Newsletter Archives

• MS-DEFCON 4: Dual-boot computers now safe to patch

  Posted on September 24, 2024 at 02:45 CDT by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  

  ISSUE 21.39.1 • 2024-09-24

  

  By Susan Bradley

  In the August updates, Microsoft introduced a bug that impacted Windows users who dual-booted into Windows and Linux.

  At first it was thought the bug had not been fixed in the September updates, but upon further investigation, I learned that it had been addressed. Because it is now fixed, I find no reason to delay updates further and am therefore lowering the MS-DEFCON level to 4.

  Anyone can read the full MS-DEFCON Alert (21.39.1, 2024-09-24).

  AskWoody Plus Alert, MS-DEFCON Alerts, Dual Boot, Intune, iOS 17, iOS 18, KB5043064, KB5043076, MS-DEFCON, MS-DEFCON 4, Patch Lady Posts, Repair Install, Windows Autopatch, WSUS, WSUS Automated Maintenance

• The patching year in review — for consumers

  Posted on December 26, 2023 at 02:42 CST by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  PATCH WATCH

  

  By Susan Bradley

  We’re closing another patching year for consumers and home users (aka the “unmanaged crowd”).

  Will and I have an ongoing, two-year struggle with a phrase I commonly use, “consumer and home users.” Will thinks it cumbersome and that there is no meaningful difference.

  I define consumers as anyone running Windows Home or Professional editions but not configured in a domain or not using patching tools favored by businesses. Consumers don’t have an IT department (assuming you don’t call the teenager next door an IT department) and don’t use a managed service provider. Consumers usually have a peer-to-peer network (because who doesn’t have multiple devices connected to their Internet service these days?) and may use it to connect to shared devices such as printers. Consumers tend to blur the lines of technology and will use Apple iPads or Android phones right alongside Windows machines.

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (20.52.0, 2023-12-26).

  Patch Watch Apple, Consumers, Drivers, Home PCs, KB5025885, Microsoft, Newsletters, Patch Lady Posts, Repair Install, Secure Boot, Very Small Businesses

• How to do a Windows 11 repair install

  Posted on December 4, 2023 at 02:45 CST by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  

  ISSUE 20.49 • 2023-12-04

  PATCH WATCH

  

  By Susan Bradley

  Most of us install updates every month with no issues whatsoever. But then there are times when updates don’t install.

  Sometimes updates fail for obvious reasons. I’ve seen cases where one update will inadvertently trigger a reboot while a second update is in the works. This is an easy fix — just ignore the reboot message and wait for the machine to kick a reboot later on in the day or evening.

  Other errors may point to corruption in the operating system.

  Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (20.49.0, 2023-12-04).
  This story also appears in our public Newsletter.

  Patch Watch Newsletters, Patch Lady Posts, Repair Install, Windows 11, Windows 11 22H2, Windows 11 23H2