Windows Server troubleshooting

This Windows Server troubleshooting topic center supplies tutorials to help the IT staff correct issues with Microsoft's server operating system. Information in this section covers the utilities and methods our experts use to fix problems with essential server features, such as Active Directory and the DNS server role.

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April 10, 2018 10 Apr'18
Windows out-of-band patches overshadow April Patch Tuesday

Microsoft delivered out-of-band security patches to address the Total Meltdown and malware engine exploits as a precursor to its regularly scheduled April Patch Tuesday fixes.
March 13, 2018 13 Mar'18
Intel microcode updates complicate admin patching duties

March Patch Tuesday adds several more mitigations for the Spectre and Meltdown exploits, this time for 32-bit server and client operating systems.
February 13, 2018 13 Feb'18
CPU bugs add to IT stress as February Patch Tuesday drops

Administrators who rushed out fixes in January for the Meltdown and Spectre flaws then had to unwind some of those corrections after additional problems occurred.
January 09, 2018 09 Jan'18
Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities dominate January Patch Tuesday

Complications surrounding the fix for the Meltdown and Spectre microprocessor architecture flaws will make the patching process more difficult for administrators.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

Windows Admin Center (formerly Project Honolulu)

Windows Admin Center, formerly Microsoft Project Honolulu, is a browser-based utility that manages Windows Server and client operating systems, hyper-converged clusters, and failover clusters. Continue Reading
Microsoft Project Honolulu shows promise but needs work

Microsoft Project Honolulu is still in the technical preview stage, but it needs to resolve a number of issues before it's a viable alternative to manage production machines. Continue Reading
Windows Defender Credential Guard secures login data

Windows Defender Credential Guard uses virtualization to isolate access to domain credentials and diminish the threat of attacks based inside the data center. Continue Reading

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

Microsoft software-defined networking gets baked into Windows Server

The Microsoft SDN technology that comes in the Windows Server 2016's Datacenter edition features a range of basic to nuanced virtual control options. Continue Reading
OPM data breach a teachable moment in security basics

The recent OPM data breach exposed personal information for nearly 22 million people. Here's how enterprises can prevent a similar attack. Continue Reading
Windows Update for Business: Breaking bad patch management

Windows Update for Business gives Windows 10 users more control over OS security, with System Center integration and distribution rings. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Windows Server hardening still weighs heavily on admins

Windows Server hardening procedures drew renewed interest following the rash of ransomware outbreaks this year. See what tips on server safeguards got the most views in 2017. Continue Reading
Updates to Sysinternals tools benefit server admins

Microsoft updated several of its freeware Sysinternals utilities to assist administrators with tracking down malware and rooting out needless system processes in Windows. Continue Reading
Disable SMB1 before the next WannaCry strikes

As long as SMB1 lingers in your systems, they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Use these tools and techniques to find and remove all signs of this unsafe network protocol. Continue Reading

We’ve gathered up expert advice and tips from professionals like you so that the answers you need are always available.

Ransomware prevention strategies for Windows Server admins

One ransomware infection can lock up critical data and disrupt the business, but these tips can help boost your data center's defenses. Continue Reading
Managed service accounts tighten Windows Server security

When a Windows Server application uses a service account, it can make an organization vulnerable. Admins can switch to managed service accounts to boost Windows Server security. Continue Reading
Who's to blame when Microsoft security updates go bad?

A bad Microsoft patch is not an uncommon event, but without the resources to test it adequately, what's an overworked IT staff supposed to do? Continue Reading