If you’ve ever had the misfortune of seeing the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on your computer, you know just how frustrating it can be. It’s that moment when your screen turns an ominous shade of blue, and you’re left wondering what went wrong and how much work you’ve just lost.

For businesses, these crashes are more than just annoying – they can be disruptive and cost money.

Recent research highlights just how common BSODs have become, with one in 200 devices crashing under normal use. And it gets worse. During the recent CrowdStrike outage, that number shot up to one in ten devices.

While the tech industry seems to be hit the hardest, with more than 15% of devices affected monthly, even sectors like healthcare and retail, which are less prone to these crashes, still get about 8-10% of devices displaying the dreaded blue screen.

So, what’s causing all these crashes? And more importantly, how can you reduce the risk of them happening in your business?

The good news is that about half of these incidents are avoidable.

The bad news is that many businesses simply don’t have the tools or strategies in place to prevent them.

One of the key takeaways from the study is that many BSODs are linked to a few common issues. Problematic hardware, poorly managed Windows updates, and misconfigured drivers for things like graphics cards, networks, and audio systems are among the top culprits.

When these aren’t working properly, it can lead to system instability, which often manifests as a BSOD.

For business owners, this means taking a proactive approach to IT management is crucial.

Instead of waiting for something to go wrong and then scrambling to fix it, businesses should focus on identifying potential problem areas before they lead to a crash. By monitoring the health of your devices and making sure that updates and drivers are properly managed, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of BSODs disrupting your operations.

The research suggests that with the right preventative measures, businesses could cut the number of BSOD incidents in half, reducing the occurrence to about one in 400 devices. This not only minimises downtime but also frees up your IT team to focus on more strategic tasks rather than constantly putting out fires.

Unfortunately, many businesses lack the necessary tools to identify these risks early on. In fact, most companies don’t even know which of their devices are at risk right now, let alone which ones might crash in the future.

To move from a reactive approach to a proactive one, invest in tools that can provide insights into your IT systems. These tools allow you to make data-driven decisions, which can reduce costs, relieve employee stress, and ultimately increase productivity.

Better still, get experts to do it for you. Our approach is proactive IT management. This prevents problems before they can interrupt your work.

Let us keep your business crash-free. Get in touch.

Microsoft recently announced that all Azure sign-ins will soon require multi-factor authentication (MFA) to boost security. Even if you don’t use Azure, a cloud computing platform, this is something you should pay attention to. Because MFA is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your digital assets.

What is multi-factor authentication? Think of it like adding an extra security measure to the door of your business.

Normally, you log into your accounts with just a password. But passwords aren’t as safe as they used to be; cyber criminals are good at cracking them. MFA adds another layer of security. It’s like saying, “OK, you have the key, but I’m going to need to see some ID too.”

After entering your password, you’re asked to verify your identity a second time. This could be a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint scan, or a quick tap on an app like Microsoft Authenticator. It’s an extra step, but an important one. Even if someone manages to steal your password, they’d still need this second form of verification to get into your account. That’s a massive roadblock.

Yes, adding another step to your sign-in process might sound like a hassle. But the reality is, it’s a small inconvenience that can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Imagine the fallout if someone gained access to your sensitive business information. The cost of a breach, in terms of both money and reputation, is much higher than the few extra seconds it takes to use MFA.

There are a few different ways to set up MFA. Some people prefer getting a one-time passcode via text message, while others like the convenience of a push notification on their phone. Biometric options, like fingerprints or facial recognition, are also becoming more common. And for those who want something extra secure, there are physical security keys that plug into your computer.

Microsoft’s push for MFA with Azure is just the tip of the iceberg. The truth is this kind of security measure is a business security basic.

Need help setting this up and making it easy for your business? It’s what we do. Get in touch.

If you’re like most people, you probably find system updates a hassle. They take ages and those big downloads eat up precious bandwidth and storage.

Good news then: Microsoft is about to make your life a whole lot easier with the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update.

It’s introducing something called ‘checkpoint cumulative updates.’ That might sound a bit technical, but don’t worry – it’s simple and very beneficial.

Normally, Windows gets its updates every month. These are known as cumulative updates, which bundle all the latest fixes and enhancements together. These bundles can be large and take a while to download and install.

The new checkpoint cumulative updates change this process. Instead of downloading a big update every time, your system will now receive smaller updates more frequently. These are tweaks to the last major update or checkpoint.

So, what does this mean for your business? It’s great news… you’ll spend less time waiting for updates to finish so you can get back to work.

And, if you have a limited internet connection, smaller updates are a blessing. They use less bandwidth, so less chance of interrupting someone else’s video call.

The best part? All of this happens automatically through Windows Update. You don’t need to do anything differently. Your system will keep running smoothly, with most updates happening in the background. This seamless experience ensures that your work is not interrupted.

