
Microsoft fixes six zero-days in January Patch Tuesday update
A larger than of late Patch Tuesday update from Microsoft comes as defenders continue to grapple with Log4Shell Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2022
Admins warned that Exchange date fix will take time to roll out
At the start of the New Year, Exchange 2016 and 2019 email servers started queuing email messages due to a date bug Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Dec 2021
A trial relying on computer evidence should start with a trial of the computer evidence
Learning from the Post Office Horizon scandal - the most widespread miscarriage of justice in recent British legal history Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2021
After Log4j, December Patch Tuesday piles on the pressure
December’s Patch Tuesday update from Microsoft contains several critical CVEs, but this month all attention is focused on the fall-out from Log4Shell, and burn-out is becoming a real issue Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Nov 2021
system tray
The system tray (or "systray") is a section of the taskbars in the Microsoft Windows operating system user interface that provides easy access icons to the user's most commonly used apps and displays the clock. Continue Reading
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News
10 Nov 2021
November Patch Tuesday drop fixes bugs in Excel, Exchange Server
Another relatively light Patch Tuesday drop from Microsoft addresses 55 vulnerabilities, two of them already being exploited Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 Nov 2021
How a cloud-first strategy helped save animals in the pandemic
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to the RSPCA about how its cloud-first strategy helped to save animals throughout the pandemic. Data warehouses have been part of the IT landscape for 30 years – but are they now old technology, and what’s next? And we assess how Brexit has affected risk and resilience in the datacentre. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
27 Oct 2021
Microsoft’s latest results focus on combating inflation
With prices set to rise, CEO Satya Nadella used the Q1 2022 earnings call to discuss the deflationary effect of digitisation Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2021
What will the 2025 end of life mean for enterprise Windows 10?
Businesses have until 2025 to migrate to Windows 11, but older hardware may need updating and there’s a chip crisis Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2021
Microsoft warns of MysterySnail on October Patch Tuesday
Microsoft has fixed a zero-day that is being actively exploited to deliver a new remote access trojan dubbed MysterySnail to targets Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Oct 2021
Windows 11: this ‘feel good’ update could actually help IT pros
Much has been written about Windows 11, and many YouTube videos have been published. If you want a detailed walkthrough of the good, the bad, the confusing and the contentious, you’ll find no ... Continue Reading
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News
29 Sep 2021
Security boost in Windows 11 limits PC reuse
Microsoft has put a lot of emphasis on improving security in Windows 11, but this comes at a cost as old hardware is no longer supported Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Sep 2021
What is the real role of Windows 11?
In the context of Windows 11, the question is not necessarily whether it is better or worse than Windows 10 or whether it is worth upgrading. It’s about how useful it is. “What is the role of a ... Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2021
Microsoft patches 66 vulnerabilities in September update
Another lighter-than-usual Patch Tuesday update includes important fixes for recently disclosed vulnerabilities, including a dangerous zero-day, and an update in the PrintNightmare saga Continue Reading
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News
09 Sep 2021
Latest Microsoft zero-day being actively exploited
New Microsoft zero-day CVE-2021-40444 affects multiple versions of Windows and is probably being exploited through convincing phishing attacks Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Sep 2021
Windows 11: A booster jab for the PC industry?
