Newsletter Archives

• MS-DEFCON 4: Closing out the year of patching

  Posted on December 28, 2021 at 02:45 CST by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  ISSUE 18.50.1 • 2021-12-28 By Susan Bradley The end of 2021 brings the final updates for Windows 10 2004. Meanwhile, most of us are planning not to install the new Windows 11. The December patching month has been relatively uneventful for Windows Home Edition users. The only major patching side effect I’ve seen came when an Office update prevented multiple users of Access from opening a database on the network. As noted in a Microsoft support page, the Microsoft 365 click-to-run versions listed below have been fixed. If you use Access, close and reopen Office to trigger it to download a new version. The fixed versions are: If you have Office 2016, the fix is in KB4484211. You must manually download the patch and install it. We’re still waiting on the fix for Office 2013. Consumer and home users Now is the time to upgrade Windows 10 2004 to 21H2. If you have not already been offered 21H2, I recommend a visit to the Windows 10 ISO page; click on the Update now button. Of course, be sure you have a backup of your computer first. Also, uninstall any VPN software you use — it’s a bit of overkill, but I have seen cases of VPN software interfering with the update process. Reinstall it after the upgrade is complete. If you have any side effects, please visit the forums so we can follow up on any lingering issues. The good news for Windows 10 is that it’s moving to a once-a-year feature-release cadence. Given that Microsoft will be focusing on Windows 11, I anticipate that Windows 10 updates will turn into a nice, boring release process for most of us. Business users Unless you are running Enterprise versions, I also recommend that businesses move to Windows 10 21H2. The version has been stable in my office. I always make sure that I have all workstations on the same version of Windows 10, to make my life easier. Many of us are still trying to chase down the patching we need to do for the Log4j2 vulnerability. It may take time to follow up with all the vendors in your clients’ networks, so be prepared to get updates from vendors as they discover what is and is not vulnerable. For example, I’ve found that my Ricoh printers are not vulnerable in my own network. Going through this listing takes time, and you’ll probably need to work together with each client. Don’t expect to know immediately what is vulnerable. Read the full story in the AskWoody Plus Alert 18.50.1 (2021-12-28).

  AskWoody Plus Alert, Patch Watch AskWoody Plus Alerts, Microsoft Access, Patch Lady Posts, Win10 2004

• Are we ready for 2004?

  Posted on December 3, 2020 at 08:53 CST by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  ehhh…  I’m still wishy washy and thinking January might be better for the thumbs up

  What do you think?  I’m on 2004 myself personally, but still see too many lingering issues that I wish were fixed.

  I think the feature release process needs a redo.  I think Microsoft thinks so too.  What do you think?

  https://www.computerworld.com/article/3599460/on-the-future-of-windows-10-s-feature-releases.html

  Windows 10 Releases Patch Lady Posts, Win10 2004

• Early patching reports for November

  Posted on November 14, 2020 at 10:57 CST by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  I’m seeing reports in www.patchmanagement.org from some admins reporting bsod’s after applying November updates to 2004 Windows 10.  The BSOD occurs after going into sleep mode

  So far the models that have reported issues are:

  HP Envy x360

  1.hp probook 650 g4
  2.hp elite x2 1012 g2
  3.hp probook 650 g5
  4.hp elitebook x360 1040 g6

  I’m not seeing issues on my 2004’s and 20H2’s but if you are on 1909  on these models you may want to ensure you stay there for a bit as I’ve not seen issues reported on the 1909 platform only the 2004.

  P.S. I’m not sure if it’s related to the Thunderbolt SSD bsod issue or not.

  Windows Patches/Security Patch Lady Posts, Win10 2004

• A few smallish gremlins still infest Win10 20H2 and 2004

  Posted on November 8, 2020 at 21:05 CST by Tracey Capen • Comment in the Forums

  ON SECURITY

  By Susan Bradley

  With the release of Windows 10 20H2, May’s Version 2004 has moved into an elder-sibling role.

  But that doesn’t mean that the spring update no longer has growing pains. Currently in the process of upgrading my systems to Version 2004, I’ve not run into any significant problems. But that’s not the case for everyone.

  Read the full story in AskWoody Plus Newsletter 17.44.0 (2020-11-09).

  AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Security AskWoody Plus Newsletter, group policy, Win10 2004, Win10 20H2, Windows upgrades

• Pulling the trigger on Win10 Version 2004

  Posted on October 25, 2020 at 21:15 CDT by Tracey Capen • Comment in the Forums
  

  UPGRADING WINDOWS

  By Susan Bradley

  Windows 20H2 is in the pipeline — so it’s about time to install … its predecessor, Win10 2004.

  On October 20, Microsoft tweeted that the October 2020 Update (aka 20H2) has been officially released and will show up over time via a “throttled” rollout. But a few of the tweet’s replies quickly noted that some Win10 users are still waiting for Version 2004 — or had to manually install it. (Microsoft states that the upgrade from Win10 2004 to 20H2 should go faster because it’s more like a monthly update.)

  Read the full story in AskWoody Plus Newsletter 17.42.0 (2020-10-26).

  AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Upgrading, Windows 10 Releases AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Feature upgrades, ISO, Win10 2004

• A compatibility problem between Office 2010 and the Win10 version 2004 update?