This isn’t the first time Microsoft has streamlined updates. When Windows 11 was first launched, Microsoft used new compression technology to reduce the size of updates by 40%. With the 24H2 update, they’re taking it a step further to ensure that your experience is even more efficient.

It’s also worth noting that while this new update system will be standard for Windows 11 and the upcoming Windows Server 2025, it’s less likely to be implemented for Windows 10, as that version is nearing its end of life. This means there’s even more incentive to upgrade your business to Windows 11 if you haven’t already.

Want to migrate to Windows 11 with zero hassle? We’re the people to talk to.

There’s an exciting new feature coming to Microsoft’s Edge browser that’s going to make your life – and your employees’ lives – a whole lot easier. ‘Draft with Copilot’ is an AI-powered tool that can instantly write text on any topic you need.

When you’re in Edge and you find yourself staring at an empty text field (like the body of an email or a comment box), just right-click. You’ll see an option to ‘Draft with Copilot.’

Click on it, and a window will pop up. You just enter the subject or topic you need text for, hit ‘Generate,’ and watch Copilot do its thing. In a few moments, you’ll have a piece of text on the topic you specified.

You can then change the tone and length of the generated text to suit your style. Want it to be more formal or casual? Need it longer or shorter? No problem.

We all know time is money, ’Draft with Copilot’ can help save you both. Imagine how much time your team spend on writing everyday text. With Copilot, drafting a quick email or coming up with a social media update becomes easier.

And Copilot not only helps you write faster but also makes sure the text is grammatically correct and well-structured. This is especially helpful if you’re writing in a language that’s not your native one.

Right now, this feature is only available in US English, but Microsoft is working on expanding it to more languages.

One warning: It’s important to review what it produces. Critics of AI-generated text sometimes say it can feel a bit generic. You might want to add a personal touch or specific details to make it more engaging for your audience.

This feature is currently in the Edge Canary preview build, which means it’s still being fine-tuned.

Microsoft is steadily integrating Copilot into more Windows apps, making these AI tools more accessible and versatile across different platforms. It’s clear that the future holds even more convenient AI-assisted features that will make our digital lives easier.

Not tried Copilot in your business yet? We can help you get started. Get in touch.

Microsoft has issued an important update: If you’re using Windows 11, you need to upgrade to version 23H2 before 8th October 2024. After this, older versions will no longer receive essential security updates, putting your systems at risk.

Why is this important?

Because Microsoft will stop supporting older Windows 11 versions for business accounts. This includes stopping security updates, which are vital for protecting your systems against the latest cyber threats.

The latest version includes advanced security features to protect against new threats, making sure your business data remains safe. But updating to Windows 11 version 23H2 brings other benefits beyond security.

You’ll also notice performance improvements, making your systems run faster and more efficiently, which is great for productivity. Plus, new tools and features are continually added, helping streamline your workflows and improve overall efficiency. Staying updated ensures compatibility with new software and technologies, maintaining smooth business operations.

Delaying the update could leave your business vulnerable to cyber attacks. Without security updates, your systems will be exposed to potential exploits, risking data breaches and financial loss.

Microsoft typically enforces updates post-deadline to keep people safe, especially for business devices not managed by IT departments. While this is helpful, it’s better to update proactively on your own schedule.

Updating to version 23H2 is straightforward.

• First, check your current version by going to Settings, then System, and selecting About.

• Before updating, make sure to back up all your important files to prevent data loss.

• Navigate to Settings, then Update & Security, and select Windows Update.

• Click on “Check for updates” and follow the prompts to install version 23H2.

• Once the update is complete, restart your computer and verify the new version in Settings, System, and About again.

Making sure your systems are up to date will keep your business secure and running efficiently. Don’t wait until the last minute… upgrade to Windows 11 version 23H2 now.

Keeping businesses protected and productive is our top priority. So, if you need any help with that, get in touch.

Staying on top of how your technology is set up is crucial for maintaining a reliable network. And one often-overlooked aspect is managing which applications start up when your business’s PCs start up.

With lots of software wanting to auto-start, it can slow down your system and potentially introduce security risks. But did you know that Windows 11 offers a useful feature that alerts you whenever new apps are added to the startup list?

Every time you hit the power button on your PC, it loads a set of apps automatically. While some of these are essential, others might not be, and can slow down your system’s performance. Over time, as you install more software, your startup list can grow, leading to longer startup times and a slow experience.

Not only that but keeping an eye on startup apps is good security practice. Unwanted or unknown apps starting automatically can be a red flag for malicious software (malware) or other security threats. By receiving alerts about new startup apps, you can quickly identify and investigate any suspicious additions, making sure that your systems stay secure.

How do you enable these alerts in Windows 11? It’s a simple process:

• Start by opening the Windows 11 system settings. You can do this by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon or by pressing ‘Windows + I’ on your keyboard.