Looking cynically at the fact that Windows 11 will be available as a free upgrade from October 5, the timing of the new operating system release coincides with the need for the PC industry to ... Continue Reading
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News
11 Aug 2021
Microsoft fixes seven critical bugs on light Patch Tuesday
All seven critical vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s August Patch Tuesday were related to remote code execution, and there was one zero-day related to Windows Update Medic Service Continue Reading
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Blog Post
03 Aug 2021
The logic of software defined
A recent conversation with Microsoft revealed a number of questions about where desktop IT could be heading. Logically, it makes sense for Microsoft to use the power of its public cloud to stream ... Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2021
Windows 365: Cloud PC pricing starts at £20
Will Microsoft change the way people buy PCs in much the same way that streaming services have revolutionised video subscription services? Continue Reading
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Photo Story
02 Aug 2021
Windows 11: A first look
We look at the next version of the Windows operating system and see how it improves productivity, IT management and security Continue Reading
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E-Zine
27 Jul 2021
Are we getting cyber security skills all wrong?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, the chair of the new UK Cyber Security Council tells us how she plans to fundamentally reimagine what working in IT security means. Our latest buyer’s guide examines ERP modernisation and its role in digital transformation. And we take an in-depth look at the first preview version of Windows 11. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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25 Jul 2021
Windows 11: A first look at the first preview
Microsoft recently unveiled its plans for the next version of the Windows operating system. We give it a test drive. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2021
Windows 11: A first look at the first preview
Microsoft recently unveiled its plans for the next version of the Windows operating system. We give it a test drive Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2021
Windows 365: Microsoft unveils the era of the cloud PC
Expanding its cloud offerings, Microsoft has simplified Azure Virtual Desktops with a new way to access Windows on any device Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2021
Multiple Microsoft bugs being actively exploited
Microsoft’s July Patch Tuesday update fixes 117 vulnerabilities, 13 rated as critical and four already being actively exploited Continue Reading
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News
08 Jul 2021
PrintNightmare haunts Microsoft as patch may miss mark
Microsoft dropped an out-of-band patch to fix PrintNightmare, but there are concerns it may not be totally effective. This does not mean it shouldn’t be applied Continue Reading
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05 Jul 2021
Windows 11: More than a repositioned Start button
Microsoft has tried to grab the headlines with the latest incarnation of its desktop operating system, sporting a repositioned Start button and updated icons Continue Reading
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E-Zine
05 Jul 2021
Where to start with Windows 11
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at the new features on offer from Microsoft’s new version of its flagship operating system, Windows 11. Our latest buyer’s guide examines the trends in secure, agile app development. And we find out what you need to consider when buying a VPN. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Jun 2021
Windows 11: Do we need another operating system
One can see the reason why Microsoft saw a need to update Windows 10. Apple has been updating MacOS and has now moved its hardware away from the Intel x86 processor family to focus on its M1 ... Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2021
Windows 11: It’s more than a repositioned Start button
Microsoft has tried to grab the headlines with the latest incarnation of its desktop operating system, sporting a repositioned Start button and updated icons Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2021
Microsoft fixes seven zero-days on its Patch Tuesday rounds
Fixes for six actively-exploited – and one yet-to-be-exploited – zero-day bugs are released in the June 2021 Patch Tuesday update Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2021
Build 2021: Code abstraction and automatic code generation
Microsoft’s annual software developers’ event, Build, opened up with the company’s CEO painting a picture of opportunity for software developers Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2021
Microsoft fixes four critical bugs on lighter Patch Tuesday
Four critical RCE vulnerabilities put users of various Microsoft products at risk, and should be patched right away Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2021
End of support for Build 1909 leaves some Windows open to attack
Biannual Windows updates free IT staff from major updates, but some people prefer older builds of Windows, which leaves a gaping security hole Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2021
Microsoft results get a pandemic jab
Covid-19 has stimulated businesses to digitise more, and this is reflected in Microsoft’s latest results Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2021
Leaky Azure storage account puts software developer IP at risk
Source code for multiple products was left exposed in an unsecured Microsoft Azure cloud storage account, say researchers, but attributing responsibility for the error has proved difficult Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2021
How Windows patching leaves security exposed
Four years on since it devastated IT systems across the NHS, WannaCry remains a threat to organisations around the world Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2021
FBI accesses ProxyLogon target servers to disrupt cyber criminals
US Justice Department reveals successful court-authorised effort to clamp down on ProxyLogon exploitation Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2021
