For years, recovering an unbootable Windows device has usually meant one of three things: Microsoft is changing that. With Cloud Rebuild, Windows 11 introduces a modern recovery experience that can completely reinstall Windows directly from Microsoft’s cloud—even when the operating system can no longer boot. For organizations embracing cloud-native endpoint management through Microsoft Intune and…
A step-by-step guide to turning a desk-side Grace Blackwell box into a private, four-tier AI assistant — chat, code, reasoning, vision, and document reading — that a whole team can share, with nothing ever leaving your network. Why this, and why on a GB10 Most people run one local model and call it a day….
How to turn your on-premise Dell Pro Precision with GB10 into a globally reachable AI workstation — without poking a single hole in your corporate firewall. The Scene Picture this. Your Dell Pro Precision with GB10 (formerly known as the Dell Pro Max with GB10) is humming away on your desk — terabytes of NVMe…
Windows 11 April 2026 Update (KB5083769): What IT Pros Need to Know Microsoft’s April 2026 Patch Tuesday rollout introduces KB5083769, a mandatory cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. While it doesn’t deliver flashy new features, it’s a high-impact release focused on security hardening, reliability, and incremental UX improvements—the kind that quietly keeps…
Managing Dell endpoints in Microsoft Intune is already a strong modern management story. But if your environment includes a significant Dell fleet, the Dell Management Portal adds another layer of visibility and convenience that can save administrators time — especially when it comes to Dell application publishing, BIOS policy workflows, and access to key device…
As we step into 2026, endpoint management and OS lifecycle planning remain at the forefront of what keeps IT organisations humming. With Microsoft Intune February 2026 service release (version 2601) rolling out and Windows 11 version 26H1 entering the market, there’s a lot of nuance to understand if you’re steering device strategy, security, and deployment…
Unlocking the Full Power of Intune and Dell Management Portal If your organization is licensed for Microsoft 365, managing devices with Microsoft Intune, and standardized on Dell Technologies hardware — you already own a powerful endpoint ecosystem. Yet most IT teams only activate a fraction of its capabilities. This post explores the architecture, integration points,…
In a world where hybrid work is the new norm, audio clarity and seamless collaboration are no longer luxuries, they’re necessities. Introducing the Dell Pro Plus Earbuds: a game-changing leap in professional audio engineered for the modern workplace. These aren’t just earbuds, they’re the world’s first to be officially certified for both Microsoft Teams and…
Taking the Leap: Switching to a MacBook After 27 Years on Windows After nearly three decades in the Windows ecosystem, transitioning to a MacBook Pro M4 as my daily driver is more than just a hardware change—it’s an opportunity for professional growth. As an End-User Computing (EUC) consultant, having firsthand experience with macOS isn’t just about…
There are 3 steps you need to do Step 1: Prepare the installation files Follow the instructions from https://silentinstallhq.com/microsoft-sql-server-2019-express-install-and-uninstall-powershell/ Make sure you have extracted the PowerShell App Deployment Toolkit with the Deploy-SQLExpress2019.ps1 script and SQL Server Express 2019 files that includes the ConfigurationFile.ini (for the NonInteractive installation). Below is the folder structure: Step 2: Intunewin…
Here’s a quick solution when you counter an Error when installing Adobe Creative Cloud Solution: Launch Registry Editor (Administrative privilege is required) Go to Computer\ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings Double click the Security_HKLM_only and set the value from 1 to 0. Click the OK button to the close the pop-up Close then Registry Editor Then re-run the…
I finally got the chance to provision the Windows 11 Insider Preview build 22000.51 with Windows Autopilot. Windows 11 Insider Preview has been made available to people who are part of the Windows Insider Program and shortly after its ISO can be grabbed from UUP Dump. This open-source dump tool downloads the Windows preview builds…
If you want to set your Windows 11 start menu to the left, it can configured from the Taskbar settings Under the Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar alignment > Select Left. With this settings you can have your old start menu orientation back
Scenario When you are working on a Windows Autopilot project for one of your customers, at some point in time you will encounter this error. Something went wrong:Looks like we can’t connect to the URL for your organization’s MDM terms of use. Try again or contact your system administrator with problem information from this page….