  Posted on October 20, 2020 at 18:47 CDT by woody • Comment in the Forums

  Just got this report from BM:

  Just thought I would let you know that the 2004 update was a complete mess for me. It was pushed, I didn’t choose it. I run a Legion Y920-17IKB laptop with a licensed version of office 2010 (because I prefer it to 365). The update completely removed every office file I have created since October 2019. No files were saved in the update restore folder and restoring back to the previous version of windows didn’t recover the files. It also changed all the recents in those applications to files that were again, back from 2019.

  This is by far the worst update experience I’ve had, sharing it with you incase you can use it as a cautionary tale for your readers. Microsoft advice is to always back-up to the cloud. God I hate their updates so much! Just when you thought 2020 had thrown all it could at you…

  Anybody else seeing that?
  Office, Windows 10 Releases Office 2010, Win10 2004

• Taking another look at Sandbox

  Posted on October 18, 2020 at 21:00 CDT by Tracey Capen • Comment in the Forums

  WINDOWS 10 2004

  By TB Capen

  Back in June of last year, we published a first look at Windows 10’s then-new Sandbox feature.

  Simply put, Sandbox creates a virtual version of Windows 10 that you can use for software and configuration testing. Whatever happens in Sandbox mostly stays in Sandbox.

  Sandbox debuted in Windows 10 1903 to great interest … until reports of issues with the tool started rolling in. Now with Win10 2004, Microsoft has enhanced its virtual machine — and hopefully won’t break it again.

  Read the full story in AskWoody Plus Newsletter 17.41.0 (2020-10-19).

  AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Windows 10 Releases AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Sandbox, virtual machines, Win10 2004

• Win10’s ever-changing Reset functions

  Posted on September 27, 2020 at 21:15 CDT by Tracey Capen • Comment in the Forums
  

  LANGALIST

  By Fred Langa

  Microsoft has quietly removed one of Win10’s three built-in Reset options.

  In Version 2004 (April 2020), the somewhat confusing and redundant Fresh start option is now gone, replaced by an enhanced and clearer Reset/Keep My Files function.

  Another improvement: All Win10 Reset controls now let you choose between local or cloud-based reinstallation files.

  Read the full story in AskWoody Plus Newsletter 17.38.0 (2020-09-28).

  AskWoody Plus Newsletter, LangaList AskWoody Plus Newsletter, System resets, Win10 2004

• I’m almost ready for Windows 10 2004 … almost!

  Posted on September 27, 2020 at 21:10 CDT by Tracey Capen • Comment in the Forums

  PATCH WATCH

  By Susan Bradley

  The fall release of Windows 10 — 20H2 — is rolling into the station. But we’re still waiting to board Version 2004.

  If you’re a prudent patcher like me, you see a new release of Windows as the call to prepare for the most current release — i.e. Version 2004. As we’ve said more than once, even if you’re not ready to catch 2004, download a copy and save it for later. Next, take stock of your system and acquaint yourself with any Win10 2004 issues.

  Read the full story in AskWoody Plus Newsletter 17.38.0 (2020-09-28).

  AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Patch Watch AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Domain-controller threats, Feature updates, Win10 2004, Win10 20H2, Win10 Preview updates, Windows Updates

• Kicking the Win10 2004 tires

  Posted on September 20, 2020 at 21:05 CDT by Tracey Capen • Comment in the Forums

  Windows 10

  By TB Capen

  The newest Windows is trickling out to a PC near you — or maybe not.

  The mystery with Version 2004 is why it’s been offered to some systems but not others. That was the case on three of my PCs. So to get a look at the newest Windows, I forced an upgrade. Here’s what I found.

  Read the full story in AskWoody Plus Newsletter 17.37.0 (2020-09-21).

  AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Windows 10 Releases AskWoody Plus Newsletter, System upgrading issues, Task Manager, Task View, update, Virtual desktops, Win10 2004, Windows Update

• Patch Lady – anyone else getting 2004?

  Posted on September 7, 2020 at 10:12 CDT by Susan Bradley • Comment in the Forums

  

  Just when I think I understand the consumer updating experience…. I didn’t click to approve to install this.

  Now I did go into the update settings last night to check some settings and the 2004 was set to be approved to install.

  Current status as of July 22, 2020

  Windows 10, version 2004 is available for users with devices running Windows 10, versions 1903 and 1909, who manually seek to “Check for updates” via Windows Update. We are now starting a new phase in our rollout. Using the machine learning-based (ML-based) training we have done so far, we are increasing the number of devices selected to update automatically to Windows 10, version 2004 that are approaching end of service. We will continue to train our machine learning through all phases to intelligently rollout new versions of Windows 10 and deliver a smooth update experience. The recommended servicing status is Semi-Annual Channel.

  This on my Lenovo Thinkpad with cellular.  But I still don’t see that 2004 should have been pushed like this.  Anyone else seeing 2004 on their machines and you didn’t “check for updates”?  I was on 1909.
  Windows 10 Patch Lady Posts, Win10 2004, Win10 2004 upgrades

• Annoyed that Win10 Version 2004 won’t install

  Posted on August 23, 2020 at 21:10 CDT by Tracey Capen • Comment in the Forums

  LANGALIST

  By Fred Langa

  An AskWoody reader is losing patience waiting for Windows Update to green-light the newest Windows 10.

  Here’s what could be blocking the update — and how to easily work around most such issues.

  Plus: A brave subscriber wants to swap just the physical platters inside his dead hard drive.

  Read the full story in AskWoody Plus Newsletter 17.33.0 (2020-08-24).

  AskWoody Plus Newsletter, LangaList AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Hard drive platter swapping, Upgrade blocking, Win10 2004, Win10 upgrade blocking
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