• In the settings window, click on ‘System’ in the left sidebar, then select ‘Notifications’ on the right.

• Scroll down to the bottom of the notifications page. Just above Additional settings, you’ll find ‘Startup App Notification’, which is switched off by default. Move the slider to ‘On’.

From then on, you’ll receive a notification whenever a new application is added to the startup process. You can even customise what this notification looks like by clicking on the arrow next to the slider button, allowing you to adjust its appearance and sound to suit your preferences.

Turning on these alerts brings several benefits to your business. First, it helps keep your PCs running efficiently. By staying informed about new startup apps, you can quickly disable any unnecessary software that might be slowing down your system. This means faster start times and better overall performance, allowing your team to get to work without delays.

Secondly, it enhances security. Receiving alerts for new startup apps means you can immediately investigate any unknown or suspicious additions. This proactive approach helps prevent potential security threats from taking hold, safeguarding your business data and systems.

Lastly, it’s a great way to keep track of what’s installed on your machines. With various team members possibly installing different software, these alerts give you a clear overview of what’s being added to the startup list, making sure that only approved applications are running.

To further manage startup apps, you can use Task Manager. Press ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc’ to open Task Manager, then select the ‘Startup’ tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all the apps that start with Windows, along with their impact on boot time. You can enable or disable apps by selecting them and clicking the appropriate button at the top right.

By regularly checking this list and using the new alert feature, you can keep your startup process streamlined and your system secure.

A better answer is getting someone to set all of this up and manage it for you. We specialise in making technology easy for businesses. If we can help, get in touch.

If you’ve ever found yourself wincing at the sound of a Microsoft Teams notification breaking your concentration, you’re not alone.

Here’s some news that might be music to your ears then: Microsoft has just rolled out an update that promises to make these interruptions much more manageable. With the latest update, you can customise your notification sounds on Teams. We believe that will make it easier to stay focused and prioritise your work.

Instead of the generic “ping” that jolts you out of your workflow, you could opt for a more soothing chime or even a subtle whoosh. This might seem like a small change, but it can make a big impact on how you manage your day. Being able to differentiate between urgent alerts and less critical messages through sound can help you prioritise effectively and reduce unnecessary distractions.

For business owners like you, this update is more than just a new feature – it’s a tool to enhance productivity and team efficiency. By allowing your team to customise their notification sounds, you make it easy for them to tailor their work environment to their personal needs. For instance, urgent messages from key contacts can be assigned a distinct sound that grabs attention immediately, while routine notifications can have a softer, less intrusive tone.

This kind of prioritisation is essential in a busy work environment where managing time and focus is vital. It can help prevent important messages from getting lost in the noise of everyday communications and ensure that team members can respond promptly to those pressing issues without being constantly disrupted.

The business benefits of this update are clear. First, it helps create a more focused and efficient work environment. When employees aren’t constantly interrupted by generic notification sounds, they can maintain their concentration for longer periods, leading to higher productivity levels.

And by enabling the muting of notifications during meetings or focused work sessions, the update makes sure that important discussions and deep work sessions go uninterrupted. This feature is particularly handy in today’s hybrid work environment, where distractions can come from multiple channels.

While the customisable notification sounds are a standout feature, Microsoft Teams offers a huge range of other benefits that make it an invaluable tool for business. It integrates smoothly with other 365 applications, providing a unified platform for all your business needs.

Whether it’s collaborating on documents, scheduling meetings, or managing projects, Teams brings everything together in one place. Teams has a robust set of tools that make teamwork easier and more efficient.

If you’re not already using Teams, where have you been? Give it a try and see how it can help you streamline your workflows and communication.

We can help you customise Microsoft Teams to be perfect for your business. Get in touch.

If you use Google Chrome in your business, you’re probably familiar with extensions. These useful tools can enhance your browsing experience in countless ways, from blocking annoying ads to reducing distractions.

Extensions are incredibly popular because they can add so much functionality to your browser. But just as you need to be careful when installing new apps on your phone, you must also be cautious when adding new extensions to your browser. That’s because they come with a risk of malware.

It’s short for malicious software – that’s any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, or network. Cyber criminals use malware to steal data, hijack systems, and even empty your bank accounts.

Google Chrome holds about 65% of the browser market share worldwide, making it the most popular browser by far. This popularity makes Chrome a prime target for cyber criminals. While cyber attacks sometimes exploit vulnerabilities in the browser itself, there’s an easier way to target Chrome users: Through malicious extensions containing malware.

Although Google keeps a tight watch on its Chrome Web Store, the risk is still there. A recent report claims 280 million people installed a malware-infected Chrome extension between July 2020 and February 2023. That’s a huge number and highlights the importance of being vigilant.