Setting up the eSIM Surface Duo supports both physical SIM cards and eSIMs, in my case I applied for an eSIM from Circles.Life, one of the mobile carriers in Singapore, after signing up they provided me with a QR Code just in time for the arrival of my Surface Duo. All I need to do…
The 2010 update for Configuration Manager current branch is now available as an in-console update, but if you want to get your hands in to it immediately you can opt for the Early update ring. Here are the steps for updating it via Early update ring. As you can see in the console, Configuration Manager…
Use cloud groups to manage role assignments in Azure Active Directory (preview) Now in public preview in Azure AD, we can now assign a cloud group to Azure AD built-in roles. Were groups can be use to grant admin access in Azure AD with minimal effort from the Global and Privileged role admins. Just take…
This post will show the step-by-step process on how to install Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (current branch – version 2002) as a Standalone Primary Server in a Windows Server 2019 lab environment from scratch and later on we will upgrade it to current branch – version 2006. Step 1. Primary Site Server Installation Prerequisites LAB Environment For the…
In this blog I am sharing how I upgraded my Windows Server 2016 Hyper-V host that been running an Intel NUC for a solid 3 years now to Windows Server 2019. Before anything else I’m taking my collecting my current server info (reference link: here) Open a command prompt and type systeminfo.exe. Copy, paste the info…
During Microsoft Ignite 2019 it was announced that Configuration Manager is now part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager and then on November 5th, 2019 the Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager Technical Preview 1911 was released to the public. This blog post will walk through the installation process of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager Technical Preview. If you want…
Availability If you have downloaded and installed the ConfigMgr technical preview branch, sooner or later you’ll get a notification that a new version is available for install. Note: Make sure that all Technical Preview versions are only to be used in your lab or isolated environment, in other words, don’t use them in your production…
Overview Applicable to Windows 1809 and later versions, here’s an overview how the Windows Autopilot Hybrid Azure AD join works. Assuming that the device(s) are registered with Windows Autopilot, Hybrid Azure AD Autopilot deployment profile has been created and the Intune Connector for Active Directory is installed, we’re good to go. 1) When a user…
Availability Windows 10 version 1909 business and consumer editions are now available in the Visual Studio Subscriptions Installation During the installation if you what to just have a local account in your Windows 10 1909, at the Sign in with Microsoft page, click on the Domain join instead option below it will prompt you to…
Here’s a manual method on how to import the Configuration Manager module to PowerShell. I am running ConfigMgr v1906 First launch Windows PowerShell by right-clicking on it and select “Run as administrator”. By default the location of the ConfigurationManager.psd1 is in ConfigMgr installation folder, e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Configuration Manager\AdminConsole\bin\ (the drive letter may depend…
Problem: Windows 10 Desktops & Laptops that was re-imaged through SCCM OSD were not receiving all the Required applications and updates even after countless running of the M.U.A.S.S in the Configuration Manager Properties. Troubleshooting steps: You can see that the clients are active however they are not present / or are not being seen by…
After you install the Windows ADK 1093 and WinPE Add-on you can right away create a custom Windows PE media. Example of this is adding PowerShell support to Windows PE. First we need to prepare a local copy of the Windows PE files. From the Start Menu, launch the Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment as…
Windows Sandbox is a feature made available during the release of Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) designed to run applications in an isolated environment. To install Windows Sandbox, go to: Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Programs and Features and then select Windows Sandbox click OK. Click the Close button to complete the installation. To launch…
This post will show the step-by-step process on how to install System Center Configuration Manager (Current Branch) version 1902 as a Standalone Primary Server in a Windows Server 2019 lab environment from scratch and later on we will upgrade it to SCCM Current Branch version 1906. I have broken down this post in a series of steps: Step 1….