NSA unearths more MS Exchange vulnerabilities
Microsoft patches more critical vulnerabilities in Exchange Server a month after the ProxyLogon incident, after being warned by the US National Security Agency Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2021
12 Microsoft Exchange Server security best practices
Exchange security has come under increased scrutiny since the recent exploitation of critical vulnerabilities. Review this list of activities to best protect your enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2021
Microsoft accused of stifling secondhand software market
In 2012, UsedSoft won a case for second user software, which has enabled the market to grow across Europe. But it is now under threat Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2021
Warning: AWS IAM behaves differently to directory services
IT admins use group policies to manage user access via Active Directory, but AWS takes a subtly different approach, which can be exploited Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2021
Coronavirus: How PCs in quarantine and intensive care units can be managed remotely
NHS IT staff generally have limited access to deployed devices, especially if that device is in an operating theatre or intensive care unit Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2021
Microsoft releases one-click ProxyLogon mitigation tool
Microsoft’s mitigation tool is designed to help customers without dedicated security or IT teams navigate fixing their vulnerable Exchange servers Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2021
Microsoft Exchange ProxyLogon attacks spike 10 times in four days
Exploitations of the Microsoft Exchange ProxyLogon vulnerabilities have increased tenfold in just four days Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2021
NCSC issues emergency alert on Microsoft Exchange patch
UK’s national cyber agency calls on organisations affected by the ProxyLogon vulnerabilities to patch their Microsoft Exchange Servers immediately Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2021
DearCry ransomware targets vulnerable Exchange servers
As predicted, ransomware gangs have started to target vulnerable instances of Microsoft Exchange Server, making patching an even greater priority Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2021
Norwegian government falls victim to Microsoft attacks
Norway’s parliament, the Storting, suffers second major cyber incident in a year as threat groups capitalise on vulnerable Microsoft Exchange Servers Continue Reading
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Blog Post
10 Mar 2021
The New Norm Still Means The Old Norm When It Comes To Exchange Vulnerabilities
Some things in IT never change and one is exposing vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s armoury, not least as has recently been reported, Microsoft Exchange. Oh, how the hackers love Exchange… So, at the ... Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2021
Patch Tuesday overshadowed by Microsoft Exchange attacks
Microsoft’s March Patch Tuesday update drops amid ongoing fall-out from widespread Exchange attacks Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2021
Mandiant: MS Exchange bugs first exploited in January
Analysis from technical teams at FireEye’s Mandiant tracked activity exploiting newly disclosed vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server more than a month ago Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2021
Microsoft Exchange CVEs more widely exploited than thought
US CISA issues emergency guidance as impact of four newly disclosed Microsoft Exchange vulnerabilities becomes clearer Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2021
Emergency patch addresses MS Exchange Server zero-days
Microsoft releases an emergency patch to address multiple zero-day exploits directed at on-premise installations of Exchange Server Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2021
Microsoft builds industry-specific clouds for financial services and manufacturing firms
Software giant follows up launch of industry-specific cloud offerings for retail and healthcare organisations with a commitment to do the same for non-profits, manufacturing and financial services firms Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2021
Windows 10, Server 2019 users must patch serious zero-day
Another dangerous zero-day exploit is among 56 vulnerabilities patched by Microsoft in February’s Patch Tuesday update Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2021
SolarWinds chases multiple leads in breach investigation
Investigators at SolarWinds are exploring multiple theories as to how the company’s systems were compromised Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Jan 2021
Application modernisation cloud platform makes the impossible, possible
Around this time last year, I was in London to cover off an event on platform migration for Rimo3, which I duly covered in this blog back then. ... Continue Reading
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News
20 Jan 2021
Malwarebytes also hit by SolarWinds attackers
The nation state group that attacked SolarWinds in December got inside Malwarebytes by exploiting privileged access to its Microsoft Office 365 tenant, the firm reveals Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2021
Critical zero-day features in first Patch Tuesday of 2021
Microsoft releases fixes for 84 bugs on the first Patch Tuesday of 2021, including a critical zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Defender Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Dec 2020
Patching: Balancing technical requirements with business considerations
With an increasing reliance on subscription models alongside the regular patching of software, updates have become an essential part of modern business practices. However, care needs to be taken to ensure the optimum patching process is implemented Continue Reading
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News
09 Dec 2020
Patch Tuesday: Microsoft presents just 58 CVEs for Christmas
The final Patch Tuesday of 2020 contains 58 fixes, a minnow compared to some recent drops, but many are still of high importance Continue Reading