Month: April 2019

Microsoft releases personal data collection tool

Windows 10 users will be able to see precisely what data Microsoft is collecting on them. The new tool called Windows Diagnostic Data Viewer gives you a full breakdown of all data Microsoft collects on you.

It is known that Microsoft collects data about your hardware and software installed on your computer. They also collect data on your computer’s configuration, such as, settings you change or modifications you make.

The application was initially released as an early preview to Windows Insiders before being released in the Microsoft Store.

Windows 10 Update Requires 32GB free space

The new May 2019 update for Windows 10 is coming soon. Microsoft has just announced that you will need more storage space to upgrade Windows 10 to the May 2019 Update. Back in Windows version 1809 (the October 2018 Update) Microsoft increased the free space requirement before upgrade to 16GB but as of May it will be changing to 32GB.

If you are running the 64-bit version of Windows 10 this is a 12GB increase in free storage requirements and a 16GB increase for the 32-bit version.

Most computers will have enough storage out of the box to support the new Windows 10 May 2019 Update but if you main storage volume is filled up with data files you have have issues.

You can read about all the new requirements for the latest version of Windows 10 here https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/minimum-hardware-requirements-overview

If you are having a problem updating to the new May 2019 Windows 10 Update or you would like some assistance with the update, please give us a call at (480) 240-2946 .  Chandler Computer Repair Company is a Chandler, AZ based computer service company with offices through our parent company in many other major cities. If you need computer assistance please contact us.

Windows 7 Impending End of Support

Windows 7 users are starting to see pop-up messages directly from Microsoft (update) telling them that support for Windows 7 is coming to an end.  Windows 7 has been out for 10 years and after January 14, 2020 there will be no more support for Windows 7 (you can read about this announcement on our parent company’s blog https://www.karlstechnology.com/blog/end-of-life-for-windows-7/ ).

The pop-up message from Microsoft reads:

After 10 years, support for Windows 7 is nearing the end.

January 14, 2020 is the last day Microsoft will offer security updates and technical support for computers running Windows 7. We know change can be difficult, that’s why we’re reaching out early to help you backup your files and prepare for what’s next.

Microsoft is not going to force any user to stop using Windows 7, and there is nothing to stop you from continuing to use Windows 7.  But you will not get any security updates or patches for any bugs, issues or future updates (hardware drivers from Microsoft, etc).

If you would like to upgrade to Windows 10, give us a call at 1-800-620-5285 and talk with one of our support specialists to figure out the best way to move away from Windows 7.

To read more about the new Windows 7 pop-up message read the latest updates on betanews.

Latest Windows Update doesn’t work with some Anti Virus Software

The latest Windows 7 and Windows 10 April 2019 Windows Update is having issues with some Anti Virus vendors.  Microsoft has acknowledged that both versions of Windows may have serious issues if incompatible anti virus software is installed.  Microsoft has detailed in their support document for the latest update: https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/4493472/windows-7-update-kb4493472 :that it has worked with multiple anti virus software vendors to figure out why their update is causing issues for some users.

McAfee Anti Virus is one of the software that will trigger bugs in Windows 7 and Windows 10.  The bug appears to degrade performance significantly and seems to effect Windows 7 upgrades more than Windows 10.  There is no known fix for this issue and Microsoft and multiple vendors are currently working on resolutions.  Microsoft is saying if you are running one of the problem antivirus platforms that you should not upgraded to Windows Update KB4493472 or if you have you should disable your antivirus (which is not a good idea).

A better idea might be to disable the problematic anti virus and download a temporary free anti virus, like Avira, until Microsoft can resolve their issues with your anti virus of choice.

Latest Update:

If you want more information on antivirus products that are having issues with this latest Microsoft Windows bug, see this article on ghacks:

https://www.ghacks.net/2019/04/19/add-mcafee-products-to-the-list-of-security-products-that-dont-play-well-with-latest-windows-patches/