Sharing a part of my presentation during the Experts Live Asia Pacific 2019 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. What is Windows Autopilot Windows Autopilot is a collection of technologies used to set up and pre-configure new devices, getting them ready for productive use. Aside from that Windows Autopilot can be used to reset, repurpose and…
In this post you’ll find the steps on how to install the SCCM Reporting services point role. Make sure that SQL Reporting Services is installed and configured in your environment. Install the role In the SCCM console go to Administration > Site Configuration > Servers and Site System Roles Right click on the server that will…
What is Windows Admin Center? Windows Admin Center is a lightweight, browser-based GUI platform and toolset for IT Admins to manage Windows Server and Windows 10. It’s the evolution of familiar in-box administrative tools, such as Server Manager and Microsoft Management Console (MMC) into a modernized, simplified, integrated, and secure experience. When I finished setting…
This post will show how to set both English (Singapore) and Chinese (Simplified, Singapore) Language Input in Windows 10 during OSD. Below are the detailed steps: Preparing the registry settings. In a Windows 10 machine, launch the registry editor (Regedit.exe), browse to the HKEY_USERS\DEFAULT and delete everything under the default user registry. ***Note: All folders under the default user registry needs to…
This post will show how to deploy a Window Server 2016 Active Directory to an existing Windows Server 2012 R2 Domain and upgrade to Windows Server 2016 Active Directory. In my lab environment, lab.jdeployment.com, I have an existing Windows Server 2012 R2 Active Directory Domain Controller named DC02 and will deploy Window Server 2016 server SVR2016-02…
Problem: Sysprep and Capture task sequence fails when I was capturing Windows 2012 R2 Update. Workaround: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2797676 Go to the Scripts folder Distribution Share and go ahead edit LTIApply.wsf Add the following below Copy bootmgr section: If not oFSO.FolderExists(sBootDrive & “\Boot”) then oFSO.CreateFolder(sBootDrive & “\Boot”) End if Save LTIApply.wsf and Update Deployment Share and run the Capture Task…
Been doing deployment testing once again. Issue: GetDPLocations failed with error 0x80072ee2 Root cause: DNS entry of my DP was not updated. I rebuilt my SCCM 2012 R2 but changed my IP Address. Solution: Update DNS entry of DP and run the task sequence.
If you have TechNet/MSDN Subcriptions, download the Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry Update (x64) – (Multiple Languages) and extract the file. Make sure to login as an Administrator (in my case I was using the local admin account for install the KBs) Once done with the installing of Windows8.1-KB2919355-x64 it will ask you…
Get your update today! Windows 8.1 Update and Windows RT 8.1 are now available for free Windows Update. Follw the instructions from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/install-latest-update-windows-8-1 The updates are already available few day back to MSDN and TechNet subscribers. Read more the Windows 8.1 Update review from Paul Thurrott’s WinSuperSite http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-update-1-review
This post will show you the step-by-step guide on how to backup your Hyper-V Virtual Machines with Windows Server Backup in a lab environment just in case your VMs won’t boot up anymore after your Hyper-V host have restarted. Windows Server Backup can be installed as an added feature of your Windows Server 2012 or…
It’s back! Asia Pacific’s Premier Community Event to learn from Experts and International speakers in Desktop and Device Management, Datacenter Management, Virtualization and Cloud technologies. REGISTER Please contact info@systemcenteruniverse.asia Please visit our Registration Page for more details. Speaker during the event Maarten Goet (Netherlands), top ranked speaker at MMS, regular speaker at TechEd and industry…
In this post I will share the step-by-step process on how to install System Center 2012 Configuration Manager as a Standalone Primary Server in a Windows Server 2012 lab environment. What you need: Windows Server 2012 SCCM 2012 SQL Server 2012 Enterprise with SP1 x64 Download the iso files from your TechNet/MSDN subscription or TechNet Evaluation…
Curious or just want to install Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V Role in VMware Workstation 9 for testing purposes here’s how to: 1. Create a Windows Server 2012 VM and make sure it has the following hardware configuration: VM Settings> Hardware> Processors> Virtualization engine> Preferred mode: Automatic [/]Virtual Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI 2. If have an…
Here is how to manually add your Windows 8 to a domain. (also applies to Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Update) In your Windows 8 Start page, search for Control Panel and access System and Security\System. And just like earlier versions of Windows, in the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings section, select Change settings. At the Computer Name/Domain Changes enter…