Surprisingly, many malicious extensions remained available for download on the Chrome Web Store for a long time. On average, malware-filled extensions stayed up for 380 days, while those with vulnerable code were available for about 1,248 days. One particularly notorious extension was downloadable for 8 and a half years before being removed.

So, how can you protect yourself and your business from these malicious extensions? Here are five steps we recommend.

1. External reviews: Since checking ratings and reviews on the Chrome Web Store isn’t always reliable (many malicious extensions don’t have reviews), look for external reviews from trusted tech sites to judge whether an extension is safe.

2. Permissions: Be cautious if an extension asks for more permissions than it should. If a new extension requests extensive access to your data or system, this could be a red flag.

3. Security software: Use robust software to catch malware before it can do any harm. This is your last line of defence if you accidentally install a malicious extension.

4. Necessity: Before installing any new software or browser extensions, consider whether you really need it. Often, you can achieve the same functionality visiting a website.

5. Trusted sources: Only install extensions from trusted sources or well-known software providers. This significantly reduces the risk of downloading a harmful extension.

Chrome is the most popular browser, which means it will always be a target for cyber criminals. Google’s security team works hard to review every Chrome extension to ensure they are safe, but it’s still crucial to be vigilant.

If you’re unsure whether your extensions are safe or not, or you’d like more advice around keeping your business secure, our team can help. Get in touch.

Microsoft is working on an update that will allow Windows 11 File Explorer to directly access files on your Android phone, making file transfers smoother and faster than ever before.

Why’s this is such a big deal and how it can boost productivity for you and your team?

Imagine you’re in a meeting and need to quickly pull up a document or photo from your phone. Normally, you’d have to email it to yourself or transfer it using a cloud service. This can be time-consuming and cumbersome.

With the upcoming Windows 11 update, you’ll be able to access your Android phone’s files directly through File Explorer. No more fumbling with multiple steps, just quick, easy access to what you need.

This feature isn’t just about increased convenience; it’s a big productivity booster. By streamlining the process of transferring files between your phone and computer, you can save time. When you’re busy, every minute counts, and fewer interruptions make a smoother workflow.

Your team will also benefit from this update. This can lead to better collaboration and faster decision-making.

From a technical standpoint, this feature is designed to be user-friendly. There’s no need for complicated setups or third-party apps. It will be built right into the Windows 11 operating system, so once the update is rolled out, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. It lets everyone on your team take advantage of the new functionality without needing training or support.

Of course, we must mention another important aspect to consider: Security.

Microsoft is known for its robust security measures, and this new feature is no exception. Your data will be protected throughout the transfer process, giving you peace of mind that sensitive information remains secure.

Sounds good, doesn’t it?

We don’t have a release date yet. But if you want more help with productivity tools to make your business more profitable, we can help. Get in touch.

Protect your business from a data leak with Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge for Business has just rolled out new data leak control capabilities. And that could be a good thing for keeping your sensitive info safe.

What are data leak control capabilities?

In plain English, they help prevent your sensitive information from getting out to the wrong people. Think of it as having an extra lock on your digital doors, making sure only the right people can access your important data.

Every business handles sensitive information, whether it’s financial records, client details, or proprietary data. If this information leaks, it could mean big trouble: Financial loss, legal headaches, and a hit to your reputation.

This new feature in Microsoft Edge helps keep your data secure by making sure only authorised people can access it. It also stops accidental sharing.

Depending on your industry, you may have strict rules about data protection. These new controls can help you stay on the right side of regulations.

And let’s not forget your customers. They’re more aware than ever about data privacy. Using a browser with strong data leak controls shows you’re serious about protecting their information, which can boost their trust in your business.

Microsoft Edge for Business has added this new feature into an easy-to-use package. You can set policies on how data can be shared – like stopping certain types of data from being copied or emailed to unauthorised recipients. This way, you’re less likely to have accidental leaks.

It uses artificial intelligence to spot potential threats and unusual data movements. Edge can alert you to a potential leak before it happens, giving you a chance to act proactively.

If you’re already using other Microsoft products like 365 or Microsoft Teams, good news: Edge for Business integrates smoothly with them, letting you apply consistent data protection across all your tools.

Ready to give it a spin? Here’s what to do:

1. Update your browser: Make sure all your business’s devices are using the latest version of Microsoft Edge for Business. This makes sure you have all the newest features and security updates.

2. Set your policies: Work with your IT support partner to set up data sharing policies that make sense for your business. Microsoft provides guidelines and templates to help you get started.

3. Train your team: Make sure your employees know about the importance of data security and how to use the new features. A quick training session can do the trick.

4. Monitor and adjust: Keep an eye on how things are working and tweak your policies as needed. You want to find a balance that keeps your data secure without disrupting your workflow.

Better still, why not get our team to just do this for you. Get in touch.