Newsletter Archives

• Reviewing your licensing options

  Posted on March 31, 2025 at 02:45 CDT by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  

  ISSUE 22.13 • 2025-03-31

  TAME YOUR TECH

  

  By Susan Bradley

  Can you get a license for that?

  With the upcoming end of life of Windows 10, I’m often asked why I’m not recommending that you look for and install the long-term servicing channel (LTSC) version of Windows 10 or Windows 11.

  LTSC is a version of Windows 10 that was designed for devices that require minimal changes over time. It is primarily used in environments where stability and consistency are crucial, such as medical devices or industrial machinery. It is not available to the public and can be purchased only through volume licensing. It’s a platform that is intentionally not bloated, and it comes with fewer pre-installed apps, such as Microsoft Store, Cortana, and Edge (until the 2021 version). While it gets regular security updates, it does not get feature releases.

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (22.13.0, 2025-03-31).
  This story also appears in our public Newsletter.

  Tame Your Tech Adobe, Autopilot, Business Software Alliance, Intune, Licensing, LTSC, Microsoft, Newsletters, Patch Lady Posts, Software, Windows 11

• Locked out of your refurbished computer?

  Posted on September 25, 2023 at 02:42 CDT by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  ON SECURITY

  

  By Susan Bradley

  Corporate “leftovers” may impact your new computer.

  All of us want to purchase a good deal. Often I will look for refurbished computers, many of them systems coming off corporate leases, because they are an excellent value. Many times, they are less than three years old and support Windows 11. Some even come with Windows 11.

  Most of these systems have been reset to factory defaults, so the configuration process is basically the same OOBE you would get with a new PC. You start the boot process, set it up with either a Microsoft account or a local account with the no@thankyou.com email trick, and off you go. You’re happy: you have a well-built computer that is cheaper than anything you’d purchase elsewhere.

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (20.39.0, 2023-09-25).

  On Security Autopilot, Intune, Newsletters, Patch Lady Posts, Refurbished Equipment

• Patch Lady – so what’s KB4523786

  Posted on October 24, 2019 at 15:45 CDT by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  On a standalone PC that’s never seen Windows autopilot I am getting KB4523786 pushed out if I click on check for updates.   And I have never installed autopilot here. (proving once again NEVER ever click on check for updates).  Thank You Michael M for reporting this… as I’m pretty sure this is a detection error.  Hang loose and don’t install it.

  

  More details in Computerworld Woody on Windows.

  Windows Patches/Security Autopilot, Patch Lady Posts