Here are several screen shots in applying the final settings to Windows 8 Consumer Preview during your installation. In the Personalize screen you you can select the background color of your choice and then giving your PC a name. When done selecting click Next to proceed to the Settings screen Select either Use express settings…
The Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) is available for download if you have an msdn subscription, look for Windows 8 Consumer Preview Assessment and Deployment Kit (x86 and x64) in the Subscriber Downloads section. To install the Windows ADK, your machine should be running one of the following operating systems: Windows® Developer Preview Windows® 7 Windows Vista® Windows®…
Last Saturday, November 12, 2011 the Philippine Windows Users Group have completed the 3-part Windows 7 Deployment Essentials series which was held at iACADEMY Amphitheatre, Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Philippines. Here are some pictures of the event Thanks to follow MVPs John Delizo & Jay Paloma, PHIWUG, STEP and Microsoft Philippines for supporting this Windows 7…
You may join the MDT 2012 Beta 2 Program and download MDT 2012 Beta 2 for your testing. Whats new in MDT 2012 Beta 2 New User Driven Installation (UDI) wizard and designer Lite Touch monitoring feature for tracking in-progress deployments Microsoft Diagnostic and Recovery Toolkit (DaRT) intergration Microsoft Security Compliance (SCM) security template integration “Deploy…
Amphitheater, iAcademy 6764 Ayala Avenue Makati Metro Manila 1226 Philippines November 13, 2011 Register online: http://bit.ly/onZ4ml
continued from my previous post Creating a New Task Sequence in Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2012 Beta – In the Deployment Workbench, browse the left pane, right-click Task Sequences and select New Task Sequence. The New Task Sequence Wizard will launch and will ask for the following information to be added in the General Settings: Task sequence ID – Enter a unique ID….
Those who have been using MDT 2010 Update 1 will find that the process of creating a new deployment share and importing an operating system in MDT 2012 is just the same as its predecessor. And for those who are just starting or planning to Deploy Windows 8 or Windows 7/Vista with MDT 2012 here’s how…
Installing Windows Automated Installation Kit in Windows 8 Server Developer Preview As mentioned in my previous post, .NET 3.5.1 is required before installing Windows AIK in Windows 8 Server. In the VM insert the WAIK ISO file and launch the installer. Read the License Terms and select I Agree and click Next to continue. Select…
Here’s how to add roles in Windows 8 Server Developer Preview There are several methods to add roles from the Server Manager. In this scenario: right-click a server where you will install a certain role under All Servers then select Add Roles and Features. The Add Roles and Features Wizard will prompt, click the Next button. In the Select…
Windows Server 8 Developer Preview Installation Screen Caps Metro Style is also there in Windows 8 Server, but if you wish to turn it off here’s how to do it: http://deploymentbunny.com/2011/09/18/windows-8-developer-server-preview-switch-to-classic-start-menu/
Installing Windows OS through USB drives has been possible since Windows Vista and Windows 7, so if you still have your bootable USB with you: In the USB drive create a New folder and move all the installation files of the previous OS in that folder. Extract the ISO file of the WindowsDeveloperPreview and copy that…
Here’s how an attended installation of Windows Developer Preview via Windows Deployment Services looks like (too excited and opted not to create an answer file) I have setup one of my member server’s WDS Role (link here: on how to setup a WDS role) and added the Install.wim file of Windows 8 Developer Preview. Here are…
I recently got a Dell PowerEdge T110 II for my test lab. Normally, when setting up a server environment, one has to have physical network connection for internet connectivity which is required for installing the latest system and security updates for the operating system. Since we are using wireless internet connectivity in our flat: mostly…
Welcome to my new tech blog, which will be focusing more on Windows Imaging and Deployment and other technical stuffs. I’ll be moving away from my previous blogs http://technetphilippines.net/ blogs/jeo and http://msforums.ph/blogs/jayr/. Above’s image is my new server and I’ll be working on this machine for my future blog posts.
Window Image Builder is a DISM-based tool for producing deployment-ready Windows images with the correct drivers already integrated. You move left to right through the rail: pick a base image, choose driver packs, set cleanup and provisioning, then integrate to a bootable ISO or an updated offline image. It wraps the standard Windows servicing tools…
💡When a device enters your repair pipeline for a motherboard replacement, it’s easy to treat it as just another hardware fix. In modern cloud-managed environments, it isn’t. When devices are managed through Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopilot, a motherboard replacement becomes a device identity event — not just a repair task. If you skip